AS the average garden decreases in size, more and more plants are being grown in containers rather than in the ground. This has advantages, particularly if you are renting, because you can take your plants with you when you move. You can also control the size of the plant by restricting the roots, and you can place the containers wherever you choose, bringing them forward when they look good and retiring them into the background as they fade off, or standing them by a door where there is no scope for planting into the ground.
Useful for specific soil needs
Even if you have a border to plant into, pots allow you to grow plants that need particular growing conditions that your garden may not provide, such as acid soil. For acid-loving plants such as camellias, rhododendrons and blueberries, containers may be the only viable option.
The downside
In other respects, gardening in containers is more challenging than soil. A plant in a container is totally dependent on you for water, food and protection, while plants in the garden soil can use their roots to forage for food and water, as well as gradually adjusting to their surroundings.
The answer
Esta historia es de la edición March 19, 2022 de Amateur Gardening.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 19, 2022 de Amateur Gardening.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters