Getting on with Growing in Containers a Guide for People Who Have Sight Loss Introduction
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Getting on with growing in containers A guide for people who have sight loss Introduction Welcome to this practical and inspirational guide to growing in containers, which has been produced by Thrive and RNIB with support from the Big Lottery Fund. The guide is written for people who have sight loss – whether you are new to gardening, or are more experienced. The methods described have been tried-and-tested by people who have sight loss and, in many of the sections, you’ll find top tips from members of the National Blind Gardeners’ Club. Why use containers? Growing in containers can provide an exciting, flexible and manageable way of growing an extensive range of plants whatever the size of your gardening space. You can position them in sun or shade; use them at different heights to make the most of the space, or adjust them to your own working level. Container growing makes it easy to introduce seasonal plantings, or to create a design theme. Your containers can also make growing much more accessible if you have sight loss, as the plants or vegetable crops are easy to find, weed and reach. No heavy digging or weeding is required. Containers are also ideal for creating different soil conditions according to the needs of your plants. So whether you fancy a few herbs growing on your windowsill, or a profusion of flowering plants and vegetables, fruit, shrubs, or trees, you can make it happen using containers. In the section on getting started, we cover choosing a container and the many types and materials available, from pots to kit-form raised 2 Introduction beds. We take you through the stages of choosing your growing medium, arranging plants and planting up. Vital maintenance – watering, feeding, plant support, potting-on, protection and pests and diseases are also covered here. Then we move on to some ideas for what to plant. The ornamental container planting chapters are bursting with ideas for the seasons, colour schemes, design themes and more. Step-by-step planting recipes for different containers are interspersed with plenty of tips. The chapter on growing vegetables in containers includes suggestions for selecting suitable varieties, and how many plants to grow for optimum results. Chapters on growing fruit in containers, herbs, or how to grow trees and shrubs in this way, are rounded off with some creative display ideas for houseplants. See the appendices for a year planner, a useful glossary of terms, equipment and suppliers, contacts and further support from Thrive. For any further, in-depth information on any aspect of gardening, consult the Thrive/RNIB books Getting on with Gardening and Getting on with growing food , or visit: www.carryongardening.org.uk With special thanks to all the gardeners who have sight loss – and others – who have shared their container gardening tips with us, including contributors to Come Gardening , the National Blind Gardeners’ Club magazine. We hope that the ideas will inspire you to have a go at growing in containers in all shapes and sizes – be it flowers, vegetables or fruit. We hope you enjoy your container gardening! 3 Contents Getting started 6 Top tips to make growing in containers easier 7 Choosing a container 9 Planting your container 17 Maintaining your container 23 Planting ideas 31 Ornamental container planting by season 32 Ornamental container planting by colour and scent 40 Ornamental containers design ideas 45 Trees and shrubs in containers 49 Herbs in containers 51 Vegetables in containers 55 Fruit in containers 69 Houseplants in containers 78 4 Contents Appendices 82 1: A year in container gardening 83 2: Glossary 86 3: Tools and equipment 92 4: Support from Thrive 103 5: Contacts for more information 105 5 Getting started Top tips to make growing in containers easier Containers can be placed at different levels, so that you can sit to garden, or avoid bending. Save the work of lifting bulbs or tender plants by planting them in pots or wire baskets in the border. You will find it easier to water containers if you group them together. Water-retaining granules can really save on watering, and slow -release fertilizer is an easy way to feed. Taking care Make sure that there is good access all round your containers so that you can reach them comfortably. Decide what works best for you – high beds, such as raised beds, that bring the soil surface close, or lower beds and containers that you can reach with longer handled tools. Container plants need a lot more watering and feeding than plants in the ground. If you have lots of containers, you might want to look into automatic watering systems. Hanging baskets are best hung using a Hi-Lo pulley to avoid reaching up to tend them. Don’t be tempted to try to lift heavy pots by hand. Save straining your back by using a pot-mover trolley. Make sure that wall planters are securely fixed and are not likely to be walked into. 7 Top tips to make growing in containers easier Hints and tips Plastic containers hold moisture better than clay or earthenware and you can line hanging baskets with plastic to retain moisture. A layer of gravel or shingle on the top of the compost will improve drainage through the pot and reduce weeds. In excessively wet weather, place containers in the shelter of a wall where they are less likely to become waterlogged. Interesting trellis and plant supports extend the range of plants you can grow in containers and can act as useful screens. 8 Choosing a container The size of your containers will depend on the space you have, and what you intend to grow in them. Slightly raised beds, such as kit-form planters made in recycled plastic or wood, are a practical option for growing vegetables or flowers on the patio or in the garden. Or if you prefer the look or convenience of pots and tubs, you’ll find these in all sizes and shapes. Bear in mind that you can use shelving or stands to raise your pots higher so that you can reach them more easily, or to show plants at a range of heights. Some manufacturers produce their own ready -made display systems. Stacking pots are another option, to give a range of openings at different heights. Matching the eventual size of plants to the size of your container is the first step. Shallow-rooted plants that prefer dry conditions, such as some of the sedums, can tolerate fairly shallow containers. In the main though, the deeper the container the better, as this will help to provide a reservoir of moisture and nutrients for your plants. In general, avoid using pots that are less than 23cm (9-inches) in diameter and deep, as these will dry out far too quickly in hot weather. Containers must be large enough to prevent them blowing over in high winds. Depending on size, most containers are moveable, especially if mounted on pot trolleys. 9 Choosing a container Container materials Your choice will depend on what you like, the cost, and what will suit your garden. Brightly coloured pots or sleek zinc planters can suit a modern garden design; terracotta, wood, stone-look and woven hazel edged planters sit naturally in a cottage garden. Recycled ideas and novelty pots can give a quirky twist to your outdoor space. Clay pots look very good, and if want to choose these, pick glazed or frost-proof pots, and line them with plastic to avoid evaporation. Plastic and polypropylene containers are lightweight, inexpensive and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. But cheap plastic can crack. Galvanised tin or zinc containers have a modern feel, are light, and the colour works well with many schemes. Fibreglass is lightweight, generally durable, but is expensive, and can splinter. Lightweight fibre containers in paper pulp or coir, which come in all styles, including window boxes, are light, inexpensive, but not long -lasting. Wrought iron or open steelwork planters are increasingly popular, and are sometimes supplied with fibre ‘inners’ that can be replaced as needed. Wooden planters look attractive and are fairly inexpensive. They will need a coat of preservative every year or so to prevent them from deteriorating, and should be lined with plastic to prevent any soil contamination from the preservative. A wooden half barrel would be ideal for planting a small fruit tree or fruit bush. Some elegant wooden planters are now available with integral trellis or obelisk supports. Reconstituted stone and concrete containers come in all shapes and sizes and are often interestingly textured. They are also very heavy and extremely durable. 10 Choosing a container Novelty planters – often in reconstituted stone or terracotta – in various quirky designs – such as a head, where the foliage becomes ‘hair’ – can add interest and be used as focal points. Don’t forget that grow bags and grow-sacks can be a very useful, inexpensive solution, particularly for vegetables. Using recycled items, like re-using household and other items as containers, is environmentally sound, can save you money and create something that is original. Recycled ideas include: old butlers sinks, old tin baths, chimney pots, buckets, watering cans, old boots, basins, kettles and pans. Make drainage holes, or use a pot inside the container. Large catering-size tin cans can also be re-used. Make some drainage holes in the base, fold masking tape around the bare rim and then paint with emulsion paint for a bright planter. Old tyres can also be re-used as planters. You can paint them with emulsion and stack as necessary to make higher beds.