A gardening expert has warned that a simple oversight when planting trees in pots can deprive them of nutrients and stunt their growth.
TikTok creator Ish, a gardening enthusiast, cautioned that using insufficient compost in containers is a common error. He explained that trees in pots rely entirely on the compost for nutrients, so inadequate amounts can leave them struggling to thrive.
Ish demonstrated that a three-inch gap between the compost surface and the top of the pot indicates too little material. He advised either adding more compost initially or, if already planted, lifting the tree gently and filling the base with fresh compost.
The expert stressed the importance of not planting trees deeper than necessary, as overly saturated roots can rot. He suggested allowing the soil to dry, then pulling the tree up and working the compost around it to raise the soil level.
By building up the base layer with new compost, the tree gains access to fresh nutrients. Ish said this method ensures the tree can 'absolutely thrive' without damage.
