Don't just focus on the pot's base when growing flowers - a little something on the surface means more blooms and fewer pests

When I used to grow potted plants, the soil was always my main concern, but I feel this topdressing work is quite important too. Choose the right material and not only does the ornamental value go up a lot, but your potted plants will also grow more and more vigorously. As for these topdressing materials, many are always thrown away as trash, yet these seemingly unremarkable things are very good for your potted plants.

Coarse sand the size of soybean grains

Many people who grow potted plants like to decorate the pot surface. Instead of buying those decorations that look good but are useless, you might as well try this coarse sand. Covering the whole pot surface with sand not only gives very good air and water permeability, but also keeps mosquitoes and insects away. Before that, though, the sand must first be washed clean and then dried in the sun. When spreading it on the pot surface, don't make it too thick, otherwise the water permeability will be poor.

Ash left after burning mosquito coils

I used to think this mosquito coil ash was completely useless, so I threw it away every time. Unexpectedly, mosquito coil ash has so many uses. Sprinkling it evenly on the surface of the potting soil not only sterilises but also supplements potassium fertiliser - even insects will detour around it. One thing to note, though: the layer of ash had best not exceed 0.5 cm, otherwise the air permeability will be poor.

Nutrient-rich eggshells

Don't assume that only the egg itself is rich in nutrients - the shell likewise contains many nutrients that plants need. But if the shell is just thrown onto the pot surface, it won't be of much use; it needs to be crushed. Leave the cleaned shells in the sun for a few days, and they'll be about ready to crush by hand. Sprinkle a thin layer on the potting soil and your potted plants will grow especially lush.