Small-space gardening Bring your containers to life with seasonal ideas from our columnist Isabelle Palmer, The Balcony Gardener CROP OF THE MONTH
Mini cucumbers
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ast year, I grew cucumber ‘Picolino’ (half-length mini cucumbers) in my pots and it was one of the most successful crops I’ve had. First, a tip: don’t grow from seed. For years, I’ve started with plug plants, which are pre-grown, young plants, either seedlings or cuttings grown in trays or single units. This cucumber variety is delivered from April, so get ordering now (try brooksidenursery.co.uk). If you don’t have a greenhouse, wait and plant plug plants outside when the risk of frost has passed and the weather has warmed up. Until then, keep them in pots under cover or on a sunny windowsill. You will be able to pick them from July. Water and feed little and often, keeping the soil moist to ensure a crisp, crunchy crop. Delicious.
THIS YEAR IT’S ALL ABOUT HOUSEPLANTS AND NATURAL GARDENS
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ome gardening styles never fall out of favour, but the dawn of a new year is a good time to check out the latest trends and freshen up your space for the months ahead. At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year, most of the gardens focused on a streamlined aesthetic and the use of natural products. There was a real sense of nature’s warmer hues making a comeback – think of wicker, wood, grasses and rusting metals. But the new garden trends aren’t just about neutrals – moody hues, dark pink, purple, silver and orange are also set to be popular for 2022. Bring the style into your space with asters, salvias and a plethora of soft-toned ornamental
grasses along with dahlias and gladioli: it’s an easy way to create a fantastic display. Gaura will be a big player too, which is good news as it has a long flowering period and adds to the diversity of small-space container gardening. Houseplants continue to be key for 2022. Big varieties, such as rubber plants, bird of paradise and banana plants are my hot tip. Try growing cuttings in water dotted around the house in glass vases – they look beautiful. My other prediction for the next big thing. You heard it here first. Turn the page for Isabelle’s list of plants to grow for the new year. Follow her on Instagram @thebalconygardener
» Coconut fibre is durable enough to line hanging baskets and containers – ideal if you have large or unusual shaped planters. Just cut to size.
Flexi coco liner, £10.99 (1m x 0.5m), crocus.co.uk House Beautiful FEBRUARY 2022 143
