How can you get the most out of your flower beds with TerraCottem?

20/05/2025 - 10:42

Flower beds are more than just splashes of colour - they’re living, growing spaces that need the right care to thrive. But whether you’re tending your home garden or overseeing municipal plantings, you’ll know the challenges all too well: unpredictable weather, dry spells, and poor or compacted soil that struggles to support healthy root growth. That’s where proper soil preparation makes all the difference.

Good soil is the foundation of any successful flower bed. TerraCottem universal soil conditioner helps transform ordinary soil into a moisture - and nutrient-retaining powerhouse - giving your plants exactly what they need to thrive from day one.

In this article you will discover how to use TerraCottem when planting annuals and perennials in open ground.

How can TerraCottem help me make a success of my flower beds?

A healthy flower bed starts with a strong foundation. By mixing TerraCottem into the top layer of your soil, you enhance its ability to retain water, make better use of nutrients, and support strong root growth - all of which lead to more vibrant, resilient plants.

Key benefits at a glance:

Reduced water stress and less wilting
Improved growth and extended flowering
Lower risk of fertiliser loss through leaching
Stronger root systems, even in dry conditions

You’ll especially notice the difference during hot summers: your flowers stay fresher for longer, and you won’t need to water as often.

There are several TerraCottem... Which one should I choose for my flowerbeds?

We recommend TerraCottem universal for both annuals and perennials in flower beds. It's a soil improver containing four active components:

Hydroabsorbent polymers
Fertilisers with micronutrients
Growth stimulators
Volcanic lava rock

This combination not only improves water management but also ensures better soil structure and aeration.

TerraCottem universal is available in large and small packs – suitable for both amateur and professional gardeners.

An overview of all our sales outlets is available here:

Is there a specific method for applying TerraCottem to my flower beds?

Application is simple and can be done manually or mechanically:

Spread 100 g of TerraCottem universal per m² over the surface of the bed, either broadcast or with a fertiliser spreader.
Work in the product to a depth of 20 cm with a rototiller (lengthways and widthways).
Plant the flowers.
Water thoroughly.

How long does TerraCottem remain effective after use?

The water-absorbing polymers in TerraCottem stay active for several years, continuing to reduce water stress and support plant health long after planting. While the fertilisers and growth stimulators are mostly taken up during the first growing season, their initial boost helps establish strong roots and long-lasting plant vitality.

Want to enjoy vibrant blooms again next season?

Keep your flower beds performing at their best with TerraCottem complement.

This follow-up soil conditioner is specially formulated to renew the benefits of TerraCottem universal after the first season. It replenishes essential nutrients and growth stimulants, along with a small amount of hydro-retainers to replace what has been lost when plants were removed.

With TerraCottem complement, your flower beds stay healthy, colourful, and full of life - year after year.

Can I add TerraCottem to an existing flower bed?

Yes, you can. If you are adding new plants to an established flower bed where TerraCottem has not previously been used, you can mix the product with the soil of the planting hole of the new plant.

In this way, the new plants will always receive a better supply of water and nutrients, even without having to recultivate the whole bed.

How often should I water when using TerraCottem?

Watering needs always depend on factors like weather conditions, soil type, and the plants you’re growing. But with TerraCottem, you can significantly reduce how often you need to water.
TerraCottem stores water in the soil and gradually releases it to the roots as needed. In real-world use, this can cut your watering frequency by up to 50% - saving time, water, and effort.

Here’s a practical example:

If you normally water your flower beds twice a week, using TerraCottem could reduce that to just once a week - without compromising plant health.
By retaining moisture in the soil and encouraging deeper root growth, TerraCottem helps your plants become more resilient to dry spells and prolonged drought.