Growing in the ground
Over the last few decades, the trends of gardening have moved towards pots and compost, and here we are today, now in a compost dilemma using foreign peat free alternatives. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a big believer that peat isn’t the answer, and I feel the use of it isn’t sustainable. However, currently, the industry has become reliant upon it and everyone’s techniques of gardening have had to evolve to suit it. Growing lots of plants in pots and containers, however, in my opinion, isn’t the answer.
Mother Nature bears the recipes for the best ingredients to keep the roots of a plant happy. They need life and nutrients and to make that possible, energy from natural organic matter in the ground is the perfect option. I think many people have become scared of planting out in the soil, fearful they may lose their plants, concerned they may not survive, they’re not in the right place or conditions, or they may get swallowed up by neighbouring plants or weeds…
Consequently, many flag over grass and flower beds and opt for plants in pots instead. Although I can see a place for plants in pots and containers, such as statement pieces, flanking doorways, arches and steps, in auricula theatre displays, spring bulbs, and hanging baskets…I’m a huge advocate for shrubs and perennials being in the ground.
To succeed, you simply need a depth of soil around the 1 foot or 30cm mark, which has or can be brought back to life by mixing in some rotted organic matter like spent mushroom compost, manure, or even homemade compost that you’ve collected yourself. This fills the soil with life and nutrients, ready for new plants to thrive.
The next, very important, step is to check and work out your aspects and conditions. Is your bed in full or morning sun, or is it fully shaded? Is the soil free draining, or clay (which manure can help break up), is it a wet or dry area? You then match your plant choice to your conditions, and then set some parameters based on style and colour palette choice.
When you have done this and have planted your new plant/s, I would always recommend a layer of bark mulch, or any mulch you prefer, as this will help to prevent seeding weeds from appearing. You can then tend to your plants and not worry about having to water them all the time like you have to with containers. Planting in the ground helps with water run-off too, which not only naturally waters our plants, but helps to prevent drains filling up, which in turn helps with flooding and water companies having to use other methods to get rid of excess water.
By following the right aspect rules for the plants you choose, it can be much easier than people think!
What an incredible spell of good weather we have had so far this year. It certainly gives us all more chances to crack on outside when it’s warmer and drier, so long may it continue! At The Nursery, we have some exciting plans in the pipeline for The Potting Shed. This year will see it become our first digital free space at Holden Clough, a place to disconnect from devices, and reconnect with each other and our surroundings. The space will play host to a number of talented, local individuals showcasing their produce & abilities, as we try and embrace how to be human again...through the power of people and nature.