Wondering if your urban garden is thriving or just surviving? Crowded roots can silently sabotage your planter boxes. Here’s how to spot the trouble and fix it.
First, watch for tell-tale signs above the soil. Is growth stunted despite proper care? Do leaves wilt unusually fast after watering? Are roots visibly poking out of the drainage holes or even pushing the plant upward out of the soil? These are clear distress signals.
The most reliable method is a gentle root inspection. Carefully tip the planter on its side and slide the plant out. If you see a dense, tangled mass of roots circling tightly around the root ball’s exterior—with little soil visible—your plant is root-bound. Healthy roots should be firm and spread loosely through the soil.
To solve this, consider repotting into a larger container or dividing the plant. For a quick refresh, carefully trim the outer root layer and some of the matted roots, then replant in fresh potting mix. Regularly checking your plants every season or two can prevent crowding and keep your urban green space flourishing.