ground during winter. It keeps them a little warmer and helps to prevent pot-cracks. Use pot feet, or cut some small, flat pieces of wood, such as decking. nutrients most important to plants are: nitrogen( N), which stimulates leaf growth; phosphorus( P), for strong root growth; and potassium( K) – also called potash – to feed developing flowers and fruit.
• Consider putting coffee filter paper in the bottom of pots before filling them with compost, to keep the ground cleaner underneath and the drainage holes unobstructed.
• You can make your own fertiliser using nettles, comfrey, dandelions and even the water left over from cooking rice. Put the plants into a bucket, top it up with water and leave it for two weeks. Remove the plant matter, dilute the mixture and use it on leafy plants or vegetables for a nitrogen boost.
• Prepare for the growing season by making a garlic spray to deter plant pests. Grate a head of garlic, steep it in a litre of boiling water, then allow it to stand for 12 hours. Strain and add more water, plus a little mild soap. Keep the spray handy for the first sign of nibbling.
• Did you know you should tailor plant food for the required purpose? The three essential
Buy the biggest plant you can and split it into two or three.
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