WhatToGrow - June 2024

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Welcome to the June edition of WhatToGrow.

This marks the start of our monthly publications and our progress to eventually going to print!

June heralds the start of summer, let’s just hope the weather improves. Our gardens are approaching their most vibrant and bountiful stage.

This month, our gardens demand a mix of tender care, strategic planning, and joyful celebration of nature’s beauty. From blossoming flowers to thriving vegetables, June is the perfect time to dive into the joy of gardening activities that promise rewarding results.

So grab your gloves and join us as we embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities in your garden.

Once again thank you to our contributors for all your efforts.

Keep gardening!

This edition 5

Jenny’s 2024 RHS Chelsea flower show highlights

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Summer bedding plants ideas: Modern formal

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Summer bedding plants ideas: Informal

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Preparing garden borders & planting out summer bedding plants

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Care and maintenance of a summer bedding scheme plants UK

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Jobs for the garden in June

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Seeds to sow in June

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Beautiful biennials to sow in June

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Acers - do they grow better in pots or the ground?

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Joys of planting your own summer hanging basket

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E-gardeners

Amaryllis Hardiness Remember, Amaryllis bulbs are not very frosthardy. While they can tolerate a light frost, prolonged freezing temperatures can be fatal. In colder climates, container planting and indoor winter storage are your best bets for enjoying their beauty year after year

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Jenny’s 2024 RHS Chelsea flower show highlights 2024 Chelsea was my favourite Chelsea Flower Show to date! (I’ve been to 2021 and 2022 prior to this year).

The first thing to say was WOW – The wide variety of colour and planting in the gardens was amazing, the flower marquee was exceptional this year, there really was something for everyone, here are my 3 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Highlights and why.

1. She Grows Veg – Beautiful Heirloom Veg Seed Specialists – www.shegrowsveg.com Founded by Lucy Hutchinson and Kate Cotteril in 2023 this powerhouse duo bring the most exciting, bold and beautiful seeds you ever did see!

Their first year at RHS Chelsea did not disappoint, their exhibition in the flower marquee was exquisite, veg in gold picture frames like renaissance art was breathtaking and a huge gold picture frame to frame yourself in glorious veg and flower art for the perfect selfie moment was a joy and so much fun!

Here I am with a fabulous veg and flower crown! A few seeds may have been purchased and as I am currently growing several of their seeds at their allotment I can honestly say the germination rates are amazing and these are the plants I am most looking forward to this year.

The SheGrowsVeg story is one founded in a passion for growing and they are on a mission to bring the best of the heirloom seeds to the UK, how lucky we are to have them. Go check them out guys,! (sorry not sorry in advance for the seeds you will no doubt just have to get!). www.shegrowsveg.com

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JENNY WINNARD Freelance Gardening Writer @jenny_ourfamilyallotment

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2. The MOROTO no IE Garden – designed

by Kazuyuki Ishihara This garden inspired me the most with regards to plants, the planting design and overall feel of it with its array of beautiful Acers, running water and green walled sections left me in absolute awe.

Not to mention Queen gently playing in the seating area was pretty epic! Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II is quoted as saying that Kazuhiro is ‘A magician of greenery’ how right she was. One of the best parts, for me, was this secret green walled alleyway at the back of the garden!

Here I am with my beautiful gardening friend Stef Haydon (@ homegrownwiththehaydons on Instagram) feeling like we had stumbled into a secret gardening world.

I will never forget how I felt as I stepped into this space. The buzz of Chelsea noise slipped away and a fine mist of cool air descended upon us and we stepped into a magical green space. Going into this green alleyway was one of my absolute highlights, made even more special by sharing it with a wonderful gardening friend.

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3. The Freedom from Torture ‘A Sanctury for Survivors’ Garden – Designed by John Warland and Emma O’Connell This was a garden that really had quite a profound impact on me as a mental health nurse, a gardener and a human being to be honest.

The design and planting left me quite emotional, chosen plants were ones that can survive the harshest of conditions yet still thrive, bloom and flower, representing the journey some of the survivors have made from some of the most horrific unimaginable torture. I just thought the symbolism was utterly beautiful.

The sweeping softness of the willow, the curves of the seating circling down to the bread oven like a giant hug.

The heart of the garden is the bread making activity, which is a group that the charity engages its service users in. Bringing people together with a common goal, a skill to learn, a place where conversation

is centred around making bread, feeding oneself, nurturing oneself, which massively promotes better mental health.

I was in absolute awe of this garden and the concept behind it, knowing the work this charity does and how this space helps people is so important.

I hope you will go and check them out. www.freedomfromtorture.org

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Amaryllis Hardiness Remember, Amaryllis bulbs are not very frosthardy. While they can tolerate a light frost, prolonged freezing temperatures can be fatal. In colder climates, container planting and indoor winter storage are your best bets for enjoying their beauty year after year

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Summer bedding plants ideas: Modern formal F

ormal summer bedding schemes add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden.

Here are some ideas for modern takes on this classic design:

Colour Palette Monochrome Opt for a single, striking colour for a bold and impactful look. White, red, or purple are popular choices.

Complementary Colours For a vibrant display, choose complementary colours on the colour wheel, like blue and orange, yellow and purple, or red and green.

Analogous Colours Create a harmonious and soothing effect with analogous colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, like yellows, oranges, and reds, or blues, purples, and lavenders.

Plant Choices: Flowers Tall Spikes Add height and drama with towering plants like dahlias (singles or doubles), cannas, or upright fuchsias.

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Rounded Bushes Create a full and structured look with bushy plants like begonias (wax or fibrous), dwarf dahlias, or low-growing salvias.

Clean Lines and Geometric Shapes: Maintain clean lines and geometric shapes when laying out your design for a formal aesthetic.

Trailing Plants Soften the edges of planters and beds with trailing verbena, petunias (single or cascading varieties), or lobelia.

By following these ideas and choosing plants that suit your climate and preferences, you can create a stunning and modern formal summer bedding display that will be the envy of your neighbourhood.

Foliage Texture and Contrast Include plants with interesting foliage textures like dusty miller (silver foliage), purple heart (dark burgundy leaves), or variegated colours for added visual interest.

Design Tips Mass Planting Plant each variety in large blocks or swathes for a cohesive and formal look.

Repeating Patterns Create a sense of order by repeating plant combinations throughout the bed or container.

Edging Define the bed’s perimeter with a low-growing border plant like dwarf boxwood, alyssum, or ornamental grass.

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Summer bedding plants ideas: Informal I

nformal summer bedding schemes are all about creating a relaxed and colourful display in your garden.

Here are some ideas for plant choices to achieve this look:

Flowers for pops of colour

Choose dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.

Cosmos These cheerful daisy-like flowers come in various colours like pink, white, orange, and red and bloom continuously throughout summer, attracting butterflies and pollinators.

Zinnia Another daisy-like flower with a wider range of colours, including vibrant oranges, yellows, purples, and reds. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and tolerate hot weather well.

Spillers and fillers for a full and cascading effect:

Marigolds These cheerful yellow and orange flowers not only add colour but also deter some pests with their strong scent.

Petunias Similar to verbena, cascading petunias add colour and a overflowing effect.

Sunflowers Perfect for adding height and drama to the back of the bed.

Nigella Delicate and airy plants with ferny foliage and soft blue or white flowers followed by decorative seed pods.

Verbena These trailing plants come in various colours and spill beautifully over the edges of beds and containers.

Sweet Alyssum Low-growing plants with tiny white flowers that create a sweet, honeylike fragrance.

Bacopa Tiny white, pink, or lavender flowers on cascading stems that look great in hanging baskets and containers.

Foliage plants for textural contrast

interesting display.

Dusty Miller Silver foliage that adds a cool and calming contrast to vibrant flowers.

Consider the light conditions in your chosen location. Full sun areas will suit most summer bedding plants, while some may tolerate partial shade.

Fiskia Fern-like foliage in various shades of green, burgundy, and chartreuse.

Think about the flowering times of each plant. Stagger planting times to ensure continuous blooms throughout the summer season.

Plectranthus (Swedish Ivy) Cascading green or variegated foliage that adds texture and spills over the edges of containers.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming.

Tips for designing your informal summer bedding scheme: Mix and match plants with different heights, colours, and textures to create a visually

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Preparing garden borders & planting out summer bedding plants Here’s a guide on how to prepare a garden border and plant out your summer bedding plants for a flourishing display:

Planting Your Summer Bedding

Preparing the Border 1. Timing Ideally, prepare your border a few weeks before planting your summer bedding plants.

This allows the soil amendments to settle and improves planting conditions. Avoid working wet soil, as it can become compacted and hinder drainage.

2. Clear the Area Remove any existing plants, weeds, and debris from the border. You can use a hoe or fork to loosen the soil and remove larger weeds.

3. Digging and Amending

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inches) using a spade or fork. This aeration allows for better root growth and drainage.

4. Enrich the Soil Add organic matter like well-rotted compost, manure, or garden soil improver. Mix it thoroughly with the loosened soil. The amount of amendment will depend on your existing soil quality. Aim for a ratio of roughly 1 part amendment to 2-3 parts existing soil.

5. Levelling Rake the bed to create a smooth and even surface.

Dig over the soil to a depth of 20-30cm (8-12

1. Plan the layout

4. Spacing

Before planting, arrange your bedding plants on the prepared bed to visualise the final design.

Consider plant heights, colours, and desired aesthetic (informal or formal).

Refer to the plant label or seed packet for recommended spacing between each plant.

Adequate spacing allows for proper air circulation and prevents overcrowding.

2. Planting Holes

5. Filling and Watering

Once happy with the layout, dig individual planting holes slightly larger than the root ball of each plant.

3. Planting Depth

Carefully fill the planting hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.

Gently remove the plant from its pot. Carefully loosen any tightly bound roots. Plant each summer bedding plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot.

Additional tips: Lifting and dividing

Watering

Deadheading

Slow-Release Fertiliser: Consider adding a slow-release fertiliser to the planting hole for sustained nutrient supply throughout the summer.

Water your newly planted summer bedding regularly, especially during hot and dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Simply pinch or snip off the wilted flower head just above a healthy set of leaves.

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Care and maintenance of a summer bedding scheme plants UK Keeping your summer bedding plants looking its best throughout the UK summer involves a few key practices:

Watering

Deadheading

Frequency Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Bedding plants in containers and hanging baskets dry out faster than those planted in borders and may need daily watering in hot spells. Aim for the soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Importance Regularly deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming throughout the summer.

Deadheading involves pinching or snipping off the wilted flower head just above a healthy set of leaves.

This removes the seed-forming structures, prompting the plant to focus its energy on producing more flowers.

Watering Method Water thoroughly at the base of the plant, allowing the water to soak down to the roots. Avoid shallow watering, which encourages surface roots that dry out quickly.

Feeding Regular Feeding Summer bedding plants are heavy feeders as they flower profusely.

Apply a liquid fertiliser formulated for flowering plants once a week during the peak growing season (roughly June to August).

Slow-Release Fertiliser Alternatively, you can incorporate a slow-release fertiliser at planting time for sustained nutrient release throughout the summer.

Frequency Aim to deadhead at least twice a week during peak flowering.

Other Care Tips Weed Control Regularly remove weeds competing with your bedding plants for water and nutrients.

Disease and Pest Control Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, or slugs. Use organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil whenever possible. For persistent problems, consult your local garden centre for advice on suitable pesticides.

Sunburn In very hot weather, some bedding plants with delicate foliage may be susceptible to sunburn. You can provide temporary shade during the hottest part of the day using shade netting.

Extending the Season Deadheading and Feeding Consistent deadheading and feeding will extend the flowering period of your bedding plants.

Remember Weather Conditions Adjust your watering frequency based on the weather. During cooler or wetter periods, you may need to water less frequently.

Specific Plant Needs Some bedding plants may have slightly different care requirements. Refer to the plant label or consult your local garden centre for specific advice on each variety.

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Jobs for the garden in June

“

My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.

”

Claude Monet

S

ummer is finailly upon us and the longest day is peaking its head aroudn the corner. With that in mind,what are your plans the garden or allotment?

heading out to the garden

If you’re anything like me, you pop out to the shops with all the good intentions of returning with the items on the list and somehow arrive home with arms full of plants and seeds.

Pruning: Trim back any dead or damaged branches from trees, shrubs, and bushes before new grow th begins.

All too oftern I create more tasks for myself than I intended but that’s why we love our gardens!

Pest Control: Identif y and manage pests using organic or chemical methods to protect plants from damage.

So hear is a quick list of general tasks for your garden this June.

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Weeding: Remove weeds before they have a chance to establish themselves.

Harvesting: Collect mature fruits, salads, vegetables, herbs, or flowers from your garden.

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Path Maintenance: Lay or maintain garden paths to ensure easy access and improve aesthetics.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilising: Feed your plants with a balanced fertiliser to support their grow th and development.

Soil Testing: Test the soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels, make changes as needed.

Use water wisely watering regularly during June The warmer weather June brings means you will be watering your plants more regularly. This is particulary true for potted plants.

Watering tips • Consider using a watering can instead of a hosepipe.

• Install a water butt to collect natural rainwater.

• Remove weeds regularly so they don’t steal the much needed water from your plants.

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Installing Garden Features: Add elements like trellises, raised beds, birdbaths, or garden art to enhance the space.

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Lawn Care: Mow, aerate, and fertilise your lawn to keep it healthy and attractive.

Composting: Create and maintain a compost pile to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.

Edging: Define the edges of garden beds to keep grass and other plants from encroaching.

Propagating: Create new plants from cuttings, seeds, or divisions to expand your garden or share with others.

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Watering: Monitor soil moisture levels and water as needed, especially for newly planted seeds and seedlings.

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Planting: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into the garden to grow flowers, vegetables, or other plants.

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Seeds to sow in June J

une is a vibrant month. It offering a diverse range of seeds to sow for a flourishing summer and the autumn harvest.

As the warmth of early summer settles in, it’s the perfect time to plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Fast-growing crops like beans, cucumbers, and squash thrive in the June soil, while herbs such as basil, dill, and coriander are ideal for adding fresh flavours to your kitchen.

Vibrant flowers like agastache, sunflowers, and marigolds can be sown now to ensure a colourful and lively garden. Embrace the growing season’s peak by selecting seeds that will thrive in the long, sunny days and warmer temperatures of June.

Agastache Liquorice Blue

Sunflower Giant Yellow

Poppy- Field Poppy

These bee friendly plants like full sun and fertile soil that drains easily.

Best grow in, moist but welldrained, soil in full sun.

Poppies grow best in welldrained fertile soil in full sun.

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Sweet Pea

Marigolds

Delphinium

These are easy to grow in fertile soil that drains easily, in full sun.

Grow these in well-drained soil in full sun. Remember to water well during dry spots.

Avoiding windy spots, Delphiniums like free-draining soil in full sun.

Calendula Pink Surprise

Armeria Ballerina Red

Lupins

Calendulas can do well in your ordinary garden soil, including poor and dry soil.

These evergreen perennials grow in well-drained soil

Lupins are love warm, bright positions in well-drained soil.

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Beautiful biennials to sow in June OLGA GRIEVES

@lovely_plot

A

s a passionate “flower faffer,” I get super excited when we get closer to the Summer Solstice because it’s time to start thinking about sowing biennials for next year. Next year?! Already?! I know, I know… but hear me out.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) Obnoxiously sweet is how I like my flowers, and Sweet Williams hit the spot! Perfect for posies and super easy to grow. Did I mention their heavenly scent?

Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) Imagine a frothy sweet rocket, paired with gorgeously green fern leaves in a charming old vase.

Deliciously scented and delicate, they are a favourite of pollinators and very easy to grow.

Biennials are plants that grow foliage in their first year and flowers in the second year.

This means you need to plan ahead, but trust me, they are worth every effort.

Give biennials a go this year. They are great for filling gaps, smell amazing, and are surprisingly easy to grow.

Honesty (Lunaria annua)

I can’t live without it! Its beautiful purple flowers flood the corners of my allotment beds in early spring and provide a feast for pollinators. This flower comes with a bonus: gorgeous, pearlescent, papery seed heads that are ideal for flower arrangements, adding to wreaths, or just as a standalone feature.

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) Once you grow a hollyhock, you’ll be hooked. They can be biennials, perennials, or annuals, but I treat them as biennials. If they’re happy, they might stay as perennials.

They can grow up to 8ft tall and don’t need staking. The flowers come in a variety of colours and are a real magnet for bumblebees.

I sow hollyhocks in May/ June and plant them out in September in their final position. They remind me so much of my nan’s garden as well as Amsterdam!

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) Tall and graceful, the ‘honey guides’ lure bees inside the petals. I could sit for hours watching bumblebees come and go, buzzing their butts off inside the foxgloves. Nothing adds a cottage garden vibe quite like foxgloves!

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Acers - do they grow better in pots or the ground?

I

CHERYL DAVIS @FamilyPastUK

think most of you will agree Acers make great landscaping plants whether they are growing in the ground or a large pot with their various colour shades. Many acers have vibrant red tones which are so vibrant they can become the main focal feature in your garden. Your eyes automatically are focused on the reds which then turn into other striking autumnal colours.

However, there are many other striking coloured Acers that are just as attractive with their unique and elegant shaped leaves. A white Acer otherwise known as Acer Palmatum ‘Ukigumo’ is a slow growing acer and is different again.

Growing them has become somewhat of a debate on whether they do best in pots or the ground. Many people say they have both Acers that are thriving well

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in the ground and in pots. While many people say they find they often do best in pots. According to a flower review article from 1920 on “ The varieties of Japanese maples with their varied ornamental leaves, are very suitable for planting in beds or grouping along the front of a shrubbery. Acers grow well in chalky districts”.

Then there are many people who say they grow in most soils and their acers have done extremely well.

Perhaps it boils down to the type of Acer you have and what it prefers. Perhaps it’s a combination of the type of soil, species, the amount of light and water.

A few examples of species of Acer give examples on how they are to be looked after and although they are all Acer trees they all require slightly different growing requirements. The Palmatum Atropurpureum is a very popular seller which requires full to partial sunlight and is a slow growing Acer. It produces some wonderful shades of reds and deep purples.

Another type of Acer is a Acer Palmatum Osakazuki which grows between 15”-25”ft tall, it likes moist soil and full to partial sunlight protected away from cold winds. The palmatum Dissectum Viridis Tree is a greener Acer which is slow growing prefers moist and well drained soil but thrives in dappled shade areas.

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Joys of planting your own summer hanging basket T

here’s a certain magic to an overflowing summer hanging basket. Lush blooms cascading down, bursting with colour and fragrance, transform any porch or patio into a vibrant oasis. But the true joy lies in creating this little piece of paradise yourself.

Here’s why planting your own hanging basket is an experience to cherish: The Creativity Canvas: Unlike store-bought baskets, DIY lets you unleash your inner artist. Play with colour combinations, textures, and trailing varieties to design a basket that reflects your unique style. Imagine a fiery cascade of red petunias and orange calibrachoa, or a soft, romantic display of lavender lobelia and white verbena.

adding a touch of whimsy. It’s a visual and olfactory treat right outside your door.

Planting and Pampering Your Basket: Now that you’re ready to create your masterpiece, here’s a quick guide to planting and caring for your summer hanging basket: Choosing Your Arsenal: Select a basket with good drainage holes.

Pick a sunny spot for placement, keeping in mind some plants may need afternoon shade. Opt for a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for containers.

Plant Power: Select a mix of trailing plants for cascading effect, mounding plants for fullness, and a spiller for visual interest at the basket’s edge. Popular choices include petunias, calibrachoa, lobelia, verbena, and geraniums.

The Satisfaction of Seeing it Grow: Witnessing your basket transform from a collection of seedlings into a flourishing display is deeply rewarding. It’s a testament to your care and cultivation skills.

Every vibrant flower is a little badge of accomplishment.

Planting Party: Arrange your plants for visual harmony before planting. Gently tease out the roots and place them in the basket, filling any gaps with potting mix. Water thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes.

A Feast for the Senses: The hanging basket becomes a sensory experience. Fragrant blooms like trailing nasturtiums or nicotiana fill the air with delightful scents.

Butterflies flit amongst the flowers,

Basket Bliss: Water regularly, especially during hot weather. Aim for the soil to be consistently moist but not soggy. Feed your basket with a liquid fertiliser formulated for flowering plants every other

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week. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

With a little love and attention, your summer hanging basket will be the crown jewel of your outdoor space, a testament to your creativity and a source of joy throughout the warm season.

Planting a vibrant summer hanging basket or trough is a great way to add a splash of colour to your patio or porch.

Here’s a guide to get you started:

Materials: • Hanging basket with drainage holes • Coco liner (optional, but recommended for hanging baskets) • Scissors or utility knife • Multipurpose compost or hanging basket mix • Water retaining granules (optional) • Slow-release fertiliser (optional) • Selection of summer flowering plants (fillers, spillers, and thrillers)

cascade over the edges of the basket, creating a flowing effect.

Lobelia, bacopa, sweet potato vine, and trailing petunias are all good choices.

Types of Plants

Moisten the Compost: Mix your compost with water retaining granules (optional) and slowrelease fertiliser (optional) according to the package instructions. Moisten the mixture well.

Thrillers: These are the tallest plants and provide the focal point of your display. Some popular choices include upright fuchsias, upright begonias, or ornamental grasses.

Fillers: These bushy plants fill the center of the basket and add color and texture. Petunias, calibrachoa, million bells, and verbena are all good options.

Spillers: These trailing plants

Planting Steps Prepare the Basket: If using a hanging basket, line it with a coco liner. Cut a few drainage holes in the plastic liner (if present) to prevent waterlogging. You can also line troughs with landscape fabric for better drainage.

Planting Thrillers: Start by planting your thriller plant(s) slightly off-center in the basket or trough. Backfill with compost and gently firm it around the root ball.

Planting Fillers: Arrange your filler plants around the thriller, spacing

them evenly. Fill any gaps with more compost and firm it around the roots.

Planting Spillers: Plant your spiller plants around the edge of the basket, letting their stems cascade over the sides.

Watering: Give your newly planted basket or trough a thorough watering.

More Tips •

•

•

•

•

Choose plants with similar sun and water requirements.

Water regularly, especially during hot weather. Aim to keep the compost moist but not soggy.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

Feed your plants with a liquid fertiliser every two weeks according to the package instructions.

Enjoy your beautiful summer display!

E-gardeners

@dirtygardenhoe There is no other feeling in the world that can match sitting in your allotment, after a hard day at work....

@jenny_ourfamilyallotment What a great harvest from the allotment! We chucked some chicken on the BBQ and also some sliced beetroot and garlic scapes.

@allotment_and_cake There’s been a massive drop in buzzy bee visitors over the the last few years.

@viewfromthepottingbench From now on, I’m committing to getting outside when I wake up seeing, hearing, feeling!

@gardening.with.cara A little post for the most peonies I’ve ever had...

@nettlesandpetals How I set up my Polytunnel

@the_aplotmentshire I couldn’t not share this… how cute is his little sneeze!

Everyone in the world deserves to hear this….

@grow_with_the_griffiths This year seems to be a bumper year for bumblebees in my garden.

@lovely_plot Lush few hours on the plot!

Picked more flowers, peas, scapes, lettuce and radishes, and, of course, edible flowers

@bearded.growers Finally after 3 or 4 years I have a red hot poker flowering! I’d all but given up on them!

@gardeningwithben My tips for growing courgette, marrows, squash and pumpkins!

@thriftygreenlife When you have an idea for a garden project and remember you haven’t used your new tool yet...