Potting conifers

[malana3]

Advice please regarding potting dwarf conifers into containers. I realise that broken pots are required in the bottom to aid drainage but beyond that I'm not sure. Do I fill the pot with "all purpose compost" or should a percentage of soil be mixed with the compost? When finished is it best to raise the pot off the patio with three feet to provide free drainage or would placing it into a plastic saucer be better and thus retain some water? Any advice would be gratefully received.

[woofgang]

You need John Innes number 3 soil base compost. I do saucers in the summer, pot feet in the winter. I also use water retaining gel granules mixed into the soil. If the conifer is tall or bushy make sure the pot is heavy enough to withstand the plant being blown over or you will get bored with constantly standing it up again

[malana3]

Thanks woofgang, very helpful. I'm just off to the garden centre.