HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-05-05, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2005. PAGE 23.
6 steps to successful container gardening
(MS) - Container planting is one
of the most creative gardening
forms in which colour
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 gbt 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
colours, sizes, and styles that not
only match your plant, but also your
environment.
* Think foam! Foam pots are
extremely lightweight yet durable.
Polyurethane foam also protects
roots in extreme temperatures.
* Pot should be one to two inches
larger than the root ball so roots
have room to grow and expand
(large plants may need more space -
- two to three 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 per cent
peat moss, 19 per cent Perlite, 20
per cent Vermiculite, and one per
cent 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 two to three 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 centre, 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 two 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 lime
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 three to four 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.
Simply beautiful
Foam pots are extremely lightweight, yet durable
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