October
Baskets
and Tubs For Winter
Out with the Old
Early in October, clear all tubs, hanging baskets and window boxes of
summer bedding plants. Prior to re-planting with winter and spring
interest plants, replace the compost - old compost can hold disease and viruses.
In With The New
The key plants for containers over winter are evergreens (ivies for
example), spring flowering bulbs, polyanthus, primroses, pansies and
heathers (require an acid compost).
Mixed planting of
crocus, dwarf daffodils and variegated ivy
All
can be planted now. Three easy to grow 'plant groups' are as follows:
Group 1
For colour - polyanthus, primrose, pansies
For fill-in - Variegated ivy (hedera), dwarf conifer
Group 2
For colour - daffodil, crocus, tulips, snowdrops
For fill-in -
Variegated ivy (hedera), dwarf conifer
Click here for a detailed planting plan to maximise flowering period.
Group 3
For colour and interest - Heather (erica). Varieties Springwood White
and Springwood Pink are exceptionally easy for beginners. Requires acid
compost.
Example
Planting Plan
The objective of the plan is to provide colour in the tub lasting a month or more. The
planting plan is shown below, followed by the key to numbers.
1. Anemone blanda
Flowers February, planting depth 3cm
2.
Crocus
Flowers March, planting depth 4cm
3.
Iris reticulata
Flowers February, planting depth 8cm
4.
Daffodil (miniature)
Flowers March, planting depth 12cm
5.
Iris danfordiae
Flowers February, planting depth 15cm
6.
Hyacinth
Flowers April, planting depth 15cm.
Plant
up the container in early October, using moist potting compost. Do not
allow the compost to dry out, but ensure that the container has drainage
holes.
Keep
It Simple
Mixing plant types in containers can produce spectacular winter and
spring flowering displays. But beginners may want to keep planting to
the easiest subjects. A simple planting of daffodils in a container will
still provide a burst of colour in the spring which is well
worthwhile. Having success with a simple planting plan in the
first year may well lead to more ambitious plans in the next year.
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