Container Gardening

Container Gardening

Dear Gardeners,

How’s it growing? I can’t believe that it is June already. If you’re like me you are longing for those warm summer days.

One of the many things that I like about summer is the fresh vegetables and herbs that soon will be available at the store and the farmer’s markets. But why not grow your own veggie garden? No room? Too much work? Nonsense! When I lived in my tiny little apartment, I had a veggie garden. It was in a half whiskey barrel and sat on my patio.

Container gardening is one of my favorite types of gardening, because you can do so many things. Whether it’s veggie, herbs, flowers or even a water garden, it can be done in a container garden (pot, basket, or barrel).

First of all, when it comes to container gardens, not just any soil will do. There are all types of potting soils, and one that drains well, but still holds moisture is the best. What you need to look for is a mixture of perlite and vermiculite; these are minerals aggregates most commonly used in potting soils. Perlite looks like styrofoam pieces, but it really is volcanic rock that naturally filled with air. It keeps the soil aerated and it does not decompose. Vermiculite helps to prevent nutrients from leaching away, and it is a form of potassium and magnesium.

Most brands of potting soil are made up of peat moss and sphagnum moss. These help to retain water. There are other brands now that have moisture crystals and some even have added fertilizer (such as Miracle Grow). Some of these potting soils can get quite pricey, but are well worth it, especially if you’re planning to winter over the plant, such as a tropical plant or a small tree.

For most of my containers I make a homemade mix which includes:
One bushel of peat moss
One bushel of perlite or vermiculite
One bushel of mushroom compost, (or cow manure, dry, of course)
One pound of 5-10-5 fertilizer
One and a half ounces of phosphate fertilizer

Mix the ingredients thoroughly. (A big wheel barrel works well).

Moisten as you stir, it will kick up a little dust, and you should wear a dust mask and goggles. This mix is great for all your containers, any shape on size..

The next step is to choose the container. Match the size to the plants and remember to leave plenty of room to grow. Check for drainage, and if there is none, make sure you can drill drain holes. If this is a plant that you are going to winter over, you may take some time to pick a prettier container, one that will look nice in your home

After choosing your container add small pea gravel or lava rock or some other type of filler to the bottom of your container. This will give proper drainage in your container. Now all you need to do is add the plants. There are many types and combinations that you can choose. Take time to look at the containers in your nearby greenhouse or look online to give you inspiration. One such place is www.finegardening.com.

Remember, that if the plants don’t grow in your area you maybe able to grow them for the season in a container garden, and then you could possibly winter them over to enjoy for many years. I have a giant elephant ear that I have wintered over for the last five years and every year it just gets bigger and more beautiful.

One Pot Wonders

Here are some easy ideas. I call them the one pot wonders (meaning one plant in one pot): Profusion series zinnia , bonfire begonia , Dragon wing begonia, fiber optic grass, umbrella plant, hosta (any kind), hydrangea… there just to many to mention.

If you’re doing veggies, remember to always add supports or cages for tomatoes or beans. I once grew the little cherry tomatoes in a hanging basket. They were so pretty. Give them plenty of foods, such as Miracle Grow. The plants will quickly deplete their food source because it is limited to the container size.

You may want to even try a water container garden. The sound of water is so peaceful. If your water garden is not running water all the time, add mosquito repealed tablets to keep your garden free of pesky mosquitoes.

Whatever you decide upon, remember to take the time to enjoy it and share with a friend or neighbor over a glass of iced tea, or lemonade.

Until next month…may your thumb turn green.
Monica Dunlap