Food and drink for the hanging gardens

Plants lose more water on windy days, so this is when roots can dry out quickly. Daily watering becomes a bit of a chore, but it’s also a necessity to keep plants alive and thriving.

Some composts are able to hold more water than others, so if you want to take a rest from the constant lugging of watering-cans, it could pay to pick a moisture-control compost. Even better is one that contains slow-release food.

But if you’ve planted using basic compost, don’t despair; there are extra measures you can take.

Adding Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Plant Food with a slow-release plant food and moisture-holding granules can reduce unnecessary watering and save the gardener a lot of hard work.

And if you haven’t yet planted up a hanging-basket, slip a saucer into the bottom of the bowl before adding the compost.

The saucer, or even a round of polythene, will hold a reservoir of water that doesn’t drain away and will become available to plants later on in the day.

When planting in terracotta pots, you can also reduce water loss through the walls by lining the sides with polythene.

Meanwhile, there’s still time to sow a few seeds of vegetables in containers or plant up seedlings from your local nursery or garden centre. Try climbing French and runner beans and all manner of sweet peppers, chilli and outdoor cucumbers that will grow and crop on a patio.

Regular watering and feeding will be compulsory – the former is easy, the latter may be a bit more challenging.

There are plenty of proprietary feeds on the market, from the old favourite, Phostrogen, to Liquid Tomorite (the name tells you what it’s intended to feed) – a seaweed-based plant food that promises great crops with a delicious flavour.

New this year is a ready-to-use form of Tomorite that doesn’t need diluting before use. Add a capful every week to the growing bag or container and then water in the normal way. There’s no messy dilution or the risk of over- or under-feeding.