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The Potted Blog
Notes from Robin on growing in small flats — opinions, mistakes, and what's actually worked.
- Plant Problems
The Pest You Should Check Your Pots for This September
September is an important time to check container plants for vine weevil. Here's how to spot the signs and decide whether treatment is needed.
LIGHT 3 of 3SPACE Containers on patios, balconies and windowsillsDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 7 min - Houseplants
Don't Put Your Houseplants on an Autumn Watering Schedule
Houseplants often need less water as autumn arrives, but central heating can push the other way. Here's why checking the pot beats following a schedule.
LIGHT 2 of 3SPACE IndoorDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 6 min - Seasonal
Is Autumn Really the Best Time to Plant a Pot?
Autumn is a good planting season, but containers work differently from open ground. Here's when to plant now, and when it pays to wait.
LIGHT 3 of 3SPACE Outdoor · containersDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 7 min - Seasonal
What's Actually Worth Buying at the Garden Centre This Bank Holiday
Bank Holiday garden centre trips mix genuine bargains with stock nobody else wants. Here's what's worth buying now, what to skip, and how to tell the difference.
LIGHT 3 of 3SPACE Outdoor · containersDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 8 min - Seasonal
What to Do With Your Pots This Bank Holiday Weekend
A practical August Bank Holiday checklist for container gardens: what to deadhead, harvest, propagate, check and protect before September arrives.
LIGHT 3 of 3SPACE Patios, balconies and small gardens at the end of AugustDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 8 min - Plant Problems
Why the Slugs Are Back
Wetter weather after a long dry spell brings slugs and snails back into view. Most aren't actually a problem. Here's what genuinely helps protect vulnerable plants.
LIGHT 2 of 3SPACE Patios, balconies and raised beds after wetter weather returnsDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 9 min - Seasonal
When It Finally Rains, Make It Count
After months of dry weather and hosepipe restrictions, rain is welcome. Here's how to make sure your pots actually benefit from it.
LIGHT 2 of 3SPACE Patios, balconies and window boxes after a long dry summerDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 7 min - Getting Started
Can You Water Plants With Bath Water
Yes, for most ornamental plants. What RHS research found, what in your bath water matters, and how to reuse grey water safely.
LIGHT 2 of 3SPACE Balcony pots, patio containers and window boxesDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 8 min - Houseplants
Pet-Safe Houseplants: What's Safe and What Isn't
Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs? The common plants to avoid, safer alternatives, and the one flower cat owners shouldn't bring home.
LIGHT 2 of 3SPACE Flats and shared homes with cats or dogsDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 6 min - Plant Problems
Is Your Plant Dead, or Just Protecting Itself From Drought
Wilting isn't the only way a plant defends itself from drought. Curling leaves, dropping fruit, shedding foliage and dormancy can all be survival strategies.
LIGHT 2 of 3SPACE Balcony, patio or windowsill potsDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 8 min - Getting Started
Drought-Tolerant Plants for Pots
With hosepipe restrictions expected to run into autumn, the easiest way to cut your watering workload isn't a better routine. It's growing plants that need less water in the first place.
LIGHT 3 of 3SPACE Sunny balconies, patio pots and window boxesDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 8 min - Seasonal
What Can You Plant in Pots in August
August isn't the end of the growing season. What's genuinely worth sowing in a container this month, what to skip despite what some seed packets suggest, and how to get an empty summer pot working again.
LIGHT 3 of 3SPACE Outdoor · containersDIFFICULTY easy✓ TESTEDREAD 9 min
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