Question
I have several large pots (whiskey barrels, etc.).  Is it o.k. to keep the soil in from year to year?  What I have done is put about half in a wheelbarrow and add new soil and peat to refresh it.  I also use rapid grow.  Does this cause any problems?


Answer
Hi Myrna, I replace the soil in my containers every other year.  At the beginning of the second year, I add in finely ground pine bark to help loosen the soil.  The third year it is tilled into the garden.  Use a good quality fertilizer in containers like Osmocote or an organic, such as fish emulsion.  Water soluble fertilizer is ok for the garden, but not for containers.  You can damage your plants from the soluble salts.  Jim