Kitchen Garden Forum

I've got several alpines in small 6" pots which I would like to keep. I'm going to over winter them in my cold greenhouse. The roots are coming out of the bottom. When is the best time to re-pot? now or in the Spring.

Beryl.

Beryl, I used to grow lots of alpines in the past and always potted them up very early in spring, just as they were 'moving', never into much bigger pots, just a size larger, if possible pot-pots rather than plastic, similar open compost and just add a minute amount of bonemeal.

Thanks Monika. They are in plastic pots and I did want to put them into terracotta as I think they look much better. I have an idea to then set the pots into a large stone trough. I will do it all all in the spring - thanks very much.

Beryl.

Dear Beryl, i'm sure you already know this but, Alpines love fierce drainage, so plenty of grit mixed in with the compost, and a good layer of grit round the plant too. They also hate getting their crowns soaked through the Winter, so maybe you can bring them back indoors in the Winter, or try and offer them some sort of protection, with something like a sheet of rigid plastic held above the plants.

Hello OH.
Yes, I know they like plenty of drainage which is why I thought I would set the pots in a large trough filled with decorative stones etc. then bring them in in the winter This is my first time growing; I was inspired this summer on a visit to the Wisley show, their displays were wonderful. Can I do as well? I doubt it but I shall enjoying trying.

Many thanks for your advice.

Regards
Beryl.

Dear Beryl, if your alpines turn out half as as nice as you keep your allotments, they will look a picture.

Thanks OH.
Beryl