Patio containers are a lot more exciting these days than in the 80s! Not only are the pots themselves more varied and attractive, the choice of plants is vast. In addition to new forms of all the old favourites such as petunias and marigolds, there are diascias, nemesias, bacopa and callibrachoas (above) which we had never heard of twenty years ago.
These are all plants that we buy in individual pots rather than trays or strips, something that would have been unheard of in the 80s. Many of these new bedding plants do not set seeds and have a neat, compact habit, making care of patio pots easier. But there are still a few things to do apart from watering.
Of course, watering is essential. It is quite a novelty at the start of the season by can be a chore by now. Planting in large pots, that do not dry out so fast, rather than small pots, and putting pots in groups can make watering easier and quicker.
Feeding your plants will keep them growing and blooming. If you mix controlled-release fertiliser in the compost you don’t need to worry about later feeding. Otherwise you need to feed every week with a liquid fertiliser. Always apply fertiliser to moist compost and at the correct dilution. You can apply more frequently at weaker strength but do not apply strong fertiliser or it can damage the roots.
Deadheading is important too. Not only does removing the old flowers keep your garden looking neat it stops the plants making seeds so they keep blooming.
