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. Tomatoes and cucumbers are growing in pots supplied with regular water from automatic watering systems. These are fed from tanks topped up once a week at the most with a solution containing nutrients.Self-watering capillary matting trays cover the staging

into the top of the container on my patio, so as one fades another takes its place.By planting bulbs in baskets instead of directly in the pot, I avoid locking up a lovely container with a single display, and prolong the show of beautiful spring bulbs.The trick

biodegradable pots that can be filled with compost for seed sowing. The secret to using is to keep the cardboard moist, otherwise it acts as a wick removing moisture from the compost within. Dry cardboard also prevents seedling roots penetrating. By encouraging

What wonderful creatures composting worms are. I first set up my wormery compost container about 15 years ago, and it has been converting kitchen waste into compost ever since. Unlike traditional compost bins where you simply pile in and mix-up your

I'm always looking for plants that make an impact - things that will grab the attention and put on a good show. Seasonal bedding and bulbs are always popular, but many shrubs also grow well in patio pots.Over the years I've tried all sorts, from

stocked with produce this summer.Sowing seed is simple, and the lovely thing about chillies and peppers is that they are perfect for growing in containers. Although I usually keep mine in the greenhouse there's no reason why pots can't be moved out in June

some wonderful pots full of it. At first sight I thought this was a very dwarf form of the ever-popular Verbena bonariensis, but a closer look at the bushy pots of this dwarf variety left me completely charmed by my discovery. Within minutes I

such as camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris and more.And do remember that any bulbs, bedding or shrubs planted in pots on your patio can get waterlogged unless the water can drain away freely. Before planting, make sure your pots have adequate holes

pansies and violas would have had much competition.For summer bedding then probably petunias would have got my vote. In addition my displays always contain pelargoniums for pots in the sun and New Guinea impatiens for shady sites.Verbena took fourth place

. Every one is different and unique in some way (although not all of them are worth growing).There are bushy, spreading varieties that are great for pots, baskets and borders, and upright ones for training as cordons. These can be grown in the greenhouse