Top Tips for Growing in Pots
Don’t judge the results by the crop you harvest but by the seeds you sow
Ten Tips for Growing in Pots and Containers
- Terracotta is a sympathetic choice for containers in your garden. They are also porous and let in air and allow plant roots to cool through evaporation.
- Try several pots of the same size and or shape in a group (I like ‘long tom’ pots). Planted with Agrostis Cloud grass will create a real impact.
- Exotics like Banana plants look shapely and they can be moved, pot and all into shelter or wrapped for winter protection.
- Keep a sense of balance between the needs of your container plants. They need water, food and light but not an excess of any one feature. The pot is a micro environment that needs regular care such as watering / drainage, fertilizer and shelter.
- Trailing plants will benefit from a bit of training in the right direction. Pinch out rampant plants and those you want to branch. Pick off faded flowers.
- Constant watering can wash out nutrients so give a weekly liquid feed.
- Mix plants of different colours, textures, habits and heights. Variegated plants and scented plants often work well.
- Locate the pot carefully as the aesthetic of the base and pot combination can be important. A gravel or coloured chipping base can be very effective.
- Do not be too conventional with the container. In addition to the old gardeners boot (above) I have seen a wheel barrow planted with courgettes and fire buckets (with holes) used for displays. Use your artistic skills like many container on the top of barges that are brightly painted.
- Choose appropriate plants. Below is a second top ten of plants you may want to try in pots.
Top Ten Plants for Outdoor Pots
- Clematis cartmanii ‘Joe’ is a white, spring flowering trailer that can be tied to an upright. Try it with blue Crocus or Muscari.
