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If you want to brighten up your garden with something different, then introducing pot plants could be a simple and effective way.

Online garden expert Shoot has some tops tips on caring for your pot plants, indoors and out.

1.) It is a good idea to plant tender plants in containers so they can easily be over-wintered in shelter.

2.) Also consider planting plants with invasive roots (such as bamboo or mint) into containers to prevent their rampant growth.

3.) Containers are also ideal if the soil requirement of a favourite plant differs from the soil in your garden (e.g. if you love camellias, rhododendrons and heathers but your soil is alkaline or you have acid soil, but want to grow clematis which prefers alkaline soil)

4.) Apply a fertiliser regularly. There are many fertilisers available, all applied in different ways, for different purposes. Frequency of application will be described on the product you are using. Always read the manufacturer's instructions.

Fertilisers are either carbon based (organic) or man-made chemicals (inorganic). Organic fertilisers include products made from dead animals (eg fish, blood and bone) or plants (eg seaweed meal). There is also rock potash, a naturally occurring mineral, although some organic gardeners prefer to avoid it.

Many manufacturers have tried to simplify fertiliser selection by producing products labelled for specific plants or situations. There are specific ones for container plants.

5.) Water your plants daily
Your plants will need regular watering, as they cannot reach deep into the soil for water. Ensure the container is free draining to allow excess water to run off.

6.) Special care for indoor container plants
Keep plants away from draughty windows and doors, and do not stand houseplants on top of radiators or near gas or electric fires.