How to: Plant a container

In a small space, on a windowsill or in clusters around a patio, containers can add colour, scent and even food to your garden.

There’s no right or wrong time to plant a container, they can look fantastic through the whole year!

You will need the following:

  • A pot, container, window box or tub
  • Crocks (pot shards, broken polystyrene or gravel)
  • ‘Tub and Container’ compost
  • A trowel
  • Your choice of plants
  • You may also want to use:
  • Pot feet to help with drainage
  • Slow release feed granules
  • Water retaining gel
  • Bark chippings or ornamental gravel

How to plant your pot…

  1. Place crocks (or equivalent) in the base of the pot to help water drain from the soil, and add a layer of compost
  2. In their pots, position your chosen plants in the container to plan where they will look their best, we would suggest the following:
    1. Choose a ‘Thriller’ – You want one main plant to sit in the centre of your pot, our favourite is a Coldcrest Conifer as it’s great for colour, texture and height. Cordyline is also a good choice for adding colour. Alternatively a small Euonymus, or Hebe will provide a good focal point
    2. Choose your ‘Filler’ – If you’re planting your pot in Spring then we would recommend Erysimum Bowles’ Mauve as it will give colour through the Summer. We also love upright geraniums or bush Lobelia with their abundance of flowers
    3. Add your ‘Spiller’ – A few ivies will trail down over the edge of the pot, if you would prefer to add more flowers then Surfinia, trailing Lobelia or Million Bells will be a great addition
  3. Tap each plant out of its pot and plant it in its new home. Fill the spaces around the root with compost
  4. Firm it all down with your hands and then give it a good water
  5. Water and feed regularly for great results