Author Description

Container gardening is the fastest growing area of gardening and is accessible to almost everyone, but getting plants to thrive in a container can be a tricky business! This new title in the Practical Gardener series will show you how to get your containers blooming, from the height of summer to the depths of winter. 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 conceivably 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. In addition, quick-access care charts provide a hit list of care requirements and problems to look out for. Contents include:; Introduction -- cultivating with containers; Planting Up; Aftercare -- watering, feeding, support, winter protection; Types of Containers; Planting Combinations; Year-round Displays; Hanging Baskets, Barrel Ponds, Permanent Planting, Growing Edibles; A-Z of Container Plants; Troubleshooting; Pests and Diseases