Six simple ways to get the best flower display

Check out the BBC local four day weather forecast for any high winds or frost HERE. It's set to our glasshouse at Hightown.

Watering

• Water the baskets regularly in the morning (and evening if necessary during the summer). Rainfall will not water the basket even in winter as the wind will dry it out.
• Water slowly to avoid the water just running off the top of the basket. You may have to water twice a day at the height of summer during winter you will not have to water as much but you must still water. The baskets position, temperature and wind can all cause the basket to dry out.
• Keep the compost moist, feel how heavy the basket is by lifting it slightly from underneath, if it is very light you are not giving it enough water. If the compost dries out to the extent where you cannot get it moist try adding a little washing up liquid to the water, this helps the compost soak up water by breaking down the surface tension or soak the basket for a few hours in a large container filled with water half way up the side of the basket.
• Do not water when the sun is high you will burn the plant leaves as water droplets on the leaves acts as a magnifying glass.  

Maintenance

• Remove (pinch out) all dead flower heads and seedpods from the plants. The summer plants are annuals and will die once their life cycle of grow, flower and production of seed is complete. By removing the dead heads and seedpods the plants will produce more flowers and for longer than they would normally. Treat winter pansy and viola the same as they are annuals.
• The compost is mixed with starter feed and slow release fertiliser. In summer feed the basket every few weeks with water soluble feed such as "Miracal Grow" or tomato feed following the manufacturers instructions later in the season feed weekly. Protect from very strong winds by placing the basket on the floor being careful not to trap the plants under the basket.

If you need any further information, please contact us.