Growing alpines in a trough outside

I never have any luck with my alpines outside. Every winter they start to rot in the wet weather. Any suggestions please, or is it best to grow in greenhouse? I've been trying them in old butler sinks.

 

@zilly
Which alpines are you trying to grow? Some can be very tricky. Generally alpines need very good drainage, so a lot of grit in the compost. Does the water run out of the butler sinks freely, you might want to raise them off the ground slightly. Also as they are quite deep containers a layer of hardcore or rocks in the bottom might help.

 

Hi Nigel, thanks for that. I have got a layer of hardcore in the bottom and sinks are raised off of floor but I stupidly haven't put any grit in with the soil.

 

Also, zilly, place a sheet of glass or perspex over them raised 30 cm or so over their heads. Most alpines can cope with cold but not wet weather. Keep sides open so well ventilated but dry over winter

 

Brilliant idea Verdun I will def try this as convinced its the rain that keeps rotting them, thanks.

 

I grow all my alpines out side, even the delicate ones (because I haven't got a greenhouse or alpine house).

Gradually year on year whenever I plant new stuff I've increased the mix from 100% soil with no grit to my latest ones with 50% soil and 50% grit. The ones planted in the most grit have grown far, far faster than the ones in just soil.

I also give them super drainage because when Alpines grow in the mountains they're on slopes where the water whizzes off.

 

What varieties do you grow kindredspirit?

 

Verdun said: ↑
What varieties do you grow kindredspirit?

Oh, my goodness, Verdun. Loads. Ones I shouldn't, I know, but I've nowhere else for them.

Lewisias.
Saxifrages.
Saponaria.
Sedums. Sempervivum.
Phyllosis Comosa.
Raoulia Australis.
Orystachys.
Azorella.
Gysophilla.
Aquilegia.
Sisyrinchum.
Loads of mountain ferns.
Daphne.
Muscari
Primula.
Delosperma
Cassiope
Gaultheria Pearls.
Miniscule Clematis.
Mini Dianthus.
Rock Rose
Alysum Saxatile.
Habranthus Robusta
Campanula Hare Bells.
Navelwort.
Turkish Forget-me-not.
Erodiums.
Erinus Alpinus.

Loads and loads more types. All stuck out in the rain and frost. (High rainfall area here.) Biggest problem is the rain but I don't cover them. :( :(

If you want a full list I can go around and make one, no problem.

Hardest to grow are Lewisias because they hate wet and Gaultheria Pearls, which hate even a whiff of lime.

 

I could really get into alpines.....wonderful little gems.
How about a few pics now and then?

 

OK, OK, I'll post some more up in Alpines. Piccies of
My problem is that I'm so busy that I don't seem to have time for everything (but I know that's no excuse!)

 

No excuse at all kindredspirit
Just in from outside......should be on the beach really but Cormwall is packed out at the moment.
It is scorchio

 

Have lost some plants this winter due to the excessive wet. I'd say 50% of my Lewisias have rotted. (The dreaded orange rot.) and I've just spotted a Delosperma Spalmanthoides, which has gone to God. :( :( I may have to make glass covers for next winter.

What I need is an Alpine House but I've no room to put one anywhere. :(