Containers And Hanging Baskets at Focus

Preparation

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Many plants are ideally suited for growing in all sorts of containers, although the most often used are bedding plants.However, plants such as Shrubs, Herbaceous Perennials, Herbs, Climbers, Alpines, Bulbs, Heathers, Roses, Dwarf Fruit Trees,Strawberries and Conifers should also be considered, either on their own or in combinations to provide all year round colour.

Containers are easy to maintain and can be moved around to give a fresh look to the garden. Select a good balance of upright and trailing plants according to the shape and size of the container. Remember that Summer containers can be replanted for Autumn and Winter colour.

A wide range of containers is available including:

Hanging Baskets
Half Barrels
Pots
Window Boxes
Troughs
Mangers
Wall Baskets

In a selection of materials such as clay, stone, terracotta, wood, plastic and wire. The shape and size of the container will influence the choice of plants, with larger plants such as shrubs and climbers requiring more space for the roots to grow.

Planting Your Container

Place small stones or broken pieces of polystyrene or pots onto the bottom of the container to cover the drainage holes.

Lining the sides of the container with bubble plastic will protect plants against frost and reduce water loss.

Add good quality compost so that plants, when placed on it, are about 3cm (1in) below the rim of their container. Work the potting compost in around the sides of the plants and level off. Make sure you water well.

Keep the container off the ground by placing small blocks underneath. This will prevent a vacuum and ensure proper drainage.

Looking after your containers

Never allow containers to dry out. It may be necessary to water in early morning and evening in hot weather and they must be watered in Autumn and Winter if required.

Feed regularly during Spring and Summer. Use a top dressing of granular fertilizer in Spring, followed by a liquid feed once week during the main growing season.

Remove dead flower heads, weed regularly and keep a close watch for pests and diseases which should be treated according to manufacturer's control recommendations.

Hanging Baskets

These provide eye-catching displays and help to break up harsh architectural lines. Use plenty of trailing plants so that the base of the basket is well covered once established. Use wall-mounted baskets if hanging space is not available.

How to plant a hanging basket

Use a bucket or pot for support while planting and make sure plants are well-watered before starting. Place a plastic disc or old saucer on top of the moss in the base before adding compost to help retain moisture.

	Line the basket with moss to halfway up the sides, or use a liner. Half fill with potting compost containing water retaining granules and slow-release fertilizer which should last the whole growing season.
	Plant three foliage and three flowering plants through the sides of the basket. If using moss, then line to the top of the basket and fill to the top with compost.
	Plant a tall plant in the centre andplant three foliage and threeflowering plants round the top edge of the basket. For larger basketssimply use more plants.

Once planted, water thoroughly, allow to soak and repeat. Protect from strong sunlight for two or three days and protect from frost. Dead-head regularly, water frequently and liquid feed towards the end of the flowering season.