Clay Pot – Soil

Q: My clay pots all seemed to have lost about an inch or two of soil over the winter. What’s up? Do I just add potting soil?

A: It’s shrinking because the larger particles of organic matter in the potting soil have decomposed and formed tiny particles of humus, which pack tightly together. Your plants will have a hard time growing in compacted soil. If your plant in a pot looks healthy, pull it out and shake vigorously to remove soil from the roots as best you can. Untangle roots a bit with your fingers. The old soil can be mixed with perlite from a garden center (1:4, perlite:soil). Replant your plant using the refreshed soil and add more potting soil if needed.