Winter planters For Colour Right Through To Next Spring!
As the the daylight hours dwindle, many of us tend to neglect our gardens. However, winter doesn’t have to be a dormant period for your outdoor spaces. With the right plants, a good compost mix, and well-maintained planters, you can create a vibrant display that lasts from September to March. The episode looks at Winter hanging basket and flowers for winter. This was the central topic in our recent podcast episode where we revealed the secrets to creating spectacular winter planters.The episode started by discussing how to select the right plants and bulbs for your winter planters. To create a colourful display that lasts from Autumn to next Spring.
Choose the correct potting mix, plants & bulbs & for season long colour.
It is crucial to use good quality compost and potting mix. In winter containers I use a potting mix which is 30% quality compost, 30% Farm Yard Manure, 30% Soil & 10% horticultural grit. I will also add biochar to improve soil microbiology. These ingredients provide adequate drainage, and nutrition an essential aspect for sustaining plants from Autumn through Winter and into Spring. We also discussed the benefits of using alpine plants like Arabis, Phlox, Saxifrage, and Aubretia. These alpines will provide a great colour in spring and after flowering can be moved to different locations in your garden. Bulbs also have a significant role to play in creating beautiful winter displays. Different types of bulbs can be used to create a variety of visual effects in your garden. They are a practical choice for hanging baskets and planters, offering longevity and vibrancy throughout the winter.
In the context of winter gardening, the podcast also emphasised the importance of selecting versatile plants. Plants that can be used in your winter containers and moved later to another location in the garden, thereby maximising their utility. This is not only cost-effective but also contributes to a more sustainable gardening practice.
Maintaining Your Winter Planters:
Maintaining outdoor hanging baskets and planters during winter also formed a significant part of the conversation during the episode. Deadheading and fertilising on a regular basis are crucial to ensuring that plants stay healthy and flowering right through to next spring. For Primrose & Polyanthus it is important to remove any yellowing leaves from the base of the plant throughout the winter.
Example Of A Winter Hanging Basket:
To give an example of a winter hanging basket the podcast discussed creating a standard hanging basket with Erica Carnea as the centrepiece. By adding Tete a Tete bulbs, Polyanthus, Violas , Pansies, and small Ivies, you can create a mixture of colour and texture that gives you flowers for winter right through autumn to spring.
The episode concluded by suggesting alternative ways to plant containers using topiary plants or ornamental grasses. These can add structure and interest to your outdoor spaces during the winter months.
In essence, winter doesn’t have to spell the end for your vibrant garden. With careful plant selection, proper maintenance, and a bit of creativity, you can transform your outdoor spaces into a winter wonderland. It’s all about knowing the right techniques and applying them effectively. So, don’t let the cold season keep you from enjoying a beautiful garden. Embrace the challenge and let your green thumb shine even in winter.
You can listen to the full episode here.
Until The Next Time
Happy Gardening !!
John
You will find all previous Master My Garden podcast episodes here.
https://mastermygarden.com/podcast/
Master My Garden on YouTube
