The Essential Things to Bear in Mind When Getting Started in Container Gardening
Container gardening is becoming very popular for a number of reasons.
Whatever the reason, it gives you the chance to have a more " mobile " garden i.
e.
to change the look of the garden easily.
As the seasons change, the ability to move plants to a sunnier or shady spot is a distinct advantage.
You will also be able to move plants into positions where they are shown off to their best advantage when they come into bloom.
An added advantage is that you will be able to grow acid loving plants in an area of alkaline soil and vice versa.
However there are a number of things to be borne in mind when stating a container garden.
To begin with the fact that the plants have on a limited amount of soil to grow in which restricts root growth, and great exposure to the elements means that more care must be taken than with plants grown in the garden generally.
Watering and feeding are priority care areas.
Plants in containers tend to dry out much sooner and need watering more often.
The best way to test this is simply to feel deep into the soil.
If the soil is dry, make sure you water thoroughly.
but be careful as frequent watering can wash vital nutrients out of the soil.
Ensure that a regular feeding program is established according to the type of plant.
During the growing season, either a slow release type plant food should be used or a soluble complete fertilizer should be used every two weeks.
However be sure to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Virtually any type of container that can hold soil may be used as a planter.
A good rule of thumb guide is that the container should have a diameter equal to 1/3 to 1/2 the height of the plant.
An absolute must is proper drainage.
This is usually achieved by having holes drilled in the bottom to allow the surplus water to drain away from the soil.
It is a fact that many container plants are literally " drowned " by an excess of watering.
Should it not be possible to drill holes in the container, then add a layer of gravel below the soil, but be sure to closely monitor watering.
A better solution may be to plant in a regular pot and then place at inside your decorative planter.
Should you decide to build a planter using wood, use rot resistant wood such as redwood or cedar, and coat the inside with waterproof paint.
What medium should you plant in? Whatever you use, it must have the capacity to hold water, but it must also be porous and drain easily.
Commercial potting mixes are the best to start with.
There are a large variety on the market, but quality can vary.
Ask at your local gardening club or ask anyone who is a serious allotment gardener for their recommendation.
Whatever you decide to use, adding organic materials such as compost or peat moss for moisture retention and coarse builders sand for drainage will help the plants to thrive.
Avoid using garden soil at all costs because of the risk of insect infestations and soil borne diseases and fungi.
Should the use of a large quantity bagged potting soil be too expensive, create your own mix by using one part of rich loam, one part coarse sand or perlite, and one part peat moss, compost, or other organic matter (bark, etc.
) If you are growing acid loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas or Heathers the mix should contain two parts peat moss instead of one.
Container gardening really does enhance the whole gardening experience.
Whatever the reason, it gives you the chance to have a more " mobile " garden i.
e.
to change the look of the garden easily.
As the seasons change, the ability to move plants to a sunnier or shady spot is a distinct advantage.
You will also be able to move plants into positions where they are shown off to their best advantage when they come into bloom.
An added advantage is that you will be able to grow acid loving plants in an area of alkaline soil and vice versa.
However there are a number of things to be borne in mind when stating a container garden.
To begin with the fact that the plants have on a limited amount of soil to grow in which restricts root growth, and great exposure to the elements means that more care must be taken than with plants grown in the garden generally.
Watering and feeding are priority care areas.
Plants in containers tend to dry out much sooner and need watering more often.
The best way to test this is simply to feel deep into the soil.
If the soil is dry, make sure you water thoroughly.
but be careful as frequent watering can wash vital nutrients out of the soil.
Ensure that a regular feeding program is established according to the type of plant.
During the growing season, either a slow release type plant food should be used or a soluble complete fertilizer should be used every two weeks.
However be sure to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Virtually any type of container that can hold soil may be used as a planter.
A good rule of thumb guide is that the container should have a diameter equal to 1/3 to 1/2 the height of the plant.
An absolute must is proper drainage.
This is usually achieved by having holes drilled in the bottom to allow the surplus water to drain away from the soil.
It is a fact that many container plants are literally " drowned " by an excess of watering.
Should it not be possible to drill holes in the container, then add a layer of gravel below the soil, but be sure to closely monitor watering.
A better solution may be to plant in a regular pot and then place at inside your decorative planter.
Should you decide to build a planter using wood, use rot resistant wood such as redwood or cedar, and coat the inside with waterproof paint.
What medium should you plant in? Whatever you use, it must have the capacity to hold water, but it must also be porous and drain easily.
Commercial potting mixes are the best to start with.
There are a large variety on the market, but quality can vary.
Ask at your local gardening club or ask anyone who is a serious allotment gardener for their recommendation.
Whatever you decide to use, adding organic materials such as compost or peat moss for moisture retention and coarse builders sand for drainage will help the plants to thrive.
Avoid using garden soil at all costs because of the risk of insect infestations and soil borne diseases and fungi.
Should the use of a large quantity bagged potting soil be too expensive, create your own mix by using one part of rich loam, one part coarse sand or perlite, and one part peat moss, compost, or other organic matter (bark, etc.
) If you are growing acid loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas or Heathers the mix should contain two parts peat moss instead of one.
Container gardening really does enhance the whole gardening experience.