Tub planting in Exeter
Professional tub planting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Large tubs and planters set up properly for you - drainage sorted, good compost, plants arranged nicely. Takes the backache out of doing big pots, especially the heavy ones.
When Pot Planting Feels Like a Chore
You've bought the lovely big planters for the patio. Maybe even splashed out on nice plants and proper compost.
Then you remember you've got to actually fill the bloody things. Heavy compost bags, bending over massive pots, aching back, muddy hands - suddenly it's less "Chelsea Flower Show" and more "I've made a terrible mistake."
💡 Pro tip: Large planters are much easier to fill before you move them into final position - wet compost weighs a ton.
Why It's Worth Getting Help
Bad planting setup = dead plants in three months. Good setup = they actually thrive.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Drainage holes or layer of crocks | Plants sitting in water, roots rotting |
| Compost to right level (not too high) | Soil washing out over the sides |
| Plants spaced with room to grow | Everything crammed in, competing |
| Heavy pots positioned before filling | You trying to move 80kg of wet compost |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Heavy pots moved to final spots (before filling!) |
| Prep | Drainage sorted, crocks if needed |
| Plant | Compost in, plants arranged nicely, watered |
📦 What You Need to Provide
- The pots/tubs/planters
- Plants you want in them
- Compost (multipurpose for most things)
- Crocks or gravel if pots have no drainage holes
Pricing Guide
| Setup | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 large tubs | 1 hr | £60 |
| 4-5 medium pots | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Whole patio setup (6+ pots) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Drilling drainage holes included if practical.
Perfect For...
✅ Large heavy planters - the proper job needs two people really
✅ Bad back / mobility - bending and lifting is hard work
✅ Just moved in - getting the garden started quickly
✅ Big seasonal refresh - winter to summer changeover
Why Choose Us for Tub planting in Exeter?
Drainage sorted so plants don't drown
Quality compost at the right level
Plants spaced and arranged properly
Heavy pots positioned for you
What to Expect
Step 1: Position Pots
If they're not already where you want them, I move them into place now - while they're still light and empty.
Step 2: Sort Drainage
Check for holes, drill them if needed (and possible), or set up with crocks/gravel so water doesn't sit at the bottom.
Step 3: Plant Up
Compost in at the right level, plants arranged and spaced properly, topped up and watered in. Job done, you can enjoy them.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to do it yourself? Here's the smart way:
🔧 What you'll need
- Enough compost (more than you think - big pots are hungry)
- Crocks, gravel, or polystyrene chunks for drainage layer
- Drill with masonry bit if adding drainage holes
- Watering can or hose
- Old compost bags to kneel on (trust me)
📏 Filling levels
- Drainage layer first (5-10cm depending on pot size)
- Compost to about 5cm below the rim
- Plant, then top up around them
- Final level: 2-3cm below rim (room for watering without overflow)
🌱 Planting tips
- Big plant in the middle, smaller ones around the edge (classic but it works)
- Check plant labels for spacing - they grow more than you think
- Same watering needs in the same pot (don't mix drought-lovers with thirsty ones)
- Face the best side of each plant outwards
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Filling pots where they're not staying (then can't move them)
- No drainage = dead plants in weeks
- Compost too high - it washes over when it rains
- Mixing incompatible plants
💡 Pro trick: Put a layer of newspaper over your drainage material before adding compost - stops the soil washing down and clogging the drainage but water still drains through.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌧️ Devon rain disclaimer: What looks nicely full in August might wash down by September. It's normal - just top up the compost level in spring.
Doing seasonal displays? Spring to summer, summer to autumn - I can help swap them over. Most people dread the physical work more than the actual planting.
Big Victorian-style planters or half barrels? They're beautiful but properly heavy. Get them positioned right first time - you won't want to move them once they're planted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in tub planting?
I set up your tubs with proper drainage (crocks or holes), fill them with the right compost, and plant everything up nicely. You provide the pot, plants, and compost - I do the physical work and make sure it's done right so your plants actually thrive.
Can you help choose plants for my pots?
I'm a handyman not a garden designer, but I know the basics - sun or shade, what survives Devon winters, what's easy vs fussy. If you've already bought plants, I'll arrange them nicely. If you haven't, I can offer practical suggestions.
Do the tubs need to already be in position?
No - I can move them for you, which is handy because large planters get very heavy once they're full of wet compost. Tell me where you want them and I'll position them before filling.
What if my pots don't have drainage holes?
I can drill them if it's possible (plastic, thin metal) or we set them up with a good layer of crocks at the bottom. Drainage matters - sitting in waterlogged compost kills most plants pretty quickly.
How many tubs can you plant in a session?
Depends on size. A couple of big half-barrel planters or four-five smaller pots usually takes 1-1.5 hours. Really large setups (whole patio's worth) will take longer - I'll estimate when I know what you've got.
Tub planting Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your tub planting job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Tub planting in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your tub planting job in Exeter today.