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For the boldest, brightest display in a hanging basket choose a large container (no smaller than 35cm) and pack it with plants. But keeping them flowering is thirsty work, so for a really successful show the plants will need plenty of water on a

Take 10 minutes first thing in the morning, during the height of summer, to pour water onto the floor of the greenhouse. This simple task creates enough moisture throughout the day to prevent your plants from suffering heat stress.Watering can full

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, give your container plants a little time and care. Water, feed and deadhead them regularly over the next few weeks and you can keep plants flowering and looking good right into autumn.Container plantsWatering

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

thoroughly until water starts to run out of the bottom of the pot.Plants can be fed with a soluble fertiliser added to the watering can. Orchid fertiliser is available from most garden centres, or use a general-purpose feed at half strength every third

, firming with your boot to remove any air pockets.Water in well then spread a thick layer of compost around the shrub. Water weekly until it's leafy and well established.AdamUse bark mulch around the newly planted shrub for an attractive finish

house plantsLooking after orchids, with a video guide from Sarah RavenGrowing orchidsGrowing cactiInstalling an automatic watering systemBrowse a selection of general houseplantsView a variety of cactus plants

are perfect for planting in a large container, as they provide masses of growth in just one season. The impact made to your garden can be mind-blowing.There are plenty of alternatives to large cattle troughs, such as tin baths, tea chests or plastic water

, make sure the compost around the seedling is moist by standing pots in trays of water for an hour before planting. This will help roots establish quickly.Use a garden line to keep rows straight when planting. Take out a hole large enough to accommodate

into the pebbles to hold them firm.Add water to just below the bulb and no higher, topping up to this level as needed.AdamBuy enough narcissus bulbs to plant several vases every seven to 10 days throughout September and early October to provide a succession