Push Planter - Resources

Thank you for becoming an owner of the Push Planter! This page is where we share instructions and tips. If you have any questions that are not answered below, let us know. Feel free to check in here periodically. As with any new product, we expect to be answering questions asked by Push Planter users and expanding the tips section.

Transplanting into a Push Planter.

1. The Push Planters are made of Terracotta which is a porous material. It is recommended to soak the planter and its insert disk in water prior to repotting. This prevents terracotta from absorbing water out of the soil after repotting.
• Fill a bucket with water  
• Submerge the disk and main planter body.
• Leave components submerged until bubbles stop coming to the surface. It’s recommended to leave submerged for at least 30 minutes.
• Lift components out of the bucket and allow to drip off for several minutes before use.
2. Place the insert disk inside the planter
3. Line the interior of the pre-soaked planter with damp potting soil. It should have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
• 1-2 inches of depth on the bottom. The Push Planter drains well and it is not necessary to add extra drainage material on the bottom in most cases.
• 1 inch around the perimeter are ideal but actual soil lining thickness needs will vary depending on the vessel from which you are transplanting.
4. Transfer your plant into the Push Planter.
5. Compress the transition area between the soil lining and newly transplanted root ball to remove any air pockets.
6. Water the plant. First watering can be intensive, in a tub or a sink, allowing excess water to drain. This will help the soil settle and eliminate any remaining air pockets. You don't need to worry about root rot at this stage.

Transplanting from a Push Planter

1. Prepare the planter/pot that the plant will be transferred to following the steps above.
2. Pick up the planter with both hands and carefully push the disk insert upwards with your fingers. The goal is to loosen the insert and see that the contents of the pot are moving upwards. If the plant is root bound or soil has adhered to the planter walls, a blade can be used to loosen the perimeter of the planter.
3. Once the contents are loosened, set the pot over a push rod, or an object that will fit through the bottom hole of the main planter body. 2-3 inches is a sufficient height in most cases. Take care to center the assembly on the rod for stability.
4. Lower the planter body. Please note that some plants may not be stable enough and will require stabilization during this process.
5. Transfer the root ball into a prepared planter, leaving the disc insert behind.

Care and Maintenance

1. Handle with care and avoid shock as Terracotta is fragile.
2. Do not leave outside when temperatures dip below freezing. Freezing water expands and can crack the planter body.
3. Lifting out and reinserting planter contents for inspection: If reinserting the planter contents after lifting them to inspect the root system or soil, it is recommended to push down around the perimeter to compact the soil/planter interface. Air gaps between the pot and the soil will lead to water passing through the pot quickly rather than being absorbed by the soil and to accelerated drying.
4. Bottom watering: Bottom watering encourages roots to grow downward in search of moisture, which can lead to a stronger and more resilient root system. It also does not disturb the soil surface, wash out nutrients, or compact the soil. The Push Planters are made of terracotta that is naturally porous. The planter’s thick base will help to stabilize the moisture level and allow water to wick upwards. Note that it is not recommended to leave excess water in the drip tray for extended periods of time as it may lead to waterlogging and breeding of insects or pests.
5. Top watering: Top watering is the most common watering method. The Push Planters are well suited for it. Their construction means that they are well draining. However, when you observe water passing through very fast, it may be a sign that there is an air gap between the pot and the soil. While this is not a problem for some types of plants, it may lead to excessively fast drying for others. This can be prevented by lining the planters with soil prior to planting per instructions above. It can also be corrected by compacting the soil around the perimeter of the planter.
6. Shower watering: Many plants thrive when watered by low frequency showers. Please be aware that the glaze on the exterior of the Push Planters can be slippery when wet. Use caution when manipulating the Push Planters after watering plants in a shower or with a hose.