KEEP FLOWERS BLOOMING LONGER

Deadhead and remove fading blooms regularly and new buds will arrive more rapidly - this is where a good set of mini snips comes into its own (see previous page)! Pinch back plants to activate growth and produce a bushier shape. This involves taking out dormant shoots with few or no buds to maintain a more compact structure. It prevents them from growing too ‘leggy’ and means less energy is spent by the plant that could be used for flowers.

Feed them! In the growing season, nourish your plants every two weeks. I always measure half the recommended dose of food for containers just to be on the safe side as the nutrients are confined in a tight space.