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Any idea what I could grow in this pot by the door - North facing very shaded

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  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I always line with black compost sacks,  make a few holes in the bag about 2 inches  up from the bottom and it will hold water for longer than if the hole is directly in line with the pot’s hole. 
    I agree with a fern,  they seem to grow in no soil, so a small pot will do.
    if you have to change it in a couple of years just oik it out and replant. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Do people think a "Arachnoides Aristata Variegata" would work in the terracotta pot in the first photo?

  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Or any of these ...
    Polystichum Polyblepharum
    Blechnum Spicant
    Dryopteris Atrata Cycadina
    Blechnum spicant
    T&M Fern Ghost Painted Fern
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    The pot is quite small -
    22cm x 16cm at widest points, and 16cm deep
  • Pink678 said:
    Do people think a "Arachnoides Aristata Variegata" would work in the terracotta pot in the first photo?

    I'd choose this one from your list, it's the smallest and most interesting for a shady place.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Thanks so much Plantminded
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    edited September 2023
    I have got the Arachnoides Aristata Variegata and am just about to plant it out.
    I'm planning to line the pot with thick black plastic, cut from a heavy duty rubbish sack.
    I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on the best soil to use?
    I have a big tub with about 3/4 soil, 1/4 sand, and a little touch of bone meal (organic root building) and little touch of miracle grow all purpose plant food, which I mixed up for something else.  Would this be a good medium, or would something else be better ...
    I have all-purpose compost, more sand, and some small stones like gravel.
    Like Lyn mentioned above, I could make a few holes a couple of inches up the sides in the plastic lining, not at the bottom?
    Not sure if I should put some broken pottery pieces at the bottom of the pot or not.
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    Online one site says it needs "Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil".
    I am thinking maybe to use 1/2 soil from the garden and 1/2 multipurpose compost, and mix a small amount of tiny stones in (a bit larger than gravel, it's what I happen to have).
    Maybe not add the Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food to the soil.
    I am guessing though.
    Any tips much appreciated for the best soil for a fern.
  • Pink678Pink678 Posts: 498
    ... going to start a new topic with fern in the title ...
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Not terribly ornamental but I would think mint might be a good choice. I have some peppermint in a pot that gets no direct sun and it's very happy.
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