How to... MAKE YOUR PLANTS LAST LONGER

Some plants grow well in both sun and shade, while others are pickier about their preferred light exposure. And when it comes to watering, some require a daily drenching, but others can go a few days without a drink. Make sure the pot has well-drained soil and drainage holes. It’s important with containers that you allow oxygen to circulate around the roots and not become waterlogged. Add a layer of Hydroleca clay granules at the base of the planter and also add vermiculite/perlite or grit with a proportion of sand into your compost. A good mix is one-third vermiculite to two-thirds compost, with a couple of cups of sand if available.

Alternatively, use ready-mixed container compost. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor water source, you can set up an irrigation system to water your pots – and then you can put your feet up!