RHS How to grow plants in pots

I enjoy growing plants in pots because they can be moved around the garden or patio to change perspective and add colour or structure with very little effort. They really come into their own if you have limited space and large or small, contemporary or traditional, you will find a container which is just perfect for the job.

A new essential guide to growing plants in pots has just been released – The 'RHS how to grow plants in pots' contains all the information you need to start using pots to create some stunning designs in a variety of styles.

'RHS how to grow plants in pots' opens with a range of design possibilities and suggestions. What sort of look do you want to create - cool and contemporary, traditional, or a mix of the two? Modern materials are looked at including metal and synthetic as well as the more traditional glazed and terracotta containers.

The plants featured have been chosen to suit all tastes and situations, ranging from sculptural ferns and spring bulbs for a windowsill to citrus trees for a patio and chillies and herbs for hanging baskets.

There are eco-friendly ideas too, as well as a wealth of suggestions for edible gardens, pots for fragrance, foliage and flowers. The book’s focus on growing plants in containers means it is perfect for anyone with limited space and for whom information on gardening on a larger scale is irrelevant. It includes information on the basics of growing in containers and a troubleshooting section offering solutions for common problems and plant pests and diseases.

Divided into four main sections, the book starts with Designing with Containers and moves onto Foliage and Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables and finally a Planting Guide. There is an excellent index and a convenient A-Z of plant entries featured at the front.

There are plenty of inspirational ideas in this book and as one would expect from the Royal Horticultural Society it is packed with practical tips, facts and expert cultivation advice.

'RHS how to grow plants in pots' – published by DK (www.dk.com) - is now on sale at £14.99 or from Amazon.co.uk for £9.99 as going to print.