Containers
Anything can be used as a container from an expensive hanging basket to an old boot. These sorts of things can often be lying around the house or you can pick them up from car boot sales, these types of things can maker very unique and attractive planters. The important things with any container are that it will last the season and that it has adequate drainage holes. Suitable items for planting can be old buckets, watering cans, Wellingtons and walking boots ( ensure you make several holes in the bottom for drainage). Whilst drying out can cause major problems, water logging will bring disaster and ruin all your hard work as you probably wont realise its waterlogged until its too late.
Ordinary containers and pots should have broken crocks placed in the bottom to ensure the drainage hole does not get blocked. The same can be done by breaking up the polystyrene packs that your bedding comes in rather than throwing it away and placing this in the bottom before applying your compost. Tall containers may benefit from some stones being put in the bottom to give them some stability as they can get a little top heavy in the wind.
Containers can be used to create many different styles of planting from cottage garden, contemporary, formal or even spanish villa creating a mediterranean look.
Written by Day Lily on 2006/12/05 | Permalink to this article
Container Gardening
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Written by Day Lily on 2007/02/11 | Permalink to this article
Planting hanging baskets
The easiest way to plant a hanging basket is to stand it on a bucket or large flowerpot to lift it up and allow you to work around it easily. If your are using moss, cover the inside of the basket with a dense layer of moss and line with a piece of plastic (if using compost bags have it black side out). Pierce the plastic in several places for drainage before applying any compost. If you are using a pre formed liner, insert it into the basket and cut crosses in it where you wish to insert your plants ensuring that the holes are big enough for the root balls of your plants to be pushed through. With all types of liner, fill with compost up to your first level of holes gently firming the compost down. Insert your plants root ball first from the outside until the base of the plant is flush with the outside of the liner. Cover the root balls with a layer of compost and fill the basket to the next layer of holes and repeat until the basket is almost full. Once the outside is done you can concentrate on planting the top of the basket. Make sure that you keep the compost level below the rim of the basket otherwise when you water the water will run off the basket and not soak through. Ensure you use plants with height towards the middle of the basket gradually tapering down to the outside edge and use trailing plants around the outer edge of the basket to give a domed effect. Once firmly planted water well and keep in a light warm place until you are clear of frosts.
Written by Day Lily on 2006/12/05 | Permalink to this article
