Container

Gardening
how to plant
up your...
hanging baskets
(based on a standard wire basket)
■ Remove the chain and balance the basket on a plant pot
or bucket.
■ Fit your chosen liner and fill the basket with moist soil-
less compost up to the point where you want to add the
first layer of plants. A solid wall basket will need some
broken crocks added for drainage before filling.
■ Force or cut a hole in the liner (some already have pre-
cut slits, or pre-formed pockets) and feed the roots of
the trailing plants through from the outside so that the
root ball lays firmly on the top of the compost and the
leaves of the plant are on the outside of the basket.
■ Build up the rest of the basket with compost, firming it
down to prevent water loss. Add upright plants to the
centre of the basket, leaving about a 2.5cm (1") space
at the top to allow for watering. Water well and keep
protected until the danger of frosts have passed.
tubs or pots
■ Cover the base inside with broken pots or any other
suitable material to add drainage. If you are not using a
ready made container drill lots of drainage holes in the
bottom.
■ If your plants seem a little dry, stand them in a bucket
of water to completely soak through the root ball.
■ Build up the compost in the tub. The compost
should be moist but not wet, and should be firmed
down gently. Make sure you do this near the spot
where you intend to display the container, as some
can be very heavy to move when full.
■ Keep filling the container like this until about
2.5cm (1") from the top. If you do not leave a gap
water will drain over the side rather than down
through the compost.
■ Plant up the container, either with a single type, or
a mixture of varieties, and water well.
■ Raise flat based containers from the ground by using
specially made feet, stones, bricks etc. This helps to
encourage drainage and stops the pot becoming
waterlogged.
■ Always water using a watering can with a rose.
 watering &
feeding
Attention to feeding and watering is the key to successful
container gardening. Water your containers regularly, and
feed throughout the growing season. The key rules to
follow are:
■ Water either early in the morning or in the evening, so
that the plants can take in the water before they are in
direct sunlight.
■ If the plants are drooping in the midday sun check how
wet the compost is about ½" beneath the compost
surface, if it feels damp then the plants will pick up
when the sun goes down, if dry then water directly to
the roots - never get the leaves wet in the daytime as
the sun will scorch them.
■ The amount of water a container needs will depend on
its position, in full sun it will need more water than in a
shady area.
■ Hanging baskets and smaller pots will need watering
once or twice daily. Make sure that the pot is well
soaked.
■ Never let the compost dry out completely.
Feeding weekly is necessary throughout the growing
season. Incorporating a controlled release fertiliser in with
your compost at planting time will ensure that the feeding
happens when you water the pot. Alternatively use a liquid
or water in feed choosing a formula to suit the plants you
are growing.

holiday watering
This is one of the perennial problems of gardening, all that
work and nurturing, and then you need to go away and
risk the plants keeling over from lack of water. Here are a
few ideas to deal with the situation:
Remember shade is your friend, if you can move your pots
into a place out of the sun they will not dry out so quickly.
There are lots on offer, they range from the simple and
If you are away for a couple of days only this, and a good
cheap drip bottles or water spikes, to expensive automated
watering before you go, will usually be sufficient.
watering systems that are electronically controlled with
For longer periods away, a variety of products are available variable programmes.
to assist such as water retentive slices to incorporate into
the pot/basket at planting time. Absorbing astonishing Alternatively, perhaps you have a reliable, helpful friend or
amounts of water, they reduce the need for daily watering, neighbour who would volunteer to water them for you!
and also help at holiday time. Adding water retaining gel Contact details:
in your compost at planting time is also useful. Looking for
clever devices to water your plants during your absence? Samuel Dobie & Son, Long Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7SX
Tel: 01803 696411 www.dobies.co.uk
 containers - it's
■ All baskets need a strong wall bracket or place to hang, remember
that a watered basket is very heavy.
■ Don't forget wall mounted containers of all shapes and sizes are also

your choice
available, giving you another dimension for ‘high-rise’ planting.
■ Old chip baskets or abandoned colanders can make cheap and
interesting hanging baskets.

window boxes
These are just long, narrow containers, ideal for adding
Container gardening offers us a unique colour to your home. They are available in many materials
and styles, so finding one to suit your home will not be
opportunity for expressing our individuality in
a problem. Plant with seasonal flowers and bulbs or try
the garden. There’s a vast array of styles available an edible display; a box on the kitchen window can be a
these days, to suit all tastes; from traditional convenient source of herbs or salads. Safety is paramount,
terracotta, to space-age metal - there really is so if you have window boxes high up make sure they are
something for everyone! well secured to prevent nasty accidents, and adding a drip
tray will protect your sills and walls from water damage.
There are endless colours and designs, encompassing
historical and rustic reproductions and ultra-modern clean
lines, providing infinite possibilities. You can also create
your own pots and baskets out of discarded materials like
tin cans, or old boots and shoes. All you need is a little
imagination.

baskets
The choice in hanging baskets has grown enormously
in recent years. At one time the basic options were the
traditional wire basket or the plastic solid sided version
with pre-formed holes. Both are excellent and still widely
available. However, the woven wicker and grass baskets
that are now available, come in a multitude of materials
and designs. This type of basket is ideal for an evocative,
rustic and romantic feel. Also available are metal and
ceramic hanging containers - it’s a tough choice!
Some things to keep in mind for each type:
■ Wire and metal hanging baskets need to be lined with moss, coir or
other proprietary liners on the market. Inside a moss lined basket it’s a
good idea to place a plastic inner liner to aid water retention as this
style of basket can dry out very quickly. Regular watering is essential.
Placing a saucer at the bottom while planting, and adding water retentive
gel crystals to the compost will help retain moisture for longer.
■ Wicker hanging baskets need a sturdy plastic lining, and one should
be added if not already included. As for all baskets the lighter the soil
the better and a special basket soil - less compost is best, and adding
controlled release fertiliser and water retentive crystals is helpful.
■ The plastic models are very convenient and easy to use with their
pre-formed plant holes, they are also better at moisture retention.
However they can look a lot less appealing than other types until
the plants are bushy enough to disguise them.
■ Ceramic and terracotta can dry out quickly and, like wire, need
frequent watering. This type require a very strong wall bracket as
the weight of the container is already quite considerable. However,
a terracotta bowl can look wonderful filled with sempervivums or
other succulents, and these would obviously need less watering and
attention.
tubs and troughs grow bags and flexible planters
Large pots, tubs and troughs are invaluable whatever the Grow bags are an old
amount of space you have. They can grace any garden favourite that have been a
from the largest formal grounds to the smallest yard staple of tomato growing
or balcony. There are few species that will not grow for years, but other
in a suitable container, even some of the smaller fruit vegetables can be
and ornamental trees. There are wide ranges in every grown in them
conceivable material, colour and style; it’s entirely up to too. They are
you what you choose. Remember that recycling can come simple, cheap,
into its own here for individuality, and gardening on a portable and ideal
shoestring. for small space
growing. There are
What is important is that there is adequate drainage. If
many new designs
your pot does not have holes already then make them
of patio growing
(be careful with ceramics). Raising the pot slightly off the
containers,
ground helps too. Either sit the pots on stones or buy pot
including flexible
feet - these come in ranges as diverse as pots. Whatever
ones which pack
you use, make sure you don’t cover the drainage holes.
flat for easy winter
Again controlled release fertiliser and water retentive
storage. They're ideal
gel can be added to the compost to aid in feeding and
for growing many types
watering. Bear in mind that terracotta is going to of vegetable, including
dry out quicker than plastic, potatoes. Coming complete
so keep well watered, with drainage holes and
twice a day is best. carry handles, they are
perfect for convenience
and portability. Relatively
cheap, they can be used for
salads, tomatoes, herbs and
strawberries to name just
a few possibilities. Both
make growing your
own vegetables
convenient and
economical
with the added
advantage of
being easy to
care for and will
provide instructions
on what's suitable to
grow in them.

unusual
containers
What do wellington boots
and old baths have in
common? They can been
used in the garden for
planting. Chamber pots, tin
cans, sinks and old water
tanks; just a few potential
and unusual planters.
what to
example rosemary and thyme appreciate full sun and a well
drained soil; parsley and basil like a little shade and moister soil.
Having your pots near the kitchen door makes sense for easy

grow?
snippings for cooking, and having them where they can be
brushed past or touched to release their scent is a good way of
lifting the spirits.
N.B. Most herbs will grow happily in containers except long
rooted varieties like horse radish, or the very tall, such as angelica.

spring bulbs vegetables

Create edible baskets with tomatoes and strawberries which
These bulbs (planted in the autumn) are a favourite for are both ideal for this kind of culture. The small cherry type
container growing, often mixed with later flowering plants tomato, and the ‘everbearer’ strawberries provide an attractive
such as wallflowers, pansies or primroses. Complimented by display, and a crop of tasty treats too!
evergreens, they make a delightful movable feast in the early There are few types of vegetable that cannot be grown in a
months of the year. These pots can then be removed, and pot of some kind. Even potatoes and leeks can be grown in
replaced by others filled with later flowering varieties. a deep container. And any kind of container will do - shallow
Also planting in a ‘double-decker’ fashion can give a long ones can be used for salad crops; turn old wooden packing
lasting display. A deep layer of daffodils with a layer of tulips cases into a raised bed and it couldn't be easier to grow the
above, mixed with crocus, snowdrop, eranthis or other early latest salad leaves. There is a whole range of mixes available,
varieties. This mixture should provide colour for around three runner beans, french beans, peas, all grow in pots; all ready for
months. The dwarf varieties of daffodils and tulips are also ideal picking fresh for the kitchen - and tasting fantastic. Check out
for containers, and being low growing will not be susceptible the specially designed containers and bags suitable for growing
to wind damage. Baskets with bulbs, ivy and pansies are also a them, and you will always have fresh fruit and vegetables at
cheerful treat in early spring. your fingertips!

summer bulbs summer colour

These bulbs (planted in the spring) are great container plants There are endless possibilities for summer displays, apart from
too. Lilies are extremely well behaved in pots, and if looked the usual geraniums (ivy-leaved and standard), begonias,
after, can remain in the same one for a few years. They are marigolds and lobelia. Use sweet peas, mimulus, nasturtiums,
perfect stood by doorways and windows for their scent to waft petunias, pansies and fuchsias etc. Create cool or hot containers;
inside, or they can be moved in and out of the borders as gap classic or exotic mixtures.
fillers during t he flowering season. Exotics are great in pots There has been an increase in the amount of striking and unusual
too, as you can use them as highlights on the patio, species like plants from hotter climates, that are hardy enough for British
agapanthus, callas and cannas look spectacular in a suitably gardens becoming available in recent years. The lofos makes a
evocative container, and can be moved out of the way once beautiful climbing or trailing plant. Plus the striking curcuma
they have passed their best. (Flowering Ginger), nerines or hymenocallis (Peruvian Daffodil)
Begonias make great container plants and trailing begonias are a bulbs are just ‘drop-dead gorgeous’ - place outdoors after
perfect basket flower, their spectacular blooms and striking leaves danger of frost has passed and over winter in a frost-free place.
can look good with other plants or as a single species display. Using plants, bulbs or seed, you can achieve some amazing
herbs displays. Just check on height, and bear in mind the effect you
want to achieve. Mix colours or have single varieties such as
Herbs have been grown in pots for centuries. Available space begonia, nasturtium, geraniums or rudbeckia.
has little bearing on whether or not you can grow herbs; they
A basket of nasturtiums can be a brilliant and cost effective
will grow anywhere and in any type of container. While it is
display, either grow your own from seed, or buy plants of the
possible to mix varieties in a pot, it is wise to plant separately.
latest brilliant new varieties. Keep dead headed and these
The mint family in particular are thugs who need to be
wonderful little plants will flower all summer long.
contained; they will quickly run rampant and choke out any
competitors. So, while it is lovely to have a lush, verdant pot of Sweet Peas can be grown in baskets and patio planters, the
several herbs it can also be extremely attractive to have several trailing and shorter growing patio varieties are ideal.The
containers each containing a single variety grouped together. If delicate flowers with their delicious scent are a summer ‘must-
you are mixing herbs in a tub, ensure that you take their have’. Keep deadheading to keep the flowers coming.
preference for sun or shade, feeding etc. into consideration, for
handy hints and money saving tips
Try to plant too many rather than too little.
A packed container will present a lush, Pots in an exposed position will lose
full effect. Just make sure you more water than those in a sheltered
fertilise and water thoroughly to spot and will need more water.
compensate for the extra plants.

Check that terracotta planters A week after planting up a

are frost proof, otherwise they basket, pinch out growing
must be protected in the winter. tips to make bushy plants.

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, this Leave the top of a

will also keep containers looking tidy and hanging basket slightly
prevent fungal diseases. Because plants are concave to encourage
close together, the opportunity for disease water to pool in the centre
is greater than in a normal garden plot. where it can sink through.

Try to use the biggest size container However warm it is during the day,
that you can. This will prevent pots and hanging baskets containing
the pot drying out and give the annual plants must not be left
plants plenty of room to put outside until the danger of frost has
down roots. passed (normally about mid-May).

Try growing fruit and vegetables

Remember that clay pots are in hanging baskets and raised
porous and will lose more pots. Tomatoes work well as do
moisture than ones made of Strawberries - the fruit is kept
other material. well out of the way of slugs.

466592

www.dobies.co.uk
2862