Overview

• Choose pot depth by plant type, using up to 30 cm for small herbs, strawberries, lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and 50 cm or more for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, beans and zapallitos.
• Prioritize drainage holes, place heavier containers near structural walls, use plastic for moisture retention or terracotta for faster drying, and prefer light-colored pots for full sun to reduce root-zone heat.
• Select substrates registered with SENASA and aim for a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5; buy factory-sealed seed packets with expiration dates and compact, healthy seedlings, and stagger sowings for continuous harvests.
• Water in early morning or at dusk so plants reach midday well hydrated, adjust frequency by species and soil moisture, and ensure airflow while avoiding overwatering as rising humidity and temperatures favor fungal disease.
• Start core spring tasks now by pruning according to species, weeding, aerating and enriching soils, fertilizing judiciously, and inspecting early for pests, with seasonal plantings that include petunias, caléndulas, alegrías del hogar, cosmos and gazanias.