Specific planters and pots pose challenges

Q. I wanted to use an old amaryllis kit to grow an aloe plant. I placed the round piece of cork along with some rocks in the bottom of the pot, added potting soil and the new aloe. The potting soil is rising up and over the top of the pot. I removed an inch of the potting mix, but it is happening again.

I really want to use this pot, please help.

A. Sounds like water is collecting in the bottom of the container, pushing the saturated soil upward. Remove the cork from the bottom of the container to allow excess water to drain. Then consider replacing the soil with a cacti and succulent potting mix to provide the drainage that aloe plants prefer.

Q. I have two black pots, one metal and one made of a papier-mâché-like material, on either side of my garage. They receive hot sun most of the day. What can I plant?

A. Check plant tags and select those described as heat- and drought-tolerant. Annuals like lantana, pentas, bidens, narrow-leafed zinnias, sunflowers, moss rose and globe amaranth are good ones to consider.

Try a few you like and monitor their ability to tolerate growing in black pots in this hot location. Keep a list of those that succeed and those that fail to help with future plantings.

Q. I am planting hens and chicks in a container with multiple holes for planting. How do I keep the soil from spilling out?

A. Try tucking sphagnum moss around each hens and chicks plant after planting. This should hold the soil in place until the plants become established.

Or line the inside of the pot with landscape fabric (weed barrier). Cut slits in the fabric at each opening and pop in the plants. Extend the slits as plants grow and expand.