We love this idea of using vintage teacups as planters for small plants and flowers! You could find all shapes and colours of teacups to match you own style and build up your collection bit by bit. We've also included some gardening tips from Emma Hardy, so your plants will stay happy and healthy!
Preparing pots and plants
Once you have decided on the container that you would like to plant up, you’ll need to prepare both the pots and plants before planting. Some of the key tasks include:
- Making drainage holes Few plants (apart from bog and water plants) like to sit in very wet soil, so it is important to provide adequate drainage in each container. If the container you are using does not have drainage holes in the bottom, then you can make some by drilling or hammering a heavy-duty nail into the base a few times.
- Using drainage crocks These are bits of old plant pot or tiles that are placed over the drainage holes in the container so that the hole will not become blocked by potting mix and inhibit drainage. Simply break up old pots or tiles with a hammer (take care not to let small shards hit you) and keep them for use in future projects.
- Getting the container ready To reduce the likelihood of infection by pests and diseases, clean the container on both the outside and inside with warm, soapy water before planting up. Remember to rinse thoroughly.
- Loosening plant roots Sometimes plants can become root-bound if they have been sitting in their plastic pots for a long time. Loosening the roots slightly will encourage them to spread out and grow when you re-pot them. Gently press your fingertips into the roots and then tease them out slightly, making sure that you do not damage them as you do so.
- Soaking plants before planting Before re-potting a plant, always soak it in water for at least 10 minutes to get the potting mix really wet.
Dainty Teacups
Collect vintage cups and saucers, and create a pretty desktop garden to brighten up your day. If you are feeling brave, drill a drainage hole in the base of each cup using a hand drill. If you would rather not damage your cups, then adding gravel and being careful not to overwater should keep the plants healthy.
Materials
Fine gravel
Teacups and saucers
Potting mix with a little fine gravel added
Selection of alpine plants such as: Armeria juniperifolia (thrift) in white cup with ornate pattern
Clematis marmoraria in pink cup
Eranthis cilicica (winter aconite) in white cup with blue interior
Fritillaria uva-vulpis (fritillary) in turquoise with gold cup
Primula marginata Dwarf Form (primrose) in white cup with flower
Saxifraga ‘Penelope’ (saxifrage) in yellow cup with the decorated saucer
Saxifraga 5 petraschii (saxifrage) in gray cup with white flower
Sedum species (stonecrop) in the yellow and gold cup
1. Put about a tablespoon of fine gravel in the bottom of each of the teacups.
2. Spoon some potting mix into the first cup, remembering to leave enough room for the plant.
3. Take the plant out of its plastic pot and gently shake off any excess potting mix. Position the plant in the cup and fill round the edges with more potting mix so that the plant sits firmly in place. Plant the remaining teacups in the same way.
4. Sprinkle some fine gravel over the surface of the potting mix in each cup, making sure that it is completely covered. Water each cup carefully, ensuring that the mix is damp but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers as necessary, to keep the plants in bloom.
For more miniature gardening projects, check out Teeny Tiny Gardening by Emma Hardy.