The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-04-23, Page 59ontainer gardening helps solve space problems
GE 28
Container gardening is not new.
Thousands of years ago, the Babylonians,
the Japanese and the Chinese were using
this method with excellent results.
Not many Canadians realize that this type
of gardening makes wonderful sense in
Canada, says Master Gardener Joan Pier-
son of London, Ont., one of several garden-
ing enthusiasts who has received formal
horticultural training through the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture and Food's Master
Gardener program.
Container gardening lifts the plants from
the ground
In the spring you can put in your first
plants or your first seeds sooner than usual
because the earth in your raised containers
thaws more quickly.
You can also control the type of planting
medium in your containers and keep your
soil friable and fertile.
Soil in containers drains easily and —
what is most important — it warms up
rapidly.
Some seed simply will not germinate
when the soil is cold.
"It may be sunny and the air
temperatuare may be a balmy 20 degree's
Celcius, but in the average Canadian
garden, the frost does not leave the ground
until May 15," she says.
Therefore your soil temperature will be
20 de;ees-e from scrap lumber.
Bean seed (and many other -types of seed)
simply will not germinate in cold soil.
"It really pays off to carefully read the
planting instructions on the back of the seed
packets," Pierson says.
Mark the front of the package with plan-
ting information: the recommended plan=
ting date, whether they should be planted in-
doors or outdoors and the recommended soil
temperature for good germination.
Containerized gardening also cuts the
usual digging, weeding, hoeing and water-
ing chores in half.
It is the ideal type of gardening for han-
dicapped or older people; in mostu
ou
can discardthehheavy digging spade and use
an ordinary hand trowel," Pierson says.
Containers can also be constructed so that
people can garden from their wheelchairs.
You don't need fancy, expensive con-
tainers either.
Builders' supply yards, scrap metal
dealers and junk yards are likely places to
pick up large flue tiles, sewer pipes, con-
crete blocks, railroad ties, wooden barrels,
old brick and so on.
Garage sales may also yield cracked
pickle crocks or blue speckleware wash tubs
with a hole in the bottom — ideal for
drainage!
You can also build your own containers
several degrees colder than g3
House wreckers or building renovation
contractors are likely sources for low-cost
material.
Fit heavy containers with industrial -sized
castors so that you can move the plants to
areas where they will receive the most sun-
shine — morning and afternoon.
Another plus factor with containerized
gardening is that compatible flower$, herbs
and vegetables can all grow in the same
container.
For example, a large barrel, cut in half,
and placed in a sunny location, might hold a
"Patio Pik" tomato plant, some rosemary
and some cascade petunias.
The other half -barrel in semi -shade could
grow "White King" swiss chard surrounded
by a border of "Elfin" impatiens and creep-
ing thyme.
Some unusual herbs like pineapple sage
like the shade.
So does watercress.
So plant them together in a pot and keep
well -watered. (You can also enjoy the
watercress in your favorite summer
salads) .
Plan ahead and keep a notebook when you
are buying seeds and plants.
List plants in your book that are compati-
ble and which need the same light conditions
to flower or bear fruit.
And don't forget to place the taller plants
in the middle of your container and the
smaller ones along the outer edge.Q
Color is an important element in container
garden planning.
Consider which vegetables are not only
good to eat but beautiful to look at.
Opal basil can make a stunning Plant in a
container.
It has wine red leaves and pink flowers
and makes a • fabulous and flavorful deep
rosy pink vinegar. -
"It is marvellous added to pasta dishes or
to give as gifts or to sell at bazaars," Pier-
son says.
Fibrous begonias grow in both sun and
shade ,and produce masses of bright blooms
all summer long in shades of white, pink and
red.
Remember that the foliage can also be
varied.
Try placing white flowering begonias
( which have brilliant green leaves) against
pink flowering begonias (with their deep
bronze foliage).
Get a head start on spring by getting some
books on containerized gardening from your
public library or bookstore.
Then modify and use these ideas in your
garden.
"You'll have fun, save oodles on your food
bill and create some beauty around you."
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