Growing alpines in a trough outside

Discussion in 'Alpine Gardening' started by zilly, Aug 12, 2017.

  1. zilly

    zilly Gardener

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    I never have any luck with my alpines outside. Every winter they start to rot in the wet weather. Any suggestions please, or is it best to grow in greenhouse? I've been trying them in old butler sinks.
     
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

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    @zilly
    Which alpines are you trying to grow? Some can be very tricky. Generally alpines need very good drainage, so a lot of grit in the compost. Does the water run out of the butler sinks freely, you might want to raise them off the ground slightly. Also as they are quite deep containers a layer of hardcore or rocks in the bottom might help.
     
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    • zilly

      zilly Gardener

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      Hi Nigel, thanks for that. I have got a layer of hardcore in the bottom and sinks are raised off of floor but I stupidly haven't put any grit in with the soil:noidea:.
       
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      • Verdun

        Verdun Passionate gardener

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        Also, zilly, place a sheet of glass or perspex over them raised 30 cm or so over their heads. Most alpines can cope with cold but not wet weather. Keep sides open so well ventilated but dry over winter :)
         
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        • zilly

          zilly Gardener

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          Brilliant idea Verdun I will def try this as convinced its the rain that keeps rotting them, thanks.
           
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          • kindredspirit

            kindredspirit Gardening around a big Puddle. :)

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            I grow all my alpines out side, even the delicate ones (because I haven't got a greenhouse or alpine house).

            Gradually year on year whenever I plant new stuff I've increased the mix from 100% soil with no grit to my latest ones with 50% soil and 50% grit. The ones planted in the most grit have grown far, far faster than the ones in just soil.

            I also give them super drainage because when Alpines grow in the mountains they're on slopes where the water whizzes off.
             
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            • Verdun

              Verdun Passionate gardener

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              What varieties do you grow kindredspirit? :)
               
            • kindredspirit

              kindredspirit Gardening around a big Puddle. :)

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              Verdun said:
              What varieties do you grow kindredspirit? :)

              Oh, my goodness, Verdun. Loads. Ones I shouldn't, I know, but I've nowhere else for them.

              Lewisias.
              Saxifrages.
              Saponaria.
              Sedums. Sempervivum.
              Phyllosis Comosa.
              Raoulia Australis.
              Orystachys.
              Azorella.
              Gysophilla.
              Aquilegia.
              Sisyrinchum.
              Loads of mountain ferns.
              Daphne.
              Muscari
              Primula.
              Delosperma
              Cassiope
              Gaultheria Pearls.
              Miniscule Clematis.
              Mini Dianthus.
              Rock Rose
              Alysum Saxatile.
              Habranthus Robusta
              Campanula Hare Bells.
              Navelwort.
              Turkish Forget-me-not.
              Erodiums.
              Erinus Alpinus.

              Loads and loads more types. All stuck out in the rain and frost. (High rainfall area here.) Biggest problem is the rain but I don't cover them. :( :(

              If you want a full list I can go around and make one, no problem.

              Hardest to grow are Lewisias because they hate wet and Gaultheria Pearls, which hate even a whiff of lime.
               
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              • Verdun

                Verdun Passionate gardener

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                I could really get into alpines.....wonderful little gems.
                How about a few pics now and then? :)
                 
              • kindredspirit

                kindredspirit Gardening around a big Puddle. :)

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                OK, OK, I'll post some more up in Alpines. Piccies of
                My problem is that I'm so busy that I don't seem to have time for everything (but I know that's no excuse!) :) :) :)
                 
              • Verdun

                Verdun Passionate gardener

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                No excuse at all kindredspirit :lunapic 130165696578242 5:
                Just in from outside......should be on the beach really but Cormwall is packed out at the moment.
                It is scorchio :SUNsmile:
                 
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                • kindredspirit

                  kindredspirit Gardening around a big Puddle. :)

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                  Have lost some plants this winter due to the excessive wet. I'd say 50% of my Lewisias have rotted. (The dreaded orange rot.) and I've just spotted a Delosperma Spalmanthoides, which has gone to God. :( :( I may have to make glass covers for next winter.

                  What I need is an Alpine House but I've no room to put one anywhere. :(
                   
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