Growing Sweet Alyssum Around a Planter Edge
Sweet alyssum can form a dense mat over the rim. Lift a section gently when checking the mix so that a dry surface is not missed beneath the flowers.
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 Dwarf Sunflowers in Pots
Choose dwarf sunflowers by the named expected height and branching habit. A short single stem variety and a branching variety fill a pot differently.
Building a Succulent Bowl That Actually Drains
A succulent bowl should have compatible plants before it has matching colors. A shade preferring plant placed beside a sun demanding rosette creates a care conflict even if both tolerate dry mix.
Choosing a Safe Balcony Planter Position
Before filling a balcony planter, confirm where every drop of drainage will go and whether the building permits the proposed container and support.
Preventing a Black Pot From Overheating
Shade the wall of an overheating pot without automatically shading all the plant foliage. A ventilated outer screen or a different position may reduce root heat while retaining useful sun.
Watering a Hanging Basket Evenly
A hanging basket should be checked at a safe height. If it cannot be reached comfortably, arrange a suitable lowering system or a different hook position before planting.
Rewetting Potting Mix After It Dries Hard
When water runs down the side of a dry pot, rewet the root ball gradually and confirm that moisture reached the center.
Repotting a Rootbound Patio Plant
Confirm root crowding before repotting, choose a modest increase in pot size and check moisture inside the old root ball afterward.
Refreshing an Established Container Without Full Repotting
Top dressing is a surface refresh for a container whose deeper structure still works. Stop if removal would cut through a dense network of important roots.
Planning Containers for a Short Trip Away
Test holiday watering while you are still present. Observe at least one full watering and drying period so a helper or device can be adjusted.
Overwintering an Outdoor Container Plant
Winter protection needs to leave drainage functional. A sheltered position that catches roof runoff can be wetter than the open patio, while a fully covered spot may become too dry.
Combining Plants With Similar Water Needs
Design a mixed pot around its most important growing requirements.
Making a Container Garden Easy to Reach
An accessible planter should be tested with an empty pot and the actual watering equipment before the heavy mix is added.
Choosing Potting Mix Instead of Garden Soil
Choose a growing medium intended for containers. The best bag depends on the plant, pot depth and the way you can maintain moisture.
Pinching Sweet Basil for a Fuller Kitchen Harvest
Cut basil above a healthy pair of leaves, keep enough foliage for recovery and let the new side shoots develop before harvesting again.
Giving Thai Basil Room to Branch
Thai basil can develop strong stems that make a small crowded pot unstable. Keep the original branching plan in mind and harvest from more than one side.
Growing Lemon Basil Through a Warm Season
Lemon basil is often most useful as a series of warm season plants. If an old specimen has become dominated by flowers and woody stems, start a replacement while the weather still suits germination.
Keeping Greek Basil Compact in a Small Pot
Greek basil is naturally compact, so it does not need to be packed into a crowded decorative cup. Leave drainage and some usable root space.