Autumn & winter containers | | Autumn & winter containers |  |
|
|
| Although the choice of plants suitable for autumn containers is more limited than for the summer, it is still possible to create a stunning display. The most popular bedding and patio plants for this time of year are: Pansy, Viola, Sweet William, Primrose, Polyanthus, Wallflower, Cyclamen, Ivy, Creeping Jenny, Ajuga and Lamium.
Just about anything that will hold compost and has drainage holes makes a suitable container but the most commonly used are pots of all types, galvanised buckets, half barrels and window boxes. |
|
|
| On arrival | | | • | Unpack your plants immediately they arrive and check that everything you expect is enclosed. | | • | Water any plants that have dried out in transit. | | • | Ideally plug plants (particularly small plugs & standard plugs) should be potted up within a day or two into 7.5cm pots (3in), but they should stay in good condition for a week or so if well-watered and fed every few days with a liquid plant food. Plants should be left in a light, sheltered, place such as a greenhouse or cold frame. Loose packed plants are best potted on or planted out immediately, providing the weather conditions are suitable. |
|
|
|
| Growing instructions | | | • | Before planting or potting up, thoroughly water your plants and leave to drain for half an hour. | | • | For plug plants in trays push the blunt end of a pencil through the hole underneath each plug and the plant will emerge at the top without disturbing the root system. | | • | When potting up small plugs especially, handle them carefully so as not to damage the leaves and stems. | | • | Large plugs and plants (Large Plug, Baby Plant, Ready Plant and Ready Box) can be planted directly into your containers. | | • | Plants that you have potted on should be grown on for a few weeks in a light sheltered spot, preferably a cool greenhouse or cold frame. | | • | All your plants should be compact and bushy but as they grow, you may need to pinch out the growing tips of the more trailing types. |
|
|
|
| Planting a container | | | • | Get together all the things you'll need: Container; Good quality potting compost (A container compost is generally better than multi-purpose as it contains more plant food); Water retaining granules unless already in the compost; Plants. | | • | Place broken up pieces of polystyrene plant trays or broken pots in the bottom of your container to help with drainage. | | • | Fill your container with potting compost (mixed with water retaining granules) so that the level is about 5cm (2") from the top. | | • | Plant your central plant(s) first by scooping out a hole just large enough for the roots and so the top of the root-ball is at compost level. Then continue planting the outer circle of plants about 2.5 - 5cm from the rim of the container, firming gently. | | • | Top up with compost if needed to about 2cm (?") below the rim of the container. | | • | Water thoroughly and place in a greenhouse or sheltered spot for a week or so before placing in its final position, which should be protected from cold winds. | | • | To help with drainage containers should be stood on pot feet or raised slightly using small pieces of tile or wood. |
|
|
|
| Aftercare | | | • | Containers are prone to drying out even on cool overcast days, especially when there is a wind blowing, and should be watered frequently. | | • | Snip off the dead heads of flowers at regular intervals to encourage a longer flowering season. | | • | Liquid feed about once a week during the flowering period to keep your plants looking healthy and flowering longer (tomato food is ideal). |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
