Containers - May

Plant up hanging baskets and patio containers using J Arthur Bower’s Tub & Basket Compost or Moisture Control Compost. Put a thick layer of polystyrene chunks or even old wine corks in the bottom of pots and tubs as this will improve the drainage. Try to protect the pots if a late frost is forecast. Remember that Tub & Basket Compost contains enough feed to last 4-6 weeks – after that time is up you’ll need to use J Arthur Bower’s Tub & Basket Liquid Plant Food.

When planting out your bedding plants (whether bought or home-grown) watch out for fat creamy coloured vine weevil grubs, which may be lurking in the rootballs. Vine weevil has become a common and devastating pest over the past few years - the grubs eat the roots of plants and kill them. Tease out the roots of each plant and knock off some of the compost so you can have a good look. Any grubs you find can be put on the bird table, otherwise squash them.

There’s still time to plant up an alpine sink or trough. Lay fine mesh netting over the container base and fill the bottom quarter of the container with J Arthur Bower’s Washed Gravel. Make up a planting mixture of equal parts J Arthur Bower’s Premium Top Soil or John Innes No. 1; your favourite J Arthur Bower’s or New Horizon Multi-Purpose Compost and J Arthur Bower’s Coarse Grit. Fill the container to within 4cm. of the top. And it’s ready for planting. Try to choose small, slow-growing plants, otherwise your trough will quickly be swamped. Water thoroughly and top dress with 1cm. of J Arthur Bower’s Coarse Grit.