Growing Carrots in a Deep Patio Planter
A carrot seedling should not be repeatedly lifted and replanted to improve spacing. Thin early and leave the selected roots undisturbed.
THE GARDEN JOURNAL
The garden journal.
Good growing starts with a little understanding. Find practical ideas for your plants, your patch and your everyday home.
Growing Beetroot in a Container
Beetroot gives an opportunity to thin through harvesting. Remove a few small whole plants so the remaining roots gain room, rather than crowding the planter until all roots are undersized.
Planting Scallions in a Kitchen Garden Pot
For scallions, harvest from scattered positions rather than clearing one end and leaving the other end dense.
Growing Potatoes in a Patio Bag
A potato bag does not need its contents emptied merely because the top looks tired. Consider the variety and whether the intended crop is young potatoes or mature storage tubers.
Planting Strawberries in a Patio Planter
Strawberry crowns need deliberate planting. Roots belong below the mix, but the central growing crown should sit at the surface.
Growing Blueberries in an Acidic Container
Blueberry care begins before the first feed. Check the medium suitability and any available pH information, then consider the alkalinity of the irrigation water.
Keeping a Fig Tree in a Patio Container
A container fig needs a winter plan that suits its cultivar and the local conditions. A dormant tree uses less water than a leafy summer tree but should not be forgotten in a dry sheltered corner.
Caring for a Lemon Tree in a Container
Moving a lemon tree outdoors can change its light far more than the move appears to a person. Start in a sheltered bright position and increase exposure gradually.
Growing a Bay Tree in a Patio Pot
A bay tree shaped as a small standard can become unstable when the mix is dry or the canopy catches wind.
Choosing a Planter for Dwarf Lavender
Lavender benefits from leaving its woody base visible and airy. Avoid filling the container rim with a dense wet mulch that touches the crown.
Growing Geraniums in a Sunny Pot
Pelargonium flower heads should be removed by following the spent stalk back to its connection instead of pulling on surrounding leaves.
Planting Petunias Without Crowding the Basket
A petunia basket can look sparse at planting and still fill properly. Use the spread of the named variety as the guide.
Growing Begonias in a Sheltered Container
Begonia names cover plants with different habits. Check whether the purchase is a wax, tuberous or cane type before deciding on winter treatment or full sun exposure.
Filling a Shaded Pot With Impatiens
Impatiens that wilt in a warm afternoon may recover as temperatures ease, but this should be checked against actual root moisture.
Growing Coleus for Color in a Patio Pot
Coleus can be shaped while the stems are soft. Pinch above a leaf pair and let side shoots develop before taking another substantial cut.
Planting Dwarf Dahlias in Containers
Dahlia buds are rounder than many spent flower heads, so look closely before removing growth. Follow a fading flower stalk back to an appropriate leaf junction.
Growing Nasturtiums in a Patio Pot
A nasturtium grown for a trailing display needs somewhere safe for its stems to go. Guide growth away from steps and do not let the pot become a walkway obstacle.
Growing Calendula in a Container
Calendula often responds to mild seasonal conditions rather than heavy feeding. If flowering slows during intense heat, maintain sensible moisture and assess the next cooler period.