As gardens become smaller and apartment living more popular, many people are growing plants in containers to decorate patios and balconies. Three of the most useful kinds of container are: Window boxes, hanging baskets, large planters.
The style and material used in their construction should fit in with the proposed environment.Wood, reconstituted stone and terracotta are suitable for older houses but good quality plastic, fibreglass and concrete may be more suitable for modern homes.
Compost for Containers
Ordinary garden soil is unsuitable for containers and special compost, either loam-based (i.e. soil based) or loamless is needed. Loam-based compost can be bought from garden centres (as John Innes mixtures) or made up at home. Four parts of sterilised loam can be mixed with 2 parts of peat and 1 part of sharp sand. It is important to use a good quality loam that is rich in organic matter and not heavy and sticky like clay soil nor light and gritty like sand.
Peat based compost is light and easy to handle. Because it is light, containers are less stable and may blow over. Conversely, where weight is a problem e.g. in window boxes or roof gardens, peat is the preferred compost. Coir or bark may be used instead of loam or peat-based composts but results tend to be more variable.
Preparation for PlantingWindow Boxes
Window boxes made from softwood must be treated with a plantsafe wood preservative before planting. The box should be fixed in place on the sill before filling and planting. Secure fixing is especially important for boxes on upstairs windows. Boxes must be at least 20 cm deep and 20 cm wide to prevent plants from drying out too quickly. Cover drainage holes with small stones, crocks or fine mesh to prevent blockage. If weight is not a problem add a 2cm layer of gravel as an aid to rapid drainage and partially fill with compost.
Hanging Baskets
A hanging basket can weigh over 20 kg when planted so that it is important to ensure that the supporting hook or bracket is secure. To facilitate filling the traditional wire basket with compost, the round bottom should be supported in a bucket or large pot. A 2 cm layer of moist sphagnum peat should be used to cover the interior of the basket. A liner, placed in the open basket before filling with compost, is essential to reduce watering. Pre-formed liners are available for standard-sized baskets in a range of material including plastic, coconut fibre and bitumen paper.Waterproof liners greatly reduce the need for watering especially in summer. A small saucer can be placed at the bottom of the container to serve as a small water-holding reservoir. Compost is added to the basket during the planting operation.
Large Containers
If large pots, troughs or barrels are used, these should be slightly raised above the ground using small blocks or bricks. This aids free drainage, prolongs the life of wooden containers and reduces the risk of entry of soil pests. Place a five cm layer of small stones or broken brick at the base of the container to aid drainage and top up with compost.
Bord Bia It’s Garden Time
With thanks to Bord Bia for this article. For more information on Bord Bia and for further gardening tips and advice, visit http://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/gardening/itsgardentime/pages/gardentips.aspx
Compost for Containers
Ordinary garden soil is unsuitable for containers and special compost, either loam-based (i.e. soil based) or loamless is needed. Loam-based compost can be bought from garden centres (as John Innes mixtures) or made up at home. Four parts of sterilised loam can be mixed with 2 parts of peat and 1 part of sharp sand. It is important to use a good quality loam that is rich in organic matter and not heavy and sticky like clay soil nor light and gritty like sand.
Peat based compost is light and easy to handle. Because it is light, containers are less stable and may blow over. Conversely, where weight is a problem e.g. in window boxes or roof gardens, peat is the preferred compost. Coir or bark may be used instead of loam or peat-based composts but results tend to be more variable.
Preparation for Planting
Window Boxes
Window boxes made from softwood must be treated with a plantsafe wood preservative before planting. The box should be fixed in place on the sill before filling and planting. Secure fixing is especially important for boxes on upstairs windows. Boxes must be at least 20 cm deep and 20 cm wide to prevent plants from drying out too quickly. Cover drainage holes with small stones, crocks or fine mesh to prevent blockage. If weight is not a problem add a 2cm layer of gravel as an aid to rapid drainage and partially fill with compost.
Hanging Baskets
A hanging basket can weigh over 20 kg when planted so that it is important to ensure that the supporting hook or bracket is secure. To facilitate filling the traditional wire basket with compost, the round bottom should be supported in a bucket or large pot. A 2 cm layer of moist sphagnum peat should be used to cover the interior of the basket. A liner, placed in the open basket before filling with compost, is essential to reduce watering. Pre-formed liners are available for standard-sized baskets in a range of material including plastic, coconut fibre and bitumen paper.Waterproof liners greatly reduce the need for watering especially in summer. A small saucer can be placed at the bottom of the container to serve as a small water-holding reservoir. Compost is added to the basket during the planting operation.
Large Containers
If large pots, troughs or barrels are used, these should be slightly raised above the ground using small blocks or bricks. This aids free drainage, prolongs the life of wooden containers and reduces the risk of entry of soil pests. Place a five cm layer of small stones or broken brick at the base of the container to aid drainage and top up with compost.
Bord Bia It’s Garden Time
With thanks to Bord Bia for this article. For more information on Bord Bia and for further gardening tips and advice, visit http://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/gardening/itsgardentime/pages/gardentips.aspx 
