Monty Don shares how to feed container plants to avoid 'damage' and 'predatory problems'

Container plants are a great way to add colour, herbs and plants to patios and balconies.

They’re relatively easy to care for but require feeding during the summer months as they will use up the nutrients in the soil.

However, gardening expert Monty Don has warned gardeners that over-feeding container plants could cause more harm than good.

The horticulturalist and TV presenter shared his advice for feeding container plants on his blog which he updates regularly.

The 67-year-old has shared the “secret” to feeding container plants to avoid “damaging” plants.

He said: “Most plants grown in a container of any kind will exhaust the available nutrients from the compost they were originally planted as they grow and will need a regular supplementary feed for the rest of the summer.

“A weekly feed high in potash that will help promote root and flower formation (but not over-lush foliage) is ideal.

“I find liquid seaweed or a proprietary liquid tomato feed to work well.

“The secret is to give just enough - and not too much. Too many nutrients is as damaging as too few as it causes rapid, lush growth - often at the expense of flowers or fruit - which attracts extra fungal and predatory problems.

“Never be tempted to make the feed any stronger than the instructions dictate and if in any doubt reduce the strength. Your plants and displays will be the better for it.”

Container plants can also dry out more quickly during the summer months so need to be watered more frequently.

Each plant has different needs but during particularly hot weather, container plants may need watering every day.