A gardening expert shared a simple mistake when growing trees in pots that can affect plant growth and starve them of nutrients
10:46, 30 Mar 2026Updated 10:46, 30 Mar 2026
A gardening expert shared a simple mistake when growing trees in pots that can affect plant growth and starve them of nutrients(Image: KoldoyChris via Getty Images)
Spring is the ideal time to carry out some essential gardening maintenance, particularly if you have plants and flowers ready to bloom in the coming weeks. A gardening expert has encouraged fellow green-fingered enthusiasts to check on their potted plants, especially any trees that are being cultivated in containers.
Gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish cautioned that there’s a straightforward error many people are making when growing trees in pots, and that it could be hampering their ability to thrive. In a recent video, Ish wrote in the clip’s caption: “Avoid this common mistake when planting small trees into pots. If you have made this mistake your plants will struggle to grow but it can be easily fixed.”
The gardening expert disclosed that this overlooked blunder can happen to anyone, and it’s all down to the variety of compost you place into your plant pots. This can impact the development of the plants in pots or raised beds.
Add more compost to the bottom of the pot to give the tree more room to grow(Image: Getty)
If you’re cultivating different types of trees, regardless of the variety, Ish explained that they flourish “really well” in pots, but that a straightforward mistake can hinder their growth.
You need to ensure that you are using the proper and most suitable type of compost when growing trees. Ish said: “As you can see, a good multipurpose compost will allow this to absolutely thrive, but if you don’t put enough in here – like I’ve got a three-inch drop here – you’re actually not giving it enough and it might actually starve, because remember, in a pot it’s got nowhere else to go, so the amount of nutrients in here has to give it as much as it needs to absolutely thrive.”
Ish clarified that it isn’t always as straightforward as simply adding more compost to the plant pot. Rather, he advises against planting the trees any deeper than necessary, reports the Express.
Should the tree’s roots become overly saturated, they can begin to rot, leaving the plant struggling to flourish. Let the compost and soil dry out over a couple of days, then pull the tree upwards by the stem to the desired height.
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Next, work the edges of the compost to break down the soil, letting it fall naturally to the bottom of the pot. Keep doing this until the tree is positioned at the new height you’re after.
Once all the loose soil has settled at the bottom, briefly remove the tree and its root ball to build up the base layer of compost with fresh material. When you place the tree back in the pot, it should sit noticeably higher than before.
Pack additional compost around the base of the stem to keep the soil level throughout. Ish said: “As a result, I’m giving it loads and loads of new fresh nutrients, so as this is being watered it’s all going to mix between the layers, and this should absolutely thrive.
“It’s the best way to make sure you bring the level up on your tree without damaging it. So, if you haven’t put enough in, now you know how to.”
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