Container Gardening

I only really worry about drainage of plants that are likely to stand outdoors all winter, things that are out in summer but undercover in winter just get extra grit added to the compost when potting depending on plant. Usually in summer, in plants other than succulents, out doors, getting...

Hi guys and thank you for reading my post.I have some Fargesia rufa bamboo and I plan on using it for a screen to block out overlooking neighbours.Just wondering your views on what I can build for them? I was thinking about 2no, 1.5m x 300mm x 400mm in height.Will have removable back for...

Hello All,We recently bought a lovely Salix from the garden centre a month ago. The leaves on the plant were deep green and thick. Now sadly it appears that the tree is struggling as it's going brown. Is this one of the trees where new growth will happen when it’s ready or is the tree dying?

I don't pot them. But last spring thought about setting up one of my hanging pots with bulbs to put out by my mailbox in April and have them bloom there. I have a hook thing at my mail box. Have to ponder this.

The planning stage for me is an exciting part of garden design Nick..... Yes, preparing the whole bed and aiming then for suitable plants that will thrive in those conditions is the way to go Not just colour but shape and form too using contrasting or complementary plantings. On paper, I make...

I have a wonderful honeysuckle, had for years, that goes nicely on my deck corner railing. it is a certain type of honeysuckle that keeps itself tame. so be careful what your planting. have a awesome neighbor friend that has one in a container for years. she lets it ramble on her deck.

Well, a nearly 20" container should be fine for your Acer, and the depth looks fine, adding more compost will only give you a couple of inches more, so I would leave it.I take it, Hstevens, by that you mean gently untangled and spread them out??Lot's of gardeners have lots of different...

I agree with all the expert opinions and advice given, Stephen, but, as Spruce said, taking the tree out to inspect the roots will probably have a negative effect, especially during the growing season, so it might not recover, but I hope I'm wrong.You might find a compost mixture of three...

Yes, best to stick to your friend number 3

I have a couple in 20l pots and used general multi purpose with added sand. They did not flower for the 1st 3-4 years so gave up on them. I neglected them and of course as the top of the pot soil became eroded and disappeared, the more the corm was exposed, and hey presto......flowers for the...

John Innes for me every time. John innes holds moisture and nutrients better than mpc I think. However, I adjust according to the plant. Most Alpines have as much as 50% grit or perlite added for example. Greedy plants have dried manure, chicken pellets, compost added Research what every...

Getting the bug Nikalaos Yep, all astrantias will enjoy heavy clay soil. Jumble Hole is a great white one, Roma a good pink, etc.,but there are lots of varieties out there now Bowles Mauve? Great for a couple of years or so then flowering dwindles. It’s another plant to take cuttings from...

Ok , I leave them to drop naturally and just talk to it !

Thanks so much for that info - all very interesting. Marley - it's in a container but I've got severe hand arthritis so fully repotting it has proven painful so I've just really removed as much older soil and top dressed etc. CarolineL - thanks so much for that encouragement on its health, as...

Just given mine a good dose of slow release high potash fertiliser, fingers crossed.

I had a big problem removing box topiary, I really don’t want to go through it again!But it looks as though not all plants attach themselves to the terracotta.

Thanks for the link mazambo.

Oh that's great Nessa. Pleased you found something you're happy with. Which is after all the main objective! Good for you

Hi everyone, picked up a few bags of wilko tub and basket compost for the wife today, handy size 20L, my wife's just used one and I was reading the back of the bag and noticed it was 100% peat + gel and food for 6 weeks, not going to freak about it, it'll be used up because I've got it but i...

Tyres can be used to create ponds too. I think there was someone on here awhile back who did that. I remember the photos but not the member's name.