May 2002
Container Gardening

By Robyn Crowningshield, Master Gardener

Probably no form of gardening allows more versatility than container gardening. Growing plants in containers makes it possible to garden in situations where there is little or no yard or soil available. Containers are portable - being able to be moved From site to site. To achieve the greatest impact utilize more than one container in a grouping or area!

Any container can be used as long as drainage is provided. A hole in the bottom of the container is ideal. If you are not able to provide the hole, then use 1/2" of pebbles on the bottom. By providing drainage, the chances of your plants succumbing to over-watering will greatly be reduced.

To fill the container, you will need a soil-less mix. It is best not to use regular garden soil as it could contain weeds, seeds or roots. A soil-less mix can be purchased at any garden center. It may or may not have fertilizer in it. If you are ambitious or have many containers, it is cheaper to make up your own container mix. There are many " recipes' out there, just look for them. Plants will thrive better in larger amounts of soil mix - don't over-crowd them by using a container that is too small, unless you want the 'instant' container look. But remember, crowded plants will require more water, care and fertilizer.

Match the type of plants you use to the amount of sunlight they will be receiving. It could be difficult to mix plants that require low amounts of sun with high amounts of sun. Usually one or the other will end up not doing very well.

When you purchase your container plants, look for plants that are not in flower. They often will be smaller but fuller. It will not be long before the container is in 'full bloom'. When transplanting, remember to plant at the same height that the seedlings were growing. Slightly tease the root ball to encourage roots to grow into the new soil mix. To encourage a fuller plant, pinch off the top portion of the stems. You should stop pinching back by the first of June in order to have flowers. Deadhead flowers to promote more flowering.

Mulch can be used for many reasons. It will help conserve moisture. If there are any weed seeds, It could help keep weeds down. Plus it adds an element of beauty to the top of the container. You can use pebbles, bark mulch, coco hulls, sphagnum moss or any other type of mulching material. Do not use peat moss because it could cake, not allowing water to penetrate through it.

Remember to check your containers before you water them. Do this by sinking your finger, to the knuckle, into the soil mix. If it feels moist to the touch, wait a day or two and check again. Containers can be watered in any fashion: hose, sprinkler, watering can or drip irrigation system. This depends upon your situation. It is best to water your plants in the evening or early morning, this reduces the amount of time the leaves are wet, thus reducing the chance of disease.

Fertilizer may be applied by any method. Slow-released Fertilizer is released over a period of three or four months. Liquid fertilizer should be mixed with water and applied once per week. Granulated fertilizer should be mixed into the soil mix at the time of planting. It is best to follow the instructions on the bag or container of the type of fertilizer you are using.

Larger containers can be used to grow woody shrubs or perennials. Wooden barrels or cement containers are best to use. Remember to provide winter protection by moving the container inside or wrapping with burlap and packing with leaves or hay. If they can be moved, place in an unheated garage or cellar (40-50 degrees F) to prevent freezing. Keep moist but not soggy. Cover up but remember to check for spring growth or signs of mold.

Vegetables are adaptable to containers. Today you can order, from seed catalogs, varieties that are specifically bred for containers. Remember to match the size of the container to the full-grown plant size! For example: tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers should be grown in five-gallon containers or larger.

CONTAINER MIX - for a 5 gallon pail
1/3 peat mix with Perlite and vermiculite
1/3 sterilized potting soil
1/3 compost
fertilizer of choice
4 cups charcoal (reduces sour smell in mix)
1 handful limestone
1 cup bone meal (helps the roots grow)

COMBINATION IDEAS
1. Lavender, White Osteospermum, Helichtysum
2. Pinks - Ivy Geranium, Petunia, Oianthus
3. Red/yellow - Red Geranium, Nasturtium, Red Verbena, Variagated Ivy
4. Herbs - Sage, Chives, Rosemary, Tarragon, Basil, Parsley
5. Shade- Hosta, Impatiens, Ferns, Begonias
6. Bulbs
7. Hanging basket- two colors Petunias, Jewish Ivy