New Trough

[Nicos]

Try replacing the plastic of the cloch with fleece- that'll let the water through and keep the frost off.

[Nicos]

I think I'd be tempted to insert a few upside down plastic bottles in the corners with their bottoms cut out- so you can water the lower soil rather than just the top.That'll encourage roots to spread downwards looking for water, rather than sideways.

[Florence Fennel]

That's a very good suggestion from Nicos ^^^. Especially when the plants are established, they act like an umbrella Jason, so the rain doesn't penetrate the soil in the container. I wish you a happy harvest

[Jason Cartwright]

I think I'd be tempted to insert a few upside down plastic bottles in the corners with their bottoms cut out- so you can water the lower soil rather than just the top.That'll encourage roots to spread downwards looking for water, rather than sideways.

I was thinking of running a couple of lengthes of hose, with holes in, under the compost so that the ends pop up either side so i can poor water in to get to the bottom.

I've also failed to mention (mainly because i forgot i'd done) i've put a thin layer of slate under the compost (didn't have funds for gravel, had loads of slate at bottom of yard and was told slate does same thing) to aid with drainage.

Thanks

[Potstubsdustbins]

Jason next time you are looking for crocks to put in the bottom of a planter think polystyrene packaging. Does a great job and its free.

Colin

[Jason Cartwright]

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

I had carrot and beetroot seeds sown into my trough and i'd planted 2 strawberry plants and a raspberry plant, i got from Asda, came home from work for my wife to tell me that the dog has dug it all up.

Does anyone want a 2yr old, female, Boxer x American Bulldog?

lol