Containers add instant colour anywhere — but they need a little more care than the ground. Here's how to keep pots thriving.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
Pots and containers are brilliant for adding colour to patios, balconies and anywhere there's no soil. They do need a bit more attention than in-ground plants — but follow a few rules and they'll flourish.
Good drainage is everything — containers need drainage holes and a free-draining compost. Match the pot size to the plant; too small dries out fast, too large can sit wet. A quality multi-purpose compost gives the best start.
Potted plants dry out far faster than those in the ground, especially in summer and in small pots. Check regularly, water thoroughly until it drains, and consider a saucer, self-watering pot or a little mulch to cut down on how often.
Because they're confined, container plants run out of food quickly. A regular liquid feed through the growing season, or slow-release granules mixed into the soil, keeps them flowering and growing strongly.
Once a season, refresh tired compost, trim back spent growth and give the roots a little more room if they're pot-bound. Perennials can often be split and repotted, giving you new plants for free.
From garden maintenance to a full planting-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
