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An Insightful Guide to Container Gardening
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CONTAINER GARDENING Pots & Planters Selecting Plants Potting Mixes Planting Watering Sunlight Fertilizer Pest Problems Growing Vertical  This site is brought to you by www.PlanetNatural.com |
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 Gardening With Potted Pleasures: Care, Culture Tips for Container GardeningProvided by Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service MANHATTAN, Kansas -- Following a national trend, container gardens have gained popularity in Kansas with an inter-generational mix of enthusiasts. "Container gardening allows you to garden anywhere by growing plants not suited to your soil," said Dennis Patton, Johnson County K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent. "Container gardens are less strenuous to care for than gardens in the ground, with less digging and less weeding." Pots can be arranged for almost any area, and have the flexibility to accommodate targeted areas within the home or landscape. "These gardens can be problem solvers," said Beverly Plapp, Johnson County Extension Master Gardener. "The plants are easier to reach, bare or dull areas can be improved and eyesores can be hidden by the portable gardens." "Container gardens are an answer for persons with limited garden space," said Chuck Marr, Extension horticulture specialist. "Residents of apartments, condominiums, retirement homes or houses on small lots can still enjoy gardening." Containers are mobile, allowing gardeners to take the plants along or move them for an instant splash of color. "You can enjoy your plants more fully by locating them on patios, balconies or window boxes," Marr said. "Older gardeners can plant and tend to containers when standard gardening may be too strenuous. And, what better way for children to study the miracle of plant growth?" Following a new trend, a small grouping of similar potted gardens provides a new twist. "One container makes a splash, but a grouping of three to five in varying size of pots and plant materials makes a statement," Patton said. "Groupings are easier to care for as the mass of plant materials help buffer each other from summer's stressful conditions." The groupings can also be combined with garden art such as small statues, urns or sculptures. By combining plants, pots and statuary, a garden vignette is possible. "Botanical gardens and larger estates have made use of containers for years," Patton said. "It is simple for anyone to do no matter the size of the home or area." Container gardening is not without its problems, however, especially in Kansas. A plant growing in an exposed location will be under more stress, and will need more regular watering. "The effects of hot, dry winds may be more severe than in conventional gardens," Patton said. "And for example, large containers can be expensive and difficult to move when filled with potting mix." Marr said the advantages far outweigh the problems, and encouraged even the most inexperienced of gardeners to get started growing - container style. He offered these tips: • Soil Mixes - Ordinary soil does not always have desirable characteristics for container gardening. When the soil is saturated with water, the air spaces are filled, removing essential air from the roots. A soil substitute, often called potting mix, is recommended. "The mix may contain some soil, called a 'soil mix', or no soil at all, a 'soil-less mix'," Marr said. "Additional ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite and perlite allow rapid drainage but still hold sufficient water for plant growth." Potting mixes can be purchased from nurseries or garden stores. "You can also make your own potting soil," Marr said. "Remember to keep it simple -- you don't need a different mix for each type of plant." One common formula mixes one part sandy loam soil, one part sphagnum peat moss and one part perlite or builder's sand. "There are many variations of this basic recipe," Marr said. "Any mix containing soil has not been pasteurized to kill weeds or disease organisms, so use these mixes for established plants. Potting mixes should be free of disease organisms, insects or weeds." Consult references in your local library or K-State Research and Extension office for additional recipes for mixing large quantities of potting mix from a variety of ingredients. • Fertilizer - Potting mixes drain water rapidly, causing fertilizer to be washed out of the containers with the water. "You will need to replace lost fertilizer," Marr said. "Lighter mixes will require more frequent fertilizing than heavier mixes containing soil. Remember, you are growing a plant with a small, constricted root system, so regular fertilizing and watering is important." Many gardeners prefer to apply a dilute fertilizer solution at every other watering. There are several water-soluble fertilizer materials available. "If you fertilize at every other watering, use only one fourth the recommended rate unless the instructions state directions for continuous feeding for container gardening," he said. Controlled release or time release fertilizers are also widely available. These are pellets designed to release fertilizer gradually over a long period of time. Follow directions on the package label. • Watering - Since containers are usually situated in exposed locations, water is quickly lost from the containers. Smaller containers have less of a reservoir for holding water until needed. "There is no rule of thumb on how often to water since it will vary with type of plant, potting mix, weather conditions and type of pot used," Marr said. Daily watering may become necessary during hot, dry periods. Potting mix is nearly impossible to over water because the water quickly drains out of the container. "Check your plants regularly and look for signs of wilting to indicate a need for water," he said. "Stick your finger into the upper inch or so of the potting mix to feel for dryness." Apply sufficient water to allow a small amount to come out of the bottom drain hole. This indicates the container is thoroughly saturated with water. Potting mixes can be easily washed out of the container, so never water with a direct stream of water from a hose. Always use a breaker nozzle to soften the stream of water or a sprinkling can. • Culture and Care - Plants need care and attention throughout the season. "Insects and disease can be a problem because plants are growing under more stress and with limited root systems," Marr said. "Control measures will be similar to those used in conventional gardening." |
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