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DESIGNING A GARDEN CONTAINER
Selecting a garden container You can be your own designer when it comes container gardening. Start by choosing a container. There are many types of containers to select from. Some you may already have around the house, if not there are a wide selection offered at garden centers, hardware stores, and local greenhouses. Even thrift or antique shops may have interesting inexpensive pots or containers. Be creative! Always check for good drainage in a container. All containers need holes at the bottom. Drainage can be improved by drilling extra holes. Drainage can also be improved by placing the pot or container on wedges. Home garden centers also carry stylish 'feet' to use as wedges. Hanging baskets and window boxes are a great way to garden and add color. The size of the container is important. You don't want your flowers to become root bound if placed in too small of a container. Usually the larger the plant the larger the pot size. You can choose from clay, plastic, wood, ceramic, and terracotta. Keep in mind when using any porous container the soil will dry faster. As a result watering becomes necessary more often. After choosing the right container, place it where you want it. Moving it later to the right destination is difficult and heavy.
Soil for container gardening You want the soil used in container gardening to be light. If the soil is dense it won't hold moisture and nutrients in. Ready to use potting soil is available at home garden centers and greenhouses. Look for a potting mix made up of perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite. The peat moss acts as a loosening agent in the soil which will help with drainage. As well, vermiculite and perlite both help keep the soil loose and retain moisture. When filling the container with soil leave enough room from the top to have room for watering, otherwise soil and water tend to overflow.
Fertilizing garden containers Containers need a lot of water all summer long. Constant watering flushes nutrients and fertilizers away quicker. Therefore nutrients need to be replaced for your plants to thrive. Especially during peak blooming times. If you have chosen a potting mix that contains no fertilizers you can add a slow release fertilizer into the soil. Follow instructions that come with your fertilizer. Whether you use a slow release fertilizer or you are on a fertilizing schedule every couple of weeks do not over fertilize. This will burn the roots of your plants!
Watering container gardens As mentioned containers tend to dry out more quickly compared to your regular garden beds. Watch the weather conditions. In extreme heat containers may need to be watered twice a day. During normal summer weather know the plants requirements. Watering usually is needed daily to twice a week. If rain is a factor and soil is saturated watering obviously is not needed for that day. Water only when needed, when soil is dry about an inch down. Watch for wilting. This is a sure sign watering is needed.
Selecting flowers for container gardening There are many beautiful plants to choose from. Annuals offer a wide range of color and sizes. Keep in mind when selecting plants for a particular container; choose ones that need the same light requirements. Look for a healthy, strong plant. You want to see dark green foliage, not wilting or yellowed. Don't select plants that are leggy or that have roots coming out the bottom. Avoid plants that show signs of disease or insect infestation. A few healthy buds on a healthy plant is a good choice.
Planting in containers Now you have done all the hard work. Enjoy gardening's most rewarding task. Design your garden container. Some simple tips to help with planting and you are on your way. Leave room for plants to grow. Overcrowding from the start won't allow the plants to get establish. Plant on a cool evening or overcast day to avoid transplanting stress. If necessary pinch any dead flowers off. Happy planting!
CONTAINER GARDENING Read information to help you get started with container gardens.
Featured Articles Basic Gardening - The Simple Facts Sometimes it's good to get back to the basics. When gardening many factors come into play when trying to achieve a successful flowering garden.Read More.
FLOWER GARDEN NEWS
Container Gardening- Container gardening is enjoyable for those gardeners who have very little gardening space, or no room at all. It is also a great way to garden for those who don't have a lot of time to maintain a flower bed. For one, there is very little weeding to do. Containers are also a great addition to entry ways, patios, decks, and even a flower garden.
Home Garden Contests
Have some fun with gardening and enter a contest. Visit the Home Garden Contests page for details.
Annuals for container gardening
Plant NamePreferred Light Conditions Alyssum partial shade/sun Begonia shade Butterfly Flower partial shade/sun Coleus shade Dahlia full sun Datura full sun Gazania full sun Geranium partialshade/sun Impatien shade Latana sun-light shade Lobelia partial shade/sun Marigold full sun Nasturium partial shade/sun Nicotiana partial shade/sun Petunia partial shade/sun Snapdragon full sun
Planting Annuals in your flower beds and home gardens. Click ANNUALS from the flower and plant guide for a larger selection to choose from..
