Repotting is a term used to describe the removal of the exhausted compost and fibrous roots from the previous year's growth and the replenishing with fresh compost.

It was traditionally done early in the new year, after the first signs of top growth but before too much new root development had occurred but most people now advocate doing it in the autumn with the growing
problem of vine weevil damage.

The old brown roots and as much of the old, soured compost are gently removed by hand or with the aid of an old kitchen fork, taking great care not to damage any newly developing fresh white roots.
It is, however, at times unavoidable not to have some of the current year's growth coming away too. Do not fret too much about this; it will not cause the plant any long term damage, the loss will be made up within a few weeks.

While doing this keep a watchful eye out for vine weevil grubs, especially if you have previously been troubled by this pest.
Some might now be clearly visible, but minute newly hatched ones or eggs might be present too, so take care that you discard all the old compost.

Next the plants are placed in clean pots which will comfortable take the roots, often it will be one or even two sizes smaller than the one you removed the plant from, or in the case of very old plants especially with so much solid root, the same size pot.
Fresh compost is trickled in around the roots and the pot tapped on the bench a few times to settle the compost and to remove any big air pockets. However remember that with the modern peat based compost you must take care not to over firm as this will remove the air from the compost, a vital ingredient for good development. (keep thumbs out!!)
Once the repotting procedure is completed water the plants and place in gentle heat in a shaded part of your greenhouse.
Take care not to water the plants again until it is really needed. Remember there is at first a relative large volume of compost and roots do not like to stand in cold wet compost. Overhead spraying is most beneficial to keep plants fresh and encourage more growth breaking from the old wood.
When, in a few weeks time the new roots are starting to fill the pot you pot on in the usual way, moving the plants into clean pots, usually one size larger and more fresh compost. CD 2000