Selecting a Pot

• Use as big a pot as you can find. Larger volumes of compost do not need watering as often and take longer to dry out.
• Line a clay or terracotta pot with plastic to reduce evaporation through the sides.
• Put plenty of crocks at the bottom of the pot to help drainage.
• Use a loam based compost which holds water better than a peat based compost that tends to go dusty when dry and is hard to rewet.
• Locate the pot in place before it is full and too heavy to move. You can get base boards on casters so the pot is mobile.
• Black pots absorb heat, plastic is utilitarian and widely available, some ceramics will not be frost proof.
• If you aim to grow tall subjects weight the bottom of the pot to reduce the risk of it blowing over.
• Cluster pots together to make a micro climate and watering will be easier.

Planting Up

• Firm your plants in well and backfill with more compost.
• Ensure all roots are covered as they would dry out quickly.
• Water the plants and if the surface sinks add more compost.
• Leave about 1″ below the rim for watering.
• Deadhead flowers regularly in summer.
• Feed with a liquid fertilizer every week after the first month. Initially the compost should contain enough nourishment.
• Select some edge plants to soften the appearance of the pot.
• Aim for height that relates to the size of your pot.
• If growing a specimen like a half standard I would mulch with a coloured gravel to finish off the overall appearance.

Container Equipment

• I ofter use a saucer under pots to help watering.
• In winter pots need to be raised off the ground on feet or bricks so they do not freeze to the soil and break.
• If pots are not frost free then give them winter protection.
• Experiment with different types and shapes of container
• A layer of grit or gravel on the top will prevent moss growth and help leave room for watering.