Soilless
potting mixes are now quite good and the easiest way to go. Look
for the following ingredients:
Peat moss -- organic
material
Vermiculite or perlite aerates (vermiculite both aerates and absorbs
water and nutrients)
Limestone --
balances pH
Many of the
newer mixes also contain wetting agents, nutrients and polymers.
To test a potting mix: Squeeze it in your hand. - The mix should
hold together when compressed, but crumble easily when tapped.
Note:
For containers, use a potting mix that's somewhat coarse. The
finer mixes, like those that can be used to start seeds, will
become dense and cause the roots to suffocate.
Note:
Peat moss is slow to absorb moisture, so moisten the mix before
using it, but don't let it be soggy.
PLANTING
METHOD
* Mix slow-release
fertilizer into moistened potting mix using manufacturer's directions.
(If purchased potting mix contains some nutrients, you probably
still want to add some slow-release, such as 14-14-14, but read
the potting mix bag carefully to determine content. Note: An 8-9
month slow-release formula will last longer in heat than the 3-4
month slow-release formulas.)
*
Fill container about 3/4 full of the mix.
* Pre-arrange
your chosen plants to be sure you like the grouping and placement.
* Starting
the center, remove the plant from its pot, gently loosen and
spread roots. Plant closely (more closely than you'd plant in
the ground).
* Add more
moistened potting mix to within one inch of the top.
* Water
thoroughly.
MAINTENANCE
Fertilizing
Frequent
watering washes out nutrients, so you need to provide a constant
supply of nutrients. For annuals especially, supplement the slow-release
fertilizer with water-soluble 20-20-20 every two weeks. Alternatively,
you can add a weak solution of fertilizer each time you water.
Grooming
Remove spent
blossoms and brown leaves. Removing spent blooms encourages strong
growth and continued heavy flowering. Check for insects and diseases
before they spread.
Watering
-
Check for need to water every other day, and every day
in hot weather.
|
-
Don't just use your eyes - stick your finger into the
soil! If soil is dry down to 1", then you need to water.
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- The
best time to water is early in the morning. If you must
water in hot, sunny weather, avoid splashing the leaves,
which can scorch.
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- Water
thoroughly, but never allow water to stand in saucers
or drip trays. Consider using feet for your containers
- they help with drainage and protect your deck or patio.
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- Be
aware that some planting mediums are almost impossible
to remoisten if allowed to dry out.
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- Consider
adding the gels/polymers that hold water for later release,
but don't depend on them entirely. Remember that if the
container has dried out too much before watering, the
polymer can actually pull water out of the roots of the
plants! And follow the manufacturers directions exactly.
A very little goes a long way!
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DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS FOR
CONTAINER GARDENING
CONTAINERS
What's a
container? Even an old rowboat can be a container! Use your
imagination.
PLACEMENT
Within a
garden bed?
On a set
of steps?
For screening?
To enclose
a patio?
To frame
an entrance or bench?
GROUPING
Seldom
use just a single container
Groupings
should have a unifying element, such as identical containers,
or containers made of the same material, but of varying shapes/sizes.
STYLE
OF CONTAINER
Formal or
informal? A very formal container can enhance a more formal
setting, whereas informal containers seldom do. Consider the
"look" you're trying to achieve when selecting a container.
STYLE
OF PLANTING
Formal
or informal? Again, consider the "look" you're conveying. Informal
plantings can be done in formal containers, but the reverse
is usually difficult to achieve successfully.
PLANT
COMBINATION GUIDELINES
First, there's
nothing wrong with using just a single plant! Can be very elegant
in a beautiful container.
When combining
plant materials, consider
Filler
examples:
