2024-04-27T17:35:25+02:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://www.bloomling.uk/ Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/

2024-02-29T00:00:00+01:00 2024-02-29T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/ollas-clever-clay-watering-vessels Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ Ollas - pronounced "ojas" - are pretty, practical watering vessels that provide your plants with water over a period of several days, making them perfect for watering your garden while you're off on short holidays. How do Ollas work? "Plant" the Olla pot in the soil next to the plant you would like to water, leaving the neck of the clay vessel open to the air. Fill the belly of the Olla with water through the neck of the bottle, then close it. The bottles are made of porous, permeable clay, which gradually releases water into the soil, keeping your plants watered. Make sure to close the neck of the Olla bottle, as leaving it open could invite mosquitos, or cause the water to evaporate.. Ollas are perfect for use in planters and raised beds and offer a completely natural alternative to drip irrigation in vegetable beds. Caution: Ollas can stay in your beds throughout the summer, but you should bring them into a warm place before the first frost, because they are not frost proof and can shatter at freezing temperatures. Why should I use an Olla? Ollas offer whole range of advantages: They offer your plants a basic water supply. They should not completely supplement watering your plants, but offer a great solution for periods when you're on holiday. Ollas water your plants from the roots up, encouraging root growth and making them more drought-resistant. Ollas are very easy to use - just stick them in the ground and fill them with water. Ollas are made of natural clay and are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Ollas only need to be filled with water every few days, making them perfect for use when you're on holiday. Ollas are suitable for watering indoor plants, potted plants and plants in the garden. They're also suitable for raised beds and vegetable gardens . How many Ollas do I need? How many Ollas you need for your plants and how often you have to fill them depends on the following factors: the type of your plants the climate in your region the respective weather conditions We recommend using trial and error to decide how often you need to fill your Ollas! The first time you use them, they may empty quickly as your plants may be very thirsty, but the water usage should even out over time. Find a great selection of Ollas for your garden, balcony and indoor plants in our shop!

2023-06-21T00:00:00+02:00 2023-06-21T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/why-do-tomato-leaves-curl Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ The most common reasons for curled tomato leaves Whether green, yellow, bright red or even black, tomatoes are among the most popular vegetable plants. They thrive just as well on a terrace or balcony as in a garden and produce delicious fruit until late in the autumn. Sometimes, though, their leaves curl up for no apparent reason - find out the causes behind this reaction here. The most common reason is stress. Tomato plants are sensitive creatures that can react strongly to various environmental factors. These stress factors can cause the leaves to curl up as the plant tries to conserve water. Another possible reason for leaf curling is pest infestation. Aphids, spider mites and other pests can damage the leaves and cause them to curl up to protect themselves from further damage. Nutrient deficiency can also cause leaf curl. If the plant does not get enough nutrients, this can hinder leaf development, leading to curled leaves. A lack of calcium, magnesium or nitrogen is particularly problematic. An unprotected location can also have a negative effect. Tomato plants do not like direct sunlight or wind and should therefore always be in a protected location - for example, against a wall or in a greenhouse. What to do The first step is to discover the reason for leaf curl - which can differ from plant to plant. Follow these steps to check for possible causes: Check the watering of your tomato plants: Make sure you water your tomato plants regularly and evenly, avoiding overwatering and preventing the soil from drying out. Consistent watering means less stress for the plants which in turn prevents leaf curl. Protect your tomato plants from pests: Check your tomato plants regularly for pests. If you discover aphids or spider mites, take appropriate measures to get rid of them. This can be done by using natural pesticides or by removing the infested leaves. Improve the soil: Make sure your soil contains enough nutrients. Add soil improvements, compost or organic fertiliser to enhance the soil and ensure your plants get all the nutrients they need. Provide shade and protect your plants from extreme temperatures and wind: Tomato plants do not enjoy too much heat. Make sure your plants are protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. You can also use shade cloths or other coverings to protect your plants from excessive heat. These tips can reduce curling or even prevent your tomato leaves from curling at all. Remember that each tomato plant can react individually to different factors, so it may take some experimentation and trial and error to find the best approach. Don't be discouraged if things don't work out right away! With patience, care and attention, you can grow healthy and vigorous tomato plants that will thrive in your home. Have fun gardening - you can now start counting down to delicious home-grown tomatoes!

2023-03-31T00:00:00+02:00 2023-03-31T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/your-sowing-plan-for-april Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ These seeds can be sown outside in April You can already sow these vegetables outside: Carrots Radishes Spinach Rocket Lettuce Asia lettuce Mangold Beetroot Onions Peas Beans Root vegetables The soil is getting warmer so if you haven't done so already, now is the time to sow carrots, radishes, spinach, peas, lettuce, onions and root vegetables. At the end of the month you can also sow chard, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, white and red cabbage, and savoy cabbage directly outside. But make sure to cover your tender plants with a protective fleece when temperatures are lower so they survive chilly nights and days unscathed. What to germinate indoors These are the varieties that you should start indoors in April: Chinese cabbage, brussels sprouts and red cabbage Cauliflower Broccoli Cucumber Kohlrabi Pumpkin Melon Courgette Leek Lettuce Sweetcorn Vegetables that prefer warmer temperatures are Chinese cabbage, kale and cauliflower, radicchio, cucumbers, pumpkin, courgettes, melon, runner beans, bush beans and sweetcorn. But you can start growing them in a warm place in April. Also make sure you have started growing tomatoes, peppers and chillies. You can transfer your plants outside after the last frost in mid-May. April is also the time to sow sunflowers, marigolds and garden cosmos, and plant bulbs such as gladioli and dahlias so you can enjoy a gorgeous sea of flowers this summer. Other jobs for April Remove mulch Remove mulch before you start sowing and planting - this allows the sun's rays to warm the soil. Weeding In April everything starts to grow - including weeds. Remove them now to prevent things from getting out of hand - that way they can't grow into strong plants that take over your garden. Have a great spring and lots of fun gardening this April!

2023-03-24T00:00:00+01:00 2023-03-24T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/starting-your-garden-season Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ As soon as the first signs of spring appear, one can't help but start daydreaming about gardening! Once the sun starts to get warm enough that you can enjoy standing out on your balcony or garden, you can start thinking about planting your garden! Veggies You Can Plant Outdoors in March Parsley Chives Dill Spinach Onions Radishes Rocket Lettuce Root veggies Peas Some veggies don't mind cooler soil temperatures in March and can already be planted outdoors. Parsley, chives, dill and spinach are among the first plants that can be sown outdoors. You can also spring onions in March without hesitation. Whether you plant chives, shallots or yellow onions, all of these plants tolerate cold soil temperatures well. Radishes can also be sown in March. Rocket tolerates cool soil well, as do many other types of lettuce. When you mix all of these veggies together, you'll have just the ingredients for a nice spring salad! Root vegetables that are planted in March grow well until autumn or winter. Turnips, salsify, carrots and peas can also be planted in your garden. Vegetables to Get Started in March Tomatoes Peppers Hot peppers/chillis Aubergines Cauliflower Broccoli Kohlrabi Early head lettuces Early potatoes You can also get seeds started on the windowsill, in greenhouses and in cold frames. Most importantly, start growing tomatoes in March so that you can plant them outdoors in mid-May. Since peppers, aubergines, and chillies grow rather slowly, you should also start these seeds in March. Carrots, broccoli and kohlrabi are perfect for sowing in cold frames, while early lettuce varieties can be grown on window sills (a slightly colder option) as long as the temperature is at least 15 degrees. You can also start growing potatoes in the cellar. As you can see, there are lots of options for gardening in March! Good luck, and happy gardening!

2023-02-08T00:00:00+01:00 2023-02-08T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/grow-your-own-avocados Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ This is how to grow avocados: Basically, the avocado, which originally comes from South America, grows in warm and humid areas. In Europe and the UK, cultivation is difficult, but not impossible as long as you follow a few rules. In this article, we will show you how to grow avocados in three steps. Step 1: Prepare the stone All you need to grow your own avocado plant is an avocado stone and a glass partially filled with water. Propagation is also possible in a plant pot filled with soil. Clean the stone and cut lengthways into its shell with a sharp knife. Alternatively, remove the shell completely to make germination easier. Wrap the prepared stone in a damp cloth and put it in a plastic bag. Seal this tightly and leave it in a warm place at around 25°C. Check regularly to determine whether the cloth is still damp and roots have formed. When these are a few centimetres long, remove the stone from the bag and place it in a water glass or plant pot filled with soil. If you choose to cultivate in soil, stick the avocado kernel into the substrate with the tip up about a third of the way in. This supports the development of the seedling and roots. Choose a plant pot with a drainage hole in order that excess irrigation water can drain away, preventing root rot. If growing in a water glass, use either a practical germination plate or a DIY toothpick construction. The germination plate has the advantage that it covers the glass and the water evaporates less quickly. If using the toothpick method, carefully poke three toothpicks into the upper third of the stone. The toothpicks serve as a holder, keeping the top two-thirds of the stone out of the water. Only the lower third of the stone should be wet. Alternatively, and if available, you can of course also use a glass with the perfect diameter, keeping the stone held in place with its lower third in the water. Step 2: Properly care for your germinating plant Now leave the stone in a warm and dark location. If cultivating in soil, make sure always to keep the earth moist. But avoid waterlogging and the associated mould and root rot. When growing in a water glass, change the water around every three days and add an organic liquid fertiliser to keep your plant supplied with the necessary nutrients. After about a month, the first roots will form. The avocado stone will soon burst and release the seedling. When the seedling has reached a height of around 15cm, move it from the water glass to a plant pot. Cover the roots with soil, keeping the stone and seedling exposed. You could also leave your avocado plant in hydroponics for longer. It's your choice. Step 3: Choose the right location Avocado plants love warm, moist and bright locations, not too sunny and without drafts. If your plant is exposed to too much sunlight, its leaves will turn red. In spring and summer, you can put your avocado plant in a sheltered place outside. However, it won't enjoy temperatures below 15°C, so bring it indoors for the winter. Water the plant with a small amount of room temperature water every day to avoid waterlogging. Since these plants originated in tropical, humid climates, spray them with a hand atomizer once a day. Then stay patient, because the first fruits won't emerge for at least ten years!

2022-06-23T00:00:00+02:00 2022-06-23T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/gardena-holiday-watering Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ GARDENA has the perfect irrigation solution for every plant and every location GARDENA is the plantsitter you've been waiting for, providing customised holiday watering for garden, balcony, and indoor plants. Here we reveal three innovative GARDENA systems that keep your plants watered. Whether you're at home or away, taking care of plants has never been so easy. And best of all, you don't even need a water connection or - with one extra special product - even an electricity connection. How cool is that? Watering for indoor plants - the city gardening irrigation system Houseplants improve air quality while allowing you to enjoy your very own urban jungle. But there's the issue of who will take care of the plants when you're away. Well, we have the answer: GARDENA does the job! The GARDENA city gardening watering system automatically supplies up to 36 houseplants with water without even needing a water connection, meaning that you have nothing to worry about. Whether you're at home or away, taking care of plants has never been so easy. No water connection is required - a power connection is all you need Waters up to 36 houseplants for one minute per day 12 outlets and a drip distributor The amount of water provided per distributor outlet can be regulated in three stages Includes a 10.5L water reservoir - you can increase the size by simply connecting additional water reservoirs An integrated timer on the transformer automatically shuts off the pump when the water reservoir is empty Sustainably manufactured from 80 per cent recycled material Ready to use immediately Watering for balcony boxes - the fully automatic watering system The Fully Automatic Flower Box Irrigation set by GARDENA reliably supplies your balcony plants with water whether you're at home or away. It is designed to supply up to 6 m of flower boxes with water and works without a water connection - just like the city gardening irrigation set for indoor plants. As long as you've got a power connection you're good to go. For up to 6 m of balcony boxes or 25 plants Functions fully automatically - a computer turns the water on and off 14 different watering programs allow you to give your plants just the right amount of water Includes 25 inline drip heads with an irrigation capacity of 2 l/h No water connection required - the system can be connected to different water reservoirs such as rain barrels Immediately ready for use Watering for balcony and patio plants - AquaBloom AquaBloom by GARDENA is an innovative watering system that supplies your balcony and patio plants with water without any need for a water or electricity connection. This product finally makes worrying about watering a thing of the past. Waters up to 20 plants Neither electricity nor water connection required Solar-powered controller and pump (combination of solar panel and rechargeable battery) Micro-drip components and pressure-equalising drip head for an even distribution of water 0.5 l water delivery rate per row dripper per hour Includes a 10.5 l water reservoir that keeps your plants watered for 12 days You can increase the size of your water reservoir by connecting additional water reservoirs 14 different programs mean you can provide your plants with just the right amount of water Sustainably made from 80 per cent recycled material Ready to use immediately GARDENA is the perfect plantsitter to be put in charge of holiday watering. GARDENA's different watering systems are perfectly tailored to the needs of indoor plants as well as balcony and patio plants, automatically providing them with the water they need. And leaving you with one less job to think about. We wish you a relaxing holiday and a wonderful summer!

2022-05-02T00:00:00+02:00 2022-05-02T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/how-to-grow-tiger-nuts-yourself Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ In their North African homeland, tiger nuts have been cultivated for many thousands of years and are valued as a high-quality source of fibre. Since then, the advantages of this great tuber have been recognised around the world. They're a superfood that you can grow yourself in a garden or on a balcony without much effort. Read on to find out what to look out for. What makes tiger nuts so great? Knowledge from North Africa and Spain is spreading across the world - tiger nuts are a superfood! They have a high fibre and mineral content, easily digestible proteins and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Tiger nuts are also gluten-free and are considered basic foods. What more could you want? Tiger nuts have great nutritional properties and a slightly sweet and pleasantly nutty taste. The taste unfolds both fresh and roasted, or when it's processed into flour. And since the tiger nut has nothing to do with almonds or nuts apart from its name and taste, it's perfect for anyone allergic to nuts. Let's grow tiger nuts! A plant with so many great properties should grow in every garden. The good news is that tiger nuts are considered to be extremely easy to care for and usually need no more than regular watering and some compost when planting out. However, they hate the cold, so choose a warm and sunny location. The soil should be sandy and loose. We have summarised the most important steps: Before sowing, soak the seeds in lukewarm water overnight to improve germination. Plant the seeds about 2cm deep in the ground and then place the seed pots somewhere with a temperature of 20 to 25°C. When the first seedlings appear, move the pots to a cooler, but bright, place. After the last frost, put the plants in a bed or planters and put them outside. A little compost is recommended. Be careful: To prevent the tiger nuts from spreading uncontrollably, include a root barrier when planting out. If lower temperatures are to be expected during the night, we recommend covering the plants in beds or planters with fleece. In autumn, cover the bed with a layer of mulch. Then, tiger nuts should survive a mild winter in the bed and sprout again in spring. How to process and enjoy tiger nuts As the name suggests, tiger nuts are harvested from underground growing tubers. Dig them out from October and then process them in different ways. Soak them for a few hours and then simply enjoy them raw, dry them, roast them, boil them, or grind them like legumes. In principle, tiger nuts can be used like nuts, meaning that they are suitable, for example, as a snack on their own, as an ingredient in pastries and pastries, ground as gluten-free flour, as an ingredient in muesli and even as a coffee substitute. Tiger nuts are also a high-quality sugar substitute. As you can see, the tiger nut is a real jack of all trades that will soon have a permanent place in your kitchen. Did you know that... ...the tiger nut has nothing to do with almonds or nuts? Therefore, it's an ideal substitute for nut allergy sufferers. ...the tiger nut, also known as chufa and belonging to the sour grass family (Cyperaceae), originally comes from northern Africa? From there, it spread to Spain, where it's mainly cultivated and processed in the region around Valencia. The sweet tiger nut milk Horchata de Chufa is a regional specialty of Valencia. ...the tiger nut spread from southern Europe to the Netherlands as a neophyte, where it is gradually displacing native plants? However, the cooler climate in more northern European climes naturally limits their spread. ...the tiger nut is not only valued as a high-quality food, but as a hyperaccumulator that absorbs and stores heavy metals. It's also used to phytosanitate polluted soils? Cool right? With our tips, everything should go smoothly when growing your tigernuts. We wish you lots of fun and success!

2022-04-15T00:00:00+02:00 2022-04-15T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/mould-on-potting-soil-harmless-or-dangerous Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ Mould in houseplant pots is basically harmless to humans - unless your immune system is weakened or you have an allergy to mould. Then you should wear an appropriate mask when working with plants. Mould growing in pots can deprive young plants of important nutrients. In the worst case, they could die. However, it poses no danger to all other plants. Is it really mould? Before you start fighting mould on potting soil, first determine whether it actually is the dreaded fungus, because not everything that shows up as white deposits on soil is mould. If the white spots are rather crumbly, hard, dry and spread out over a large area, the all-clear can be given, because then it is most likely salt or limescale deposits. Mould, on the other hand, is soft and fluffy and appears as small islets on the soil. Why is soil mouldy in a pot? In principle, fungal spores can be found everywhere in the air - this is completely normal and not dangerous. If mould becomes visible in plant pots, it's because they've found optimal growth conditions. These include the following four points: A high proportion of organic matter: High-quality, peat-free organic soils in particular have a high proportion of organic matter and thus create the conditions for mould to proliferate. Unfortunately, the formation of mould in organic soil can never be completely prevented - it's sometimes there when you open the bag. Read more on this topic below. High humidity: Mould thrives in high humidity on walls and in plant pots. Soil that's too wet: Too frequent watering and the associated constantly wet surface of the soil provide mould with the ideal conditions for growth. Heat: If heat is added to high humidity and constantly wet soil, mould has hit the jackpot, because damp heat is the growth driver par excellence for mould. What to do with mouldy soil in pots? If mould is visible in a plant pot, it's not the end of the world. The following tips will help you get rid of unwanted fungi: Ventilate properly: To prevent mould from forming in indoor plant pots, ventilate rooms regularly. It's better to open the windows fully for five to ten minutes every day than to tilt them for longer. Let the surface of the soil dry out: Make sure that the surface of the soil in the plant pot is always dry, depriving mould of the basis for settling in the pot. Watering from below: Watering the saucer from below helps to keep the surface of the soil in the plant pot dry and still provides the plant in the pot with the necessary amount of water. Repotting: If the mould infestation is very advanced, only repotting the plant will help. You should also rinse the plant's root ball thoroughly with water to remove all remnants of the infested substrate before you plant it in fresh soil. The soil is mouldy in the bag - what should you do? You open a bag of potting soil you've just bought, look forward to a lot of planting and what do you see? Disgusting white spots. Visible white deposits on soil are actually fungal spores. Sometimes mould is in freshly bought potting soil. This usually has a simple cause and is nothing to worry about. In very high-quality organic soils, the lack of peat increases the proportion of organic matter and fungi such as Trichoderma ssp. or peziza (muglings) find plenty of food. This cannot be completely prevented in proper organic soils, but it does not pose any danger to the plants that later grow out of the soil, and has no influence on the quality of the soil. If you discover such light-coloured deposits when opening a bag of soil, we recommend loosening and mixing the soil with your hands. This should destroy the fungus and prevent it from coming back. However, if a large part of the soil is covered with mycelium, this can also be due to poor storage. Then mixing won't help and you should dispose of the soil. Remember, bags of potting soil that have already been opened should be stored in a dark, cool place and protected from the weather to prevent a mould infestation. We hope that this article has shed some light on mould in potting soil. Happy gardening!

2022-04-11T00:00:00+02:00 2022-04-11T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/microgreens-little-green-miracles Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ Microgreens - Little Green Miracles Plants Microgreens are all the rage in the culinary world! More and more chefs are growing these delicate little plants, and they are getting more popular in the urban gardening scene. Not only do the microgreens taste delicious, they also look really pretty and are full of valuable nutrients. What exactly are microgreens? Microgreens are seedlings or plantlets that are a few days old. Since they are small and usually green, they are called microgreens. These young plantlets are much richer in proteins, trace elements and vitamins than their larger versions of sprouts. For this reason, they are also considered superfoods. Unlike sprouts, microgreens grow a bit longer and develop juicy green leaves before they are harvested. Microgreens are eaten without their roots. How to grow microgreens Enjoy your own green garden even in the smallest of spaces - and in every season. Choose from a variety of different vegetables to grow as multigreens. Fast growing varieties like broccoli, rocket, buckwheat, red cabbage, radishes, chervil and lettuce are generally recommended. Beetroot is also very popular. The seeds are soaked overnight and then sown densely in a dish. When growing the seedlings, you should pay particular attention to the right amount of water. It is best to water the seeds with a spray bottle because too much moisture or too cool of a location, quickly leads to mold growth. Conveniently, you can even sow several varieties together! Just try to make sure that the seeds germinate at the same time. Try different mixes until you have found the perfect one for you! Microgreens bring flavour to your cuisine Microgreens have a high nutrient content as well as an intense taste. They often offer up a spicy flavour! Add extra pep to your meals with these little greens. Harvest the seedlings just before eating, as they are very sensitive. Enjoy them as a tasty garnish of salads, sandwiches, stews or soups. Thanks to their pretty shapes and their strong colours, they add a splash of colour to any plate. Good luck and happy tasting!

2022-03-18T00:00:00+01:00 2022-03-18T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.bloomling.uk/info/garden-guide/attention-spicy-how-to-succeed-with-chilli-cultivation Bloomling uk@bloomling.com https://www.bloomling.uk/ Chillies can be grown in gardens, on terraces and on balconies. They are excellent for pot cultivation and make a great addition to your vegetable garden. Below, read the most important to-dos for successfully growing these spicy fruits. Chilli cultivation - When is the right time? March is the perfect time to start growing chillies. Chilli plants love heat, so don't sow the seeds directly in the ground. First, cultivate indoors. The ideal germination temperature is a comfortable 25°C - we therefore recommend covering seed trays with a hood or mini greenhouse. Your chilli seeds will then enjoy optimal germination and growth conditions and ideally germinate after around two weeks. Chilli cultivation - What you need You don't need much to grow chillies - not even a garden. Here's a checklist: Chilli Seeds Growing pots and lids Ideally a mini greenhouse Growing soil or substrate A plant sprayer Liquid fertiliser Plant pots with a volume of 5 to 20 litres (depending on the chilli variety) A sunny spot in a bed or garden Equipped like this, you can get started right away. Sow chilli seeds correctly To improve seed germination, pre-germinate seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Prepare seed trays or pots with good quality soil and press the chilli seeds about 1cm deep into the soil. Don't use more than two to three seeds per seed pot. Before you put on the growing hood, moisten the soil with a sprayer. When the first seedlings appear, put them in a cooler place with a temperature of around 15°C and as much light as possible. When four leaves have developed - usually after a week or two - it's time for the plantlets to move to larger pots. Make sure to cover the roots with a depth of one to two centimetres of soil and then place the pots in a bright place with an ambient temperature of around 20°C. If you want to be extra careful, use biodegradable grow pots. These rot in the ground and can therefore be transplanted with the seedlings - so there is no risk of delicate roots being injured. From mid-May, when the last frosts are over, the plants are usually strong enough to be placed outdoors or in larger pots on a balcony or terrace. To be on the safe side, wait as long as possible, because chillies need a lot of heat and hate low temperatures. They love bright and sunny locations - definitely take this into account when choosing the right spot. For good root development, loosen the soil before planting. Put the chilli plants in the soil at least 40cm apart and up to the first pair of leaves. When growing in pots, anticipate a pot volume of between 5 and 20 litres, depending on the type of chilli. A drainage layer and a hole in the bottom of the pot for excess irrigation or rainwater to drain are important to prevent waterlogging. In contrast to beds, growing chillies in pots has a number of key advantages: Follow the sun - pots can always be placed in the best possible location Mmm, so nice and warm in here - plant pots heat up quickly and thus support chilli growth Bye bye cold - In cold weather phases, you can easily bring plant pots into a house or conservatory Choose the right soil High-quality potting soil provides chilli seeds with the ideal conditions for germination. It has the right nutrient content, promotes root development thanks to its loose structure and has excellent water storage capacity. So potting soil is perfect until the first leaves form. Then use a special vegetable soil that contains more nutrients than potting soil. Chillies are heavy consumers. Therefore change their position in a vegetable garden every year. Radishes and lettuce are suitable as preculture. Herbs are ideal to plant alongside. Chilli cultivation - How often should you water healthy plants? After planting, chillies are very thirsty and so need a lot of water. Cultivation in greenhouses is therefore a great idea, as the humidity is high. Planters with a water reservoir are also ideal for chillies because the plant can supply itself with the necessary amount of water. Until the fruits have formed, water chillies frequently. If you want your chillies to be particularly hot, reduce the watering afterwards. This will force them to produce more capsaicin and make them hotter. Basically, chilli plants want to be watered in the morning or evening. Never water them when the sun is directly on them, and never wet the leaves. In summer, water the plants at least once a day, depending on the temperature. The right amount of water is enough to reach the root ball. With pot cultivation, check this by looking to see if water has collected in the saucer. The top layer of soil should be dry. Chilli cultivation - When to fertilise and how often? As heavy consumers, chillies need a lot of fertiliser - during the growth phase supply them with a special liquid fertiliser or water them with a nettle solution every three weeks. Follow these tips and harvest wonderfully hot chillies in late summer and autumn!