Plants in pots

deepeacock62

I live on a narrow boat and grow plants in 60L pots on my jetty as we aren't allowed to plant into the ground. Any general tips on this style of gardening? Today I'm particularly interested in Acanthus spinosus.

KeenOnGreen

Pots dry out more quickly than the ground, and also run out of nutrients more quickly.  Generally speaking, you need to water more and feed more.  However it very much depends on what plants you put in pots.  We have some succulents and other drought tolerant plants in pots, which are neither fed or watered very often.  We also have some more greedy plants which are watered daily (sometimes twice) and fed weekly.  I'd say it comes down more to what types of plants you put in your pots.  If you are keen on less time spent watering and feeding, then choose the most appropriate plants.  Acanthus get to be quite big plants, so probably need quite regular watering.

Borderline

You will need to select plants that will be suitable for your local climate. Amount of light, wind and winter temperatures. As mentioned, watering plants will be priority. If you don't have much time, it might be best to select plants that do well in more drier conditions. 

Obelixx

Need to consider winter cold too and the need to insulate some pots so the plant roots don't freeze. 

After that what you can grow and what will look good will depend on the size and material of the pots, the planting compost and your dedication to watering, feeding etc.  Rain on its own won't be enough and planting composts ony have feed for 90 days so need regular topping up with liquid feeds thru the growing season and a top dressing of slow release fertiliser in spring.

deepeacock62

Thank you all. I already have my 16 x 60L tubs filled with plants. Advice on watering and feeding has been helpful.

Joy*

If you live on a narrow boat, I don't suppose you will have to go far for plenty of water!  You should have some lovely plants since they will get soft water, always.