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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1980-04-17, Page 25> e3. The f osis . i ., Spic it � ldsc i ►irtg project c when it's time to plant the patio tubs. Many types of bedding c in p n s can • e grown success- fully in containers to present a summer garden wherever you please. Use all kinds of containers By John Hughes Extension Horticulturist Ministry. of Agriculture Sun .decks and patios are ula.r spots in the sum - time, and you can make them even more enjoyable by planting flowers in hanging baskets, tubs or patio pots. Container gardens require some special attention because of the small volume of soil used. Under normal ground bed conditions, natural soil capillary action helps p.u1.1 th.e. va te.r. doa�v n-. through the soil. This per- mits the essential oxygen to reach the root zone which prevents the plant .from drowning. In -containers, you must prepare the soil so that there is a good air to water ratio. To achieve a good balance,, coarse 'materials, such as sphagnum peat moss, horticultural grade ver- miculite, coarse sand and perlite, should make up the major parts of your soil mixture. Try a mixture' of 40 percent peat moss, 40 per- cent vermiculite, 10 percent coase sand and 10 percent garden loam. On a volume basis, this mixture allows a 25 to 30 percent free air between soil particles. The small volume of soil used in containers also limits the root growth of the plants. The plants can't develop long feeder .(tap) roots, so nutrients are used up rapidly. As a result, plants begin to stretch and become leggy. To maintain healthy plants, fertilize every two to .. three.-w.e•ek s-w..ith- ago rhple te- - water-soluble fertilizer, such as 20-20-20.''i s•e at a rate of 15 millilitres (1 tablespoon) per 1.5 litres (1 gallon). Most oil the better grades of fertilizer include the necessary trace. elements to go along with the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The "use of mulch is another important element of container gardening. Most people have a tendency to use either a hose or a watering can towaterpots, tubs and _hanging baskets. These methods supply coarse, heavy streams of water that cause crusting on the soil surface. The crust prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, so poor growth results. Coarse mulch, such as medium -grade barky breaks the stream of water so that it just trickles into the soil surface. Side benefits of the mulch include a neater appearance, no dirt splashed. on the sides of the con- tainers, and "less frequent watering. It is better to give tla.e.-container on..e....thorough :- watering than two or three little ones. Select .plants for container gardens carefully. Although most plants will do well ,in` containers, the sunlight and wind may limit your selection. Another point worth considering is that red flowers, although attractive in the daytime, attend to appear dark at night. If you use artificial lights in the evenings, you may prefer the pink or white flowers. Window box gardening For city dwellers who want to garden but lack space, window box gardening provides a partial solution. Window box gardening is a compromise between indoor pot culture and outdoor gardening. Bob Fleming, horticulturist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, says it requires skill and care to bring plants to perfection. .._• , Window - boxes • are available in a variety of materials, from redwood and cedar to concrete and plastics. The size and type you choose will depend on the dimensions of window sills and the architectural style of the house or apar- tment. Mr. Fleming says the most important ingredient to successful window box gardening is the soil mix- ture. He recommends a oderately fertile, coarse- xtured, well -drained soil ith adequate organic matter. A good soil mix should consist of equal parts of good garden loam, coarse sand or perlite and leafmold, peat or well -rotted manure. Since boxes have limited soil capacity and ' are ex- posed to wind and sun, they tend to dry out quilckly. Regular watering is necessary. Mr. Fleming recommends application of a weak liquid fertilizer about twice a month during the summer to keep planter boxes in healthy condition. Many plants adapt well to planter boxes. Some varieties are • snapdragons, wax and tuberous begonias, coleus, sweet-t-william, geraniums, petunias, zin- nias, calendula, dahlia, fuchsia and marigold. Prevent costly mistakes, buy shrubs with care Home ,gardeners can prevent costly mistakes by selecting trees and shrubs carefully, says Bob Fleming, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Efnd Food hor- ticulturist. First decide whether you want to plant evergreen or deciduous types. Evergreens have winter foliage and deciduous plants .lose foliage• each autumn. If you are considering plants for hedges, remember deciduous plants generally grow faster and recover faster from damage than evergreens. Deciduous hedges tan be pruned back periodically to renew vigor, but evergreen hedges cannot. Buy trees and shrubs from reputable local nurseries. AqA Local nursery staff can help you select plants suitable• for local climate conditions. • �. "When selecting deciduous trees or shrubs which are sold bare root, look for plants with healthy root systems," says Mr. Fleming. "The roots should be brightly colored and plump." If you can't examine the roots, look at the plant itself. Check the plant carefully to make sure it is not damaged. "The wood should be brightly colored, plump and pliable—not brittle," says Mr. Fleming. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be planted in mid-April as soon as the ground is workable. Evergreens are usually planted a little later, from May to early June. For that finishing touch. 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