Steps to a Successful Container Garden
From foam pots to terracotta, potted plants can add
class to your garden.
Friday, July 8, 2005
Container planting is one of the most creative gardening forms in which
color combinations, texture and even the container itself can make a
statement. Container gardens can express your artistry or set a mood in the
house, on your deck or front porch, and even in the garden.
The following are simple, easy-to-follow steps to get things started – even
for those of you who don't think you have a green thumb!
Step 1
Select the right pot for your plant
* Any container that appeals to you is a possibility – choose colors,
sizes, and styles that not only match your plant, but also your environment.
* Think foam! Foam pots are extremely lightweight yet durable. The pot's
polyurethane foam also protects roots in extreme temperatures.
* Pot should be 1 to 2 inches larger than the root ball so roots have room
to grow and expand (large plants may need more space – 2 to 3 inches).
Step 2
Create and cover drainage holes
* Punch holes in bottom of the pot.
* Use wire mesh to cover holes so soil mix doesn't run out with any excess
water.
* Fill bottom portion of container with gravel, rocks, pieces of broken
crockery or packing peanuts to create a drain field. That way, excess water
won't seep through the pot and rot the roots of the plants.
Step 3
Prepare the potting soil
* Always use a prepared mix; never use soil from your home garden, which
almost always contains weed seeds, bugs, or unhealthy bacteria.
* A versatile potting soil suitable for most plants contains 60 percent
peat moss, 19 percent Perlite, 20 percent Vermiculite, and 1 percent Lime.
* Always check with a lawn and garden specialist to find out what type of
soil mix is recommended for the plants you are using.
Step 4
Add potting mix and plants
* Add 2 to 3 inches of potting mix to the bottom of the pot (larger plants
may require more mix).
* Set plant into pot and add potting mix around sides, tamping down with
thumbs as you go.
* Don't be afraid to mix a variety of plants in one container – a full
arrangement could have tall plants in the center, working out to the sides
with smaller plants.
* Make sure the top of root ball is just under the top of the soil.
* Leave 1 1/2 to 2 inches of watering space between the top of the soil and
the rim of the pot.
Step 5
Water thoroughly
* Give a full flush of water through the planter the first time you water
it.
* For larger plants, you can opt to place the pot in a tub filled with
about 1/2 inch of water for approximately 15 minutes.
Step 6
Place in indirect lighting for 3 to 4 days, and water as necessary.
* Keep an eye on your container garden – especially in hot weather as it
can dry out quickly.
• Keep in mind that fertilizers wash out of container soils faster than out
of garden soils, so you may wish to apply a liquid fertilizer at half strength
to the plant every two weeks.
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