- 1). Choose a location for your desired plant. Just about any plant--whether a tree, shrub, annual, perennial or houseplant--can be grown in a container throughout its entire life, according to the website The Garden Helper. This is beneficial because you can move a pot around to a shadier or sunnier area depending on the particular needs of your plant. The diameter of the pot should be a third to half the height of your plant. In addition, the bottom of the pot should have holes that allow excess water to drain from the plant.
You also can choose to plant a plant in an outside garden. If so, make sure the plant is in an area where the soil drains well and ensure the plant has plenty of space to flourish. The garden should not be in an area where water easily collects, such as at the bottom of a hill. - 2). Create a potting mix using ingredients from a gardening store. Your potting mix should be 1 part loam soil--a rich soil consisting of sand, clay and decaying organic materials--1 part course sand and 1 part peat moss or compost. Peat moss and compost provide an organic source of nutrients to the plant. Sphagnum peat moss, in particular, can help your plant by holding a lot of water, according to the University of Vermont. Avoid using soil straight from a garden alone because this type of soil can contain soil-borne diseases and fungi, in addition to potentially being infested by insects.
- 3). Place your starter plant, seeds or flowering bulbs in the container if you are using a planting pot. Pour your potting mix into the pot so it fills in the area around the plant. If you are planting in a garden, dig up the soil in your desired area so it is loose and workable, then add potting mix to the area, recommends the website American Meadows. If you are planting flower bulbs, make sure you plant the pointy end of the bulbs up.
- 4). Stick your finger down into the soil to determine if the plant needs water each day. If so, use a watering can to water the plant thoroughly. In addition, add a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release plant food product to the water every two weeks, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
- 5). Check to make sure your plant is getting enough sunlight. If you are planting your plant indoors, fluorescent bulbs can replicate solar light and help your plants grow successfully. Sunlight, however, is best for most plants.
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