The basics of planting in containers. The video looks at a
variety of topics from which container to choose to how to arrange the
plants. Steve Redman from Holland Park in London takes you through the
technique.
Step 1: Types of containers
Terracotta pots make good containers for plants as they're
long lasting, stable and heavy enough to hold larger plants such as
shrubs. Plastic pots are cheap and retain moisture well, but can be
cold for plant roots in winter and are knocked over quite easily.
Wooden containers are cheaper than terracotta but less durable and may
rot over time.
Step 2: Drainage
The bottom of the container should be lined with crocks to
help water drain away freely. You can use broken pieces of pottery,
polystyrene or gravel which should be placed over the drainage holes.
If you use gravel you may need a layer of compost underneath the gravel
to stop it falling through the drainage holes. If you're putting your
container straight onto a paved area, use pottery feet or chunks of
wood to create a gap between the pot and the ground. This will help
prevent wooden containers rotting and improve drainage.
Step 3: Compost
Steve uses specialist container compost from garden centres,
but you can also use multi-purpose compost. To feed your plants through
the growing season, Holland Park recommend adding a pinch of
slow-release fertiliser which is available in granules and can be mixed
into the compost. In dry climates you can also mix in water-retaining
crystals towards the base of the container which swell up and stay
moist for longer than the compost.
Step 4: Plant Selection
If you want your plants to last all year round, include
evergreens or perennials in your container. If you want a more 'showy'
design, plant flowering annuals which can produce a spectacular display
but don't survive all year round. You can buy summer bedding which
should be planted in Spring and replaced with winter bedding in Autumn.
Step 5: Design
When thinking about the arrangement of your container,
consider height, colour and shape. It is effective to make the tallest
plant the centrepiece. If you decide to use a variety of species in one
container, choose a theme such as similar leaf shapes, foliage, or
flower colour. See our other film "How to plant a shrub in a container".