Many things that vegatable & flower growers do are also good for pot. Like mulching. All plant sites should be prepped (existing soil amended/replaced with quality potting soil). Now comes mulching. Mulch is usually an organic compost made from forest products. There are a few that have plastic and/or nutrients added; don't buy those. A 2" layer of mulch on top of the potting soil benefits plants in a number of ways. -It protects the roots from sunlight. -It conserves water. -It adds trace nutrients to the soil. And it's not too expensive. I just bought a bag that weighed almost more than I could carry, it cost 6 bux.
leave room for top dressing to promote feeder roots, slicing a slit gently down the trunk then letting it dry out a little bit than top dress for a enhanced effect (new growers may have more success with the not slicing.) :sunglasse
