Topdress permanent containers

Replenish the compost at the top of permanently planted containers. This gives the plant a nutrient boost and encourages the fresh root development required to keep the plant healthy.

Scrape off any gravel or bark mulch, then use the point of a trowel to gently loosen the top layer of compost. Be careful not to damage roots at the surface. Take out the loose compost, then add fresh John

Innes potting compost. Firm it in with your fingers and water with a fine rose on the watering can. Then put some fresh mulch, of gravel or bark, over the surface to help stop weeds taking advantage of the new compost.

A mulch of grit will stop low-growing plants such as cyclamen from getting splattered with wet compost