To reduce weeds and improve absorption rates of controlled release fertilisers and water we recommend you scarify and loosen the soil on the top of pots with a hand fork. This aerates the soil, stopping moss and weed seeds from germinating but importantly breaks the soil crust that can develop on the top of pots. This allows any water, liquid and granular fertilisers, that are applied, to penetrate the soil and get down to the roots. It also stops runoff a common waste of water and nutrients on pots and critically stops a false, “It’s watered” idea when water pours out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.

Also check that the potting mix hasn’t dried out and shrunk from the edge of the pot. This narrow ‘gap’ can also record a false “It’s watered” suggestion.

It is also a good time to remove saucers from pots to allow them to dry out during winter as wet soil and cold temperatures are a classic combination to cause root rot.