Plants in containers add an instance lift to the look of the garden and for some gardeners they are the easiest way to enjoy gardening. You can use containers to give the right conditions for different plants – such as acid-loving types. A wide variety of plants including vegetables, herbs – even small fruit trees – can all be grown in containers to make the best use of limited space.
Top tips to make growing in containers easier
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Containers can be placed at different levels, so that you can sit to garden, or avoid bending.
- Save the work of lifting bulbs or tender plants by planting them in pots or wire baskets in the border.
- You will find it easier to water containers if you group them together. However, you can save watering time by putting containers where they will be reached by the rain. Water-retaining granules can really save on watering, and slow-release fertilizer is an easy way to feed.
- Decide what works best for you – high beds, called raised beds, that bring the soil surface close, or lower beds and containers that you can reach with longer handled tools. Find out more about raised beds
Taking care
- Make sure there is good access all round your containers or that you can reach them comfortably.
- Container plants need a lot more watering and feeding than plants in the ground. Don’t have so many that you are exhausted with the effort. If you have lots of containers, you might want to look into automatic watering systems.
- Containers are also heavy to carry and move, so don’t be tempted to try to lift heavy pots by hand. Save straining your back by using a pot-mover trolley.
Hints and tips
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Plants in pots can be placed in beds and borders to change the display.
- Plastic containers hold moisture better than clay or earthenware and you can line hanging baskets with plastic to retain moisture.
- A layer of gravel or shingle on the top of the compost will improve drainage through the pot and reduce weeds.
- Add crocks in the base of the container under a layer of shingle for drainage. Saucers underneath your pots will help retain water, but remove these in the winter or during prolonged wet weather.
- Interesting trellis and plant supports extend the range of plants you can grow in containers and can act as useful screens.
Equipment and tools
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Choose frost-proof pots.
- New pot ideas are often shown at the big flower shows, so check magazines and your garden centre for ideas.
- Wheeled pot stands make the job of changing displays a little easier or use a pot mover trolley.
- Hanging baskets are best hung using a Hi-Lo pulley to avoid reaching up to tend them.