Diseases and Pests of Plants in Containers-What to Watch Out for?

Most diseases and pests that affect plants in containers, also commonly affect those that are found in gardens. These problems are often due to improper care, which can be often improved by better cultivation and maintenance of the plants in containers.

Chemical sprays are limited because of the vastly reduced numbers available, due to the number of chemical pesticides and fungicides that have been withdrawn that will tackle diseases and pests.

As consumers, we have become more environmentally friendly, and the effect pesticides have on our native species such as birds, bees, butterflies, and ladybirds are becoming better known. The …

Watering Spikes- 5 of the Best Reviewed

As said in previous posts watering of plants is extremely crucial in its survival, especially if the soil or compost is dry for long periods. Some plants like succulents can go without water for a long time, as they store water in their leaves.

Cactus can go months without water, but other plants do not seem to survive if the compost dries and the plant wilts. Once the plant wilts and it is not watered soon after, within a couple of days, the plant will die.

We all have busy lives, and gardeners are no different from anybody else. Gardeners …

PRUNING, TOPIARY AND GENERAL PLANT CARE- Why looking after long term plants in containers is very important?

MAINTAINING PERMANENT PLANTS IN CONTAINERS

If you have plants that have been many years in pots and planters, they need various general maintenance procedures to be carried out. This is done in order for the plant to not only survive but flourish from one year to another. It is beneficial if these routine checks are carried out throughout the year, and especially spring which is an important time for which plants get the nutrients they require for the forthcoming growing season.

TOPDRESSING AND GENERAL FEEDING

As the compost ages, it starts to lose its vitality, in that the nutrients available …

Growing Magnolia Trees in Containers

When you think about magnolia trees, your first thought is of a majestic plant, growing in well-kept lawns or in large gardens, bearing large pink or white flowers in early spring. You see them in gardens but never in pots due to their large root system. Your second thought is that you want one but that I have no garden to put it in. This article is about the suitability of growing magnolia in containers.

If you are going to use a container, you will get a level of control that is not available to those who grow directly in …

Mulching and General Plant Care in Containers

MULCHING- KEEPING THE MOISTURE IN

Mulching is defined as covering the surface of the compost after planting as a means of preventing excessive moisture loss and as a means of improving the look at the top of the container.

Mulches can be divided into two categories. Category one is when the mulch will decompose over time and therefore need replacing frequently. These mulches will eventually rot into the compost and provide an additional source of feed. Category 2 mulches are more permanent and are more attractive to look at.

The key to good mulching is to match the planting style …

Choosing Plants and Seasonal Planting

 


In this article, the methodology of choosing plants will be discussed in terms of what to look for and how this can affect seasonal planting. Some plants fair better in containers than others. For example, yews hate being restricted in pots for any length of time, and it will never flourish. Some plants hate root disturbance and therefore must be planted with great care (with kid gloves).

Otherwise, they will not take root and you will have plenty of losses through the year. In this post, we discuss what to look for when buying plants for containers, and the …

Feed your Plants and not your Containers+ Watering

Once your containers have been filled with the right compost such as multipurpose, ericaceous, or a tub mix, within a short time of 4-6 weeks all the nutrients will be depleted. After this in order for the plants to flourish an additional feed is required at frequent intervals (once a week or fortnightly).

If plants are fed right at the right intervals they will reward you with plenty of blooms, bountiful fruits and vegetables, or lush leaves. Remember overfeeding can cause as much damage as underfeeding, as this can promote diseases and attacks by pests. It is always recommended to …

Preparing your Containers for Planting-Getting it right the first time

In order to grow successfully in containers it is essential to have good drainage and soil structure so that a healthy root system can develop in the container. It is paramount that the right compost is used and matched to your plant requirements, so that acid loving plants are planted in ericaceous compost, and the rest is planted in multipurpose or sometimes specialised compost such a citrus compost if you are growing citrus fruit.

Most bedding plants, fruits, vegetables and bulbs can be planted in multipurpose compost which are designed to give you plants feed enough for 4-6 weeks but …

Designing Your Container Garden- From pot choice to aesthetics

TYPES OF POTS AND PLANTERS THAT CAN BE USED

The choice of what container to use for what plant is very extensive as any visit to a garden centre will tell you, and anything can be used from Belfast sinks, bird baths, old baths, toilets, buckets, old recycling boxes, Wellington Boots and even old dustbins.

There is a container that is suitable for the design of your garden being contemporary or traditional, or somewhere between the two. Your choice will follow a theme, which can be carried out throughout your garden.

Some containers are more suited for certain conditions and …

About Antonio

Antonio PachowkoWelcome to my site fellow gardeners and those new to gardening where I hope you will learn how to be a better container gardener.

WHY GARDENING AND WHY CONTAINERS IN PARTICULAR

Throughout my life from childhood to adulthood, plants have always fascinated me, from growing vegetables and fruits to shrubs and flowers of many kinds. Gardening has brought to me so much pleasure and I hope you will catch the gardening bug too!

I have worked as a gardener for a number of years and have picked up skills and knowledge which I hope to pass to you.

I have …