Is there a website that you would recommend for things like this (is the RHS site more or less pot on)? I find that googling often gives contradictory advice. The best advice I've had is on here but I often feel like a pain and wonder if people are looking at the posts and thinking 'just google it!!'. @Fairygirl
I think this forum is about the best resource you can get. People may give varying opinions about something, but if you need actual experience, you'll get loads of info here. We all have different soils, climates,preferences etc, but you can get that info, and make a good judgement on what to do. Never feel you can't ask a question about a plant.
The RHS site is probably excellent for almost anything though.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You'll probably need to put it into something much bigger though, and with some soil, not just compost if that's what you've done. It dries out more quickly than garden soil, so if you can get some topsoil for it, that'll help as well.
Should I be mixing top soil into all of my pots? I normally use compost, vermiculite and grit.
You need a soil based medium for long term planting in pots, especially for shrubs or anything woody. Grit or perlite is only appropriate for those plants which like sharp drainage - alpines, sedums, lavender - that kind of thing. Compost dries out and disappears, so it's not got enough sustenance for long term planting, but is fine for annuals etc.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Use the best loam based compost you can find - John Innes formula, not Levington's and then mix in some multi-purpose compost to help with moisture retention. Proportions will depend upon the plant.
I always start plant research by googling "RHS+plant name" because, when it does appear in the database it generally includes all the info you need as a guideline - size, aspect, hardiness, soil type, sun, shade etc plus pruning group, propagation tips, any pests and diseases of note.
If it's completely new to to me I'll ask on here too or chat with a new gardening chum from the local plants and gardens club.
As you are growing everything in containers of one sort or another you need the best planting medium you can find and you need to make sure you use ericaceous for those that need it and that you add nutrients every year as planting composts only have enough for 90 days at the most.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Thanks @Obelixx I have been very good at feeding but always wondered if compost was enough on its own. I've ordered a bag of compost and top soil (I'm hoping that's the same thing you and @Fairygirl are talking about). RHS it is then. I'm sure I will be back asking more questions. I have discovered more here than anywhere else. Thank you so much.
BTW - you've both inspired me to run out and rearrange the pots so that the September Charm is in a more shaded spot. The whole yard looks so much better and I have more room......for more pots! @Fairygirl@Obelixx
Posts
Never feel you can't ask a question about a plant.
The RHS site is probably excellent for almost anything though.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Grit or perlite is only appropriate for those plants which like sharp drainage - alpines, sedums, lavender - that kind of thing. Compost dries out and disappears, so it's not got enough sustenance for long term planting, but is fine for annuals etc.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I always start plant research by googling "RHS+plant name" because, when it does appear in the database it generally includes all the info you need as a guideline - size, aspect, hardiness, soil type, sun, shade etc plus pruning group, propagation tips, any pests and diseases of note.
If it's completely new to to me I'll ask on here too or chat with a new gardening chum from the local plants and gardens club.
As you are growing everything in containers of one sort or another you need the best planting medium you can find and you need to make sure you use ericaceous for those that need it and that you add nutrients every year as planting composts only have enough for 90 days at the most.
The one advantage of pots is exactly that - you can move them if they're struggling in any way.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Here is today's view of the yard
Thanks @Obelixx @Fairygirl