BOMBORA POTS

Five tips to create the perfect potted garden

By Mike Donsen, Bombora Pots and Grow Better

Pots have grown in popularity with gardeners and designers taking advantage of unique designs, colours and modern trends to transform even the smallest of gardens. Potted plants and flowers can add appeal to any garden, but they can also serve a practical purpose too.

Potted gardens are ideal for small spaces like patios and decks, or they can be used to add versatility and interest to larger gardens. And of course, you can move your pots to make the most of the seasonal weather.

A picture-perfect potted garden can be yours when you follow these simple tips.

1. Choosing your plants

The choice is yours; herbs, vegetables, perennials and annuals, will all thrive in pots. Check out how your plants look in the pot prior to purchase. Be careful not to overfill your pot with plants, if it’s overcrowded growth can be stunted above and below the soil. A variety of plants can add height, colour and textural interest. Choose plants that have the same climactic needs and be sure to choose plants that are suited to the location of the pot.

2. Choosing your pots

Matching colours of pots when grouping creates consistency, alternatively create interest and contrast by using lighter pots against darker backgrounds and vice versa. Keep in mind that the larger the pot, the less you will need to water and always make sure it has holes in the bottom to allow extra water to drain out.

3. Use a top-quality potting mix

Fill your plant pots with a quality commercial potting mix. Your plant may be in this pot for between 1–3 years so the quality of the mix will determine its success and vigour. Do not compress the potting mix, this will remove necessary air pockets. And don’t overpot your plant, this will mean it holds more water than the plant can take and will create problems with root rot.

4.Potting your plants

Gentle squeeze around the sides of the plant container to loosen the root ball enough to slide out – avoid tugging on the plant itself to pull it out. Set them on the potting mix so that the top of their root balls are still a couple of inches below the rim of your pot – this will make it easier for you to water. Fill in around them with more potting mix, but keep your plants’ stems no deeper in soil than when they were in their nursery containers. Water to help the soil settle in and add more soil if needed so that all roots are covered.

5. Caring for your plants

Potted plants need to be watered regularly; making sure that the soil never completely dries out. They also benefit from fertilisation thought the year. Keep a close eye on them in summer, in extreme heat they often need daily watering. Consider spreading a layer of mulch to retain moisture. And prune back plants that get leggy or stop blooming.

Bombora Pots offers a range of contemporary planters for your courtyard, balcony and garden setting.

Grow Better Garden Products was started in 1991 and has been servicing the horticultural industry ever since.