How to plant a pot

Planting technique is key when growing plants in containers. Here's how to get good results...

● Make sure your pot is clean - a quick scrub will prevent diseases infecting your display.

● A drainage hole is necessary to stop your plants from drowning. If your pot is terracotta, or the plants enjoy moist conditions, line the pot with a plastic bag to help retain water, but cut holes in it, to prevent waterlogging.

● Next, cover the drainage hole area with an old crock, so excess water has some means of escaping

● Provide a drainage reservoir by adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot.

● Now fill your pot to about halfway with compost, or to a depth where the root ball can be accommodated without standing proud of the rim of the pot. Never use garden soil - it may contain weed seeds. 

● Add your plants -  and trickle the rest of the compost in around the plant, firming it down to ensure they're well-grounded.

● Mix some slow-release fertiliser (fish blood and bone is ideal) and some swell gel into your compost. Swell gels are water-retaining granules that increase in size when watered and then release water back when your plants need it most.

● Finally, add mulch to the surface of the container, leaving at least 1cm (0.5cm) from the top so that, when watering, water doesn't simply spill out.

● A final layer of gravel, glass chippings or cobbles will help prevent water evaporation.

This month's gardening jobs - and lots more tips, advice and inspiration

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