Water-retaining
crystals mean
less watering for
container plants
1
Before you plant the container, add
water-retaining crystals to the potting
soil. These swell up once moist, and
provide plants with an extra reservoir of
water, which helps ensure that they do not
suer during dry spells.
PLANT UP A COLORFUL
CONTAINER
One of the simplest ways of bringing a luxuriant
display of seasonal color into your garden is to plant
up a few pots. Follow these easy guidelines to help
ensure that your displays are attractive and long lasting.
YOU WILL NEED
• potted plants, such as verbena and
petunias, and trailing leaves like ivy
• large container
• potting soil
• water-retaining crystals
• gravel mulch
• watering can
SEE ALSO
• CHOOSING POTTING SOIL >> 18/19
• PREPARING POTS >> 34/35
• CHOOSING FLOWERS >> 54/57
JARGON BUSTER
Mulches are added around the
plants in containers and beds.
They can be biodegradable (e.g.,
garden compost or bark chips)
or non-biodegradable (e.g., gravel or
sea shells). Mulches are used to help
prevent moisture loss from soil and
to suppress weeds.
US_036-037_PlantColourfulContainer.indd 36 07/09/2018 16:31
FLOWERS & FOLIAGE // PLANT UP A COLORFUL CONTAINER 36–37
Firm the soil
gently so it
is level with
the plants
3
Fill around the plants with
potting soil when they are in
their final positions, and ensure you
leave a 2 in (5 cm) gap between the
top of the soil and the rim of the
container, to allow for easy
watering and a layer of gravel.
2
Arrange your selected plants in their original
pots in the container to see how they look—
this way, adjustments can be easily made. When
you are satisfied, remove the plants from their
pots and plant up the container.
4
Spread a
3
/4 in (2 cm) deep gravel layer
over the top of the potting soil as a mulch
to conserve moisture in summer, deter weeds,
and prevent unsightly debris splash when
watering. It makes an attractive finish
to the planting.
US_036-037_PlantColourfulContainer.indd 37 07/09/2018 16:31
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