Building a mixed pot for a patio, using an old metal baby bath – Step by Step Guide
An Introduction
I found this old baby bath at a car boot sale.
It’s a great size for some mixed planting with a “mini pond” and some habitats for bugs.
Think drainage and soil support
The bath has no holes so could get waterlogged in heavy rain.
To help avoid this build in layers and material to keep the soil quality good as it rots, it will also take in some water.
Compost and more
I recommend wool compost, helps sheep farmers and doesn’t involve peat.
Comfrey cut fresh and banana skins for nitrogen and potassium. The wool compost is phosphorous rich already. Along with carbon, ie organic matter, these three minerals are essential for good soil health.
Get arranging
It’s a good idea to have one piece of wood running all the way through and sticking out. It can be pushed in as the bottom rots, and it will attract grubs and provide a perch for birds.
Layers
Add in the fresh stuff, Then some compost, Then some gravel or sand or both, Then more compost
Get planting
I moved rosemary, chives and sage from a disintegrating old herb hanging basket. They are already flowering which is perfect.
Place the “pond” and seed with whatever you fancy.
Building a Balcony pot, ginger mint – Step by step guide
Ginger mint, a bees’ drinking station, and shelter for critters- a step by step guide for a pot suitable for a small balcony.
Repurposing Pots
Anything that has volume and can hold soil may be used to make a pot for pollinators, to grow herbs for the kitchen, to grow some vegetables and to make a personal connection to nature.