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Re: u Alpine plants in pots

From: "Alan Grainger" <alpines@ukonline.co.uk>

Hi Diana et al
The cultivation of alpine plants in pots accounts for about 50% of the
things I grow.

There is no specific soil type as certain plants demand specialised composts
but on the whole, it is safe to say that the majority will grown in a
mixture of 50% soil  50% grit. What is grit you may ask. Interesting
question which I have been asked many times. Grit is quite simply sharp
stone in particle sizes ranging from say 10-15mm. I say sharp stone as
opposed to 'rounded' stone because this aids the drainage. Alpines demand
excellent drainage......more so when in containers. The type of soil will
depend on the needs of the plants e.g. calcareous (lime loving) or
ericaceous (acid loving) and the amounts will depend on whether the plants
are from high alpine regions or lowland pastures etc. A rule of thumb is,
the higher the alpine the more grit, the lower the alpine more humus. For an
Androsace vandelli, the compost would contain 75-80% grit and 20-25% soil or
leaf mould. For Primula nana the opposite would be required. These of course
would also vary depending upon whether the plants were in plastic or clay
pots. Clay obviously retaining less moisture than plastic.
The watering regime for pots is QUITE different to any other form of
gardening and would depend on whether the pots were free standing or plunged
in a sand frame (See the article THE ALPINE HOUSE on my web site
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/alpines/alpine%20house.htm ). In the temperatures
currently being experienced in the States, watering would be EVERY day
without fail. Plants in pots dry out very quickly indeed.

This is a very rough guide indeed but I hope it gives you some idea of what
is required.
Best Regards
Alan
E mail me at
alpines@ukonline.co.uk
or visit The Alpine Garden at
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/alpines

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