This post shows you how to fix a potted plant with compacted soil!

Have you noticed when watering your plants that the water droplets sit in a puddle for a moment before being absorbed or even worse, roll off the soil completely?

If your plant is looking a little droopy and you notice that the soil is still completely dry after watering, you may have a case of hydrophobic or compacted soil.

This can happen for a few reasons but don’t worry! There are plenty of easy fixes that will get your plant back to being happy and healthy in no time.

It helps to understand the underlying root cause of compacted soil so let’s do a deep dive on why it happens in the first place, the best ways to fix it, and how to prevent this from happening in the future!

What is Compacted Soil?

Compacted soil happens when the soil particles are pressed together too tightly. This can happen in garden beds, but it’s especially common in potted plants. When the soil is compacted, there isn’t enough space for air, water, and roots to move around. Plants need these things to grow, so compacted soil can really stress them out!

Why Does Soil Get Compacted?

There are a few reasons why soil in your pots can become compacted:

1. Overwatering: When you water your plants too much, the soil can get soggy. Over time, this makes the soil particles stick together and squeeze out the air pockets that roots need.
2. Heavy Soil: Using soil that is too dense or doesn’t drain well can lead to compaction. Garden soil, for example, is often too heavy for potted plants.
3. Lack of Organic Matter: Organic matter, like compost, helps keep soil loose and airy. Without enough of it, soil can become hard and compact.
4. Too Much Pressure: Pressing down too hard on the soil when you’re potting your plants can compact it right from the start.

How to Fix Compacted Soil

If your soil is already compacted, don’t worry. There are several ways to fix it and help your plants thrive again.

1. Loosen the Soil

The first step is to gently loosen the soil. Here’s how:

• Use a Fork or Chopstick: Carefully poke the soil with a fork or chopstick to create small holes. This helps create air pockets where water gets to the roots.
• Be Gentle: Try not to damage the roots while you’re doing this. Work slowly and carefully.

2. Repot Your Plant

Sometimes, the best way to fix compacted soil is to repot your plant with fresh soil. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Remove the Plant: Gently take your plant out of its pot. Be careful not to break the roots.
2. Loosen the Roots: If the roots are tightly packed, gently loosen them with your fingers. This helps them spread out in the new soil.
3. Add New Soil: Fill a new pot with fresh potting mix. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
4. Replant Your Plant: Place your plant in the new pot and fill in around it with more potting mix. Press the soil down lightly, but don’t pack it too tightly.

3. Add Organic Matter

Adding organic matter to your soil can help fix compaction and improve soil health. Here’s what to do:

• Mix in Compost: Add some compost to your soil. Compost helps keep the soil loose and provides nutrients for your plants.
• Use Mulch: Add a layer of mulch on top of the soil. Mulch helps retain moisture and prevents the soil from getting too hard.
• Add a Medium: Add perlite, vermiculite, or fibrous coir to the soil so it retains moisture for longer.

4. Water Properly

Proper watering can help fix and prevent compacted soil. Here’s how to water your plants the right way:

• Check for Dryness: Before watering, stick your finger into the soil. If the top inch is dry, it’s time to water.
• Water Evenly: Make sure you water the entire surface of the soil, not just one spot. This helps the water reach all of the roots.
• Drain Excess Water: Make sure your pots have drainage holes, and empty any excess water from saucers under the pots.
• Bottom soak your plants: Let the plants in a tray or tub of water with a couple of droplets of Castile soap to loosen up the soil.

5. Aerate the Soil Regularly

Aerating your soil regularly helps keep it from getting compacted. Here’s an easy way to do it:

• Use a Stick or Pencil: Every few weeks, poke the soil with a stick or pencil to create small air channels. This helps air and water reach the roots. A cultivator, fork or kabob skewer, are also acceptable!

How to Prevent Soil Compaction

In the future, preventing soil compaction is easier than fixing it. Here are some simple tips to keep your soil in good shape!

• Use the Right Soil: Choose a high-quality potting mix instead of garden soil. Potting mixes are designed to be light and fluffy, perfect for potted plants.
• Add Organic Matter: Mix in some compost or other organic material when you’re potting your plants. This helps keep the soil loose and full of nutrients.
• Water Wisely: Only water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. This helps prevent overwatering and keeps the soil from getting soggy.
• Don’t Pack It Down: When you’re planting, gently press the soil around your plants, but don’t push too hard. Your plants need room to breathe!

Final Thoughts

This post has show you how to fix compacted soil in pots! Compacted soil can be a big problem for your potted plants, but it’s easy to fix with a little care and attention.

By understanding why soil gets compacted and taking steps to prevent it, you can keep your plants healthy and happy. And if you do run into problems, now you know how to fix them!

Happy gardening!