‘Plant pot for dwarf Hostas to keep slugs at bay.’

Pots and Weather

• Use clay feet to keep pots off the ground so they do not get frozen causing the bottom fall out.
• To protect root balls in pots you can wrap them in bubble wrap or several layers of hessian.
• Use frost proof pots if they are to stay outside through winter.
• Use a saucer, dish or tray to catch excess water. This saves good fertilized water from running away.
• Do not put pots in windy spots. Tall plants will blow over quite easily as the wind acts like a lever and fulcrum.

Watering and Feeding

• Peat is hard to re-wet so use a wetting agent or add moisture retaining granules.
• I add granular feed to compost if the plant is to remain potted for more than 3 months. They also need a liquid feed when plants are in growth.
• Use John Innes No 3 for fruit trees grown in pots and other robust shrubs etc.

Pests and Problems

• Lily beetle can be stopped by picking off the red adults and squashing them. Use an insecticide as eggs will be in the compost and a new generation will arrive next spring.
• Insects that sting can be a problem on pot plants near your outdoor seating. If you suffer avoid being too close to lilies that attract most insects.
• Read about getting Potbound
• Vine weavill can’t swim. Keep compost wet or construct a moat by using a tray or saucer.
• Slugs can climb up pots. Put a copper ring or Vaseline around the pot top.
• Steralise pots with Jeyes fluid after they have been used but before they are put away or replanted.

General Pot Tips

• Crock the bottom of the pot with bit of broken terracotta pot to help drainage.
• Terracotta pots dry out quicker particularly in sun or windy sites.
• Anchor valuable pots if they are likely to be stolen.
• Freshen up the top soil in the pot with John Innes if the plants are heavy feeders.
• Groups of pots or large individual pots look more attractive than a clutch of smaller plastic pots.