Drainage In Containers

Yes, I never even thought about diseases until Verdun pointed it out a while back!

Doesn't MPC lack sufficient fertility for permanent potting, too?

Nick

 

MPC does lack fertility for permanent plants, john innes No3 is reckoned to last about 3 years or less / more depending on plant.

Say I was potted up a agapanthus I would probably use third JIno3 - third grit or sand and the last third MPC. And I would cover up the drainage hole with a crock so the soil doesn't fall out. The plant would be supplemented with a liquid feed weekly / fornightly depending on where we are in the season, all containers really do need regular feeding to keep the plant healthy.

Temporary plants like bedding I just use MPC + liquid feed weekly and replace 70-80% the compost next year when I start again .

 

What is MPC? We have nothing over here by that name.

I use a doubled up layer of paper towel across the bottom of my pots. By the time it disintegrates, the potting soil in that area is compacted enough not to fall out the holes. I do this for short and long term residents of them.

And I rarely water from the top. I let the plant draw what it wants and then add more to its saucer when dry.

 

Sorry Lori, acronym for "multi-purpose compost". The one that confuses me here occasionally is when some members type "GC", since it can stand for both "Gardener's Corner" and garden centre! That's interesting about the doubled-up layer of paper towel, never heard of anyone doing that here in the UK before. Clever that, might give it a go, I always like to experiment with different methods!

Nick

 

@Nikolaos I most times also stick a thin piece of synthetic wool felt up the bottom of the hole to act as a wick. I am a huge fan of capillary watering because I tend to try to make everyone drink too much otherwise. The plants would go all yellow and die. But for some reason it's never seemed to affect human house guests..

 

@CanadianLori Hang on, you have cannabis plants and plenty of drink? I feel a sudden urge to book a flight to Canada!

Nick

 

It's coping mechanisms for living in zone 5. Keep moving (CBD for aches and pains and maintain a steady pace of activity) keep good company (food and booze in moderation) and be mellow as much as possible anyway ....

 

My guest room is pink and I HAVE been tempted to paint elephants on the ceiling