If we were busy in autumn and planted our patio pots then we will be enjoying lots of colour now and over the next few months. But, thinking ahead, what should we do when the flowers fade and what should we plant next?
Most of my containers are changed twice a year. I remove the spring plants in early May and replant with summer flowers and replant again in October. It is a ritual that is as certain as Easter and Christmas. For this reason I use multipurpose compost or multipurpose compost mixed with up to a third of John Innes compost. I do not use garden soil because it would introduce weeds and pests.
I can’t afford to replace the compost every time I plant but multipurpose composts decompose in the pot and cannot be re-used indefinitely. The nutrients don’t last long either so extra feeding is necessary.
I usually replace all the compost every 12 months or 18 months and replace the top third at each planting in between. But, every time I replant, I mix controlled-release fertiliser to the full depth of the pot. Then I put fresh compost on top. The compost I remove is added to my raised beds or garden beds to improve the soil.
It is important that any bulbs in the pots are allowed to grow on after flowering. When the flowers fade, I deadhead them but allow the leaves to grow. If there are other flowers, such as violas, they will carry on blooming right into May. I often use small shrubs in winter pots and these will also need watering and feeding. Then I carefully move them into the garden when I disassemble the pots ready for summer planting. Daffodils and tulips are then carefully lifted and dried off when the leaves start to die down.
Keep the plants watered. Once plants are growing strongly, from late March, I apply a liquid feed once a week. There are lots of types you can use but, for most purposes and plants, a tomato fertiliser is fine.
If you have permanent plants in pots, such as camellias and other shrubs, any bulbs underplanted in the pots can be left for many years. But only use John Innes compost for permanent plantings, not multipurpose. Sprinkle a controlled-release fertiliser around these too to help feed the shrubs.
If you have empty pots or gaps in plantings, you can add primroses, violas, pansies and pots of ranunculus now because they will withstand a little frost. It is too early to be thinking about petunias and real summer plantings. In the next month or so look for Senneti in vibrant pink, purple and blue. These are wonderful for their instant colour and they will withstand low temperatures, bringing colour to patio pots. They don’t last forever but they are perfect for a quick patio make-over.
And if you need more information, there is a book I can recommend:
It has all the information you need to keep your plants healthy and I know the author personally.
And don’t forget that British Summer Time starts today!
Weekly jobs
Finish pruning roses and late-summer flowering shrubs like buddleias
Complete winter digging veg areas so you are ready to sow
Buy seeds and seed-sowing equipement
Lift and divide perennials and snowdrops
Watch for lily beetles as lilies show through the soil