Home > Projects >

How to clean your pots

You will need: Large container, Disinfectant/Sterilant, Waterproof gloves

No matter how fastidious you are with your plants, there will be a residue of pests and/or diseases in your pots at the end of the season. Many of these come equipped with protective mechanisms that allow them to survive the winter and rise to infect your plants next year. Cleaning everything ready to make a fresh start in spring is time-consuming, but worth the effort.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Use a stiff-bristled brush to get rid of all the loose compost and debris.

Step 2

Add a measure of disinfectant or sterilant to a large container of clean water.

Step 3

Submerge the pot in the water and leave to soak for several hours.

Step 4

Smaller pots can be done as a batch. When you take the pots out of the water, turn them upside down and leave to drain and dry. Then you can pack them away under cover until you need them.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Essential Gardening Jobs for Early Spring

Future of Original Bramley Apple Tree in Jeopardy

A winter garden of delights at Blenheim Palace

How everyday people are creating their own woodlands from scratch

Gardening Projects for March

---

How to make a Herb Planter

How to grow Gladioli

How to control slugs

How to Care for Bulbs after flowering

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How to Grow Orchids

How to Grow Perennial Scabius

Removing a Tree

Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons

Potting Cacti

How can I get rid of a red ant nest in my lawn?

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

Gardens of Versailles
Versailles, France

Aswan Botanical Garden
Aswan, Egypt

Ritsurin Garden
Takamatsu, Japan

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Pattaya, Thailand