Advice centre
Advice and care
Describe what you see on the plant, or choose a common symptom.
White coatingYellowing leavesWilting / rotLeaf spotsAphids / sap-sucking insectsHoles in leavesNot floweringBrown edges
pest
Aphids
Small sap-sucking insects on young growth and the underside of leaves; they cause distortion and discolouration. They excrete honeydew, on which sooty mould grows. An important vector of viral diseases.
Cause
Aphids (Aphidoidea). Excess nitrogen encourages outbreaks.
What to do
- direct: a strong jet of water or a soap solution, insecticide spray; in greenhouses, biological control (aphid midges, ladybirds)
- preventive: do not overfeed with nitrogen, check the underside of the leaves
This is general information. When using plant protection products, follow the label.
Planting step by step
- Set out the pots by number
Do not plant anything yet. Set the pots out on the border exactly by the numbers in the planting plan, tall ones at the back (framework), low ones at the front (edge). - Check the spacing
Step back and look from above. There should be gaps between the plants. They will fill them once they have grown together. The recommended spacing is given for each plant (spacing in cm). - Photograph the layout
Before you start planting, photograph the border from above. If something does not fit, now is the time to move it, not after planting. - Plant in groups
Start with the framework (the tallest, at the back), then the filler, and finally the edge. Plant to the depth of the pot, firm in and water at the roots. - Water and mulch
After planting, water generously (~10 l/m²) and mulch the surface between the plants 5–7 cm deep. This holds moisture and suppresses weeds. - Note the planting date
Make a note of the planting day. We will use it to prepare a care plan for the first, most sensitive season.