What To Grow - How To Grow It.
Contrary to popular belief, most plants do not naturally enjoy growing in a pot and containers can be the most difficult places to grow plants. The first section of this book takes an in-depth look at the cultivation problems presented by containers and the special care requirements needed to overcome them: drainage, evaporation and watering; compost, soil depth, nutrients and feeding; plant support and staking, winter protection and pests and diseases.
Once you've mastered the essentials of successful cultivation, the next challenge is to create a beautiful display that will complement your patio, porch, balcony etc. The next section looks at all aspects of designing with containers: the different shapes, sizes and materials that containers come in; matching the right plants to the right type of container; plant combinations and changing displays for year-round colour - with special sections on hanging baskets, barrel ponds, permanent planting and growing edibles.
The main part of the book is a comprehensive directory of every plant you could conceivable grow in a container. Each entry includes a visual chart listing the best varieties and indicating when to plant, length of flowering season, spread, height, moisture requirements and hardiness.
Features:
- Extensive cross-referencing of plants that combine well together
- Up-to-date look at all the more exotic plants now being grown in containers
- Specially designed care and varieties tables - allowing at-a-glance reference
- Pests and diseases examined in a troubleshooting format
