Containers - November

• For a splash of colour plant a container with some of the colourful ornamental cabbages now available or winter-flowering heathers. The heathers, varieties of Erica carnea prefer an ericaceous compost.

• Tulips make a fabulous display in containers. For maximum impact grow no more than two colours in one pot. Pairs of pots either side of a door look stylish. Make sure you put plenty of drainage material in the base of the pot – such as broken pieces of polystyrene, or old wine corks – then fill with J Arthur Bower’s Multi-Purpose Compost with Added John Innes. For best results plant the bulbs 15cm. (6 inches) deep.

• If you have cordylines or other tender shrubs in pots protect them from winter frosts. Remember that some terracotta pots are not frost-resistant and should be stored through the winter.

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