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Sarah Raven offers video advice on planting eucomis bulbs in a pot, including information on drainage, compost and planting depths.springMore advice on growing exotic plantsCaring for cannas video project with Carol Klein.Growing exotic plants from

of plastic inside this.Snip a few drainage holes into the plastic, then fill the basket two-thirds full with compost (mixed with water-retaining gel). Plant the ipomoea and osteospermum off centre.A reservoir makes watering large baskets more efficient, so

the beds, filling them with ericaceous compost that I knew acid-loving plants would love. One bed provides a home to a much loved Rhododendron yakushimanum that was a gift to me on leaving a rhododendron nursery I worked at. By filling the beds with bags

Cacti and succulents are the perfect choice if you're looking for an indoor plants that almost look after themselves.Most cacti and succulents can be easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings, as explained below. For those cacti whose stems

-facing window to make them last longer.Florist anemone corms, such as Anemone De Caen Group9cm pots or plastic cupsHorticultural gritFree-draining peat-free multi-purpose compostor John Innes No.3 compostOrnamental jarSeptember a few hours (20 weeks until

as required.For planting things that are going to live their life in a pot I always choose a loam-based John Innes No.3 compost. The loam gives it the guts to last, along with longer-lasting nutrients. There's no harm in mixing in some water-retaining gel

to provide good drainage. Puncture holes in the trough to allow water to drain away.Empty bags of compost into the trough until it is two-thirds full. Firm it as you go.Plant the largest plants first to give you a good idea of the main structure of your

. By planting tulips in aquatic baskets, you can 'trick' them into performing well.Simply plant your tulip bulbs in the baskets and plunge them into your borders. As soon as flowering has come to an end, lift the baskets and leave them in a sunny spot, ensuring

compost. We grow ours in terracotta pots of peat-free, multi-purpose compost with a little added leaf mould, topped with gravel. The terracotta prevents the plants from becoming waterlogged and the gravel stops vine weevils laying eggs in the compost

planting.Blackcurrant bush, e.g. 'Ben Sarek'ForkSpadeCompostGeneral fertiliser such as blood, fish and boneSecateursautumn and winter45 minutesChoose an open and sunny site. Fork over a wide area of ground, then dig a hole deep enough to accommodate