Caring for Pots and Containers in Summer
Once you have planted up your pots all it takes is a little regular care and attention for the plants to flourish and flower all summer right up to the autumn frosts.
The compost in a container should not be allowed to dry out completely, so check daily in warm summer weather. Watering is best done in early morning or late afternoon. Soak the compost well and avoid splashing the foliage in bright sunshine or it may scorch.
There is a limited amount of compost and therefore nutrients in a container, and the more plants there are and the quicker they are growing the more rapidly they will exhaust the nutrients, so regular feeding is essential.
Feed summer tubs from May to September whenever you water with Nutri All Purpose Plant Food. Alternatively push Nutri Slow Release Tablets into pots, baskets and containers. One application will feed your plants for up to 6 months.
Feed summer container displays containing roses and other flowering shrubs every 2-4 weeks during peak growing season with Rose & Shrub Plant Food.
Good hygiene is important for healthy plants, so remove dead flowers and foliage, along with any weeds. Deadheading will also stimulate more flower production.
Turn the pot occasionally to encourage even growth, and prune to keep a balanced shape. Some plants will finish flowering before others, some may not grow as well, and some will even grow too well. Rather than leave them to spoil the show, simply replace them with healthy young plants.
A mulch around plants in a container will help conserve water, keep down weeds and look decorative. Try Decorative Mini Bark or Garden Gravel.
Check plants for pests and diseases. Aphids suck sap causing the leaves to yellow and pucker. They also leave a sticky “honeydew” residue that encourages sooty mould. Plant Rescue kills aphids and other bugs on contact. It is a long lasting systemic protection and contains fertiliser for healthy plant growth.
If you are going away on holiday move your containers to a shady sheltered area. Feed, water and deadhead the plants before you leave and try to arrange for someone to water them regularly.
