Container gardening has certainly moved beyond the summer pot filled with one spike, three geraniums, and some vinca vine. Today containers have blossomed (pun intended) into mini-gardens that provide 12 months of interest utilizing color, form and texture.
Plants in the same container should require similar soil, light and watering requirements. If you are unsure about the combination you’ve chosen, ask the sale representative what will work together for your situation. Use plants that vary in color, texture, form, and size. Work with groupings of similar plants instead of filling the container with “one of everything”. Remember in design that sometimes less is more. Cool season annuals such as the new ice pansies, stock, dusty miller, flowering cabbage, flowering kale and alyssum start the season as early as April and appear once again to extend the season into November. In between almost anything goes. Think big, bold, exotic or tropical and don’t forget the vegetables, tender perennials and shrubs. All can make a vibrant display in containers of all sizes. You are probably asking, “What about the period between Thanksgiving and Easter?” That’s the time to think out of the box. Fill the pots and containers with contrasting colors and textures of various cut evergreens, dried materials and fruits.
Soil - Now is not the time to skimp by re-using last year’s soil or relying on topsoil from the garden. Use a professional potting mix. The best potting mixes are a combination of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, or pine bark. If your choice of potting mix does not contain fertilizer, add a granular, slow release fertilizer or rely on liquid fertilizations throughout the season.
Containers - what one to use? The options are almost endless but don’t be afraid to be as bold with the container choice as you are with the plants. As long there is proper drainage you might choose an ornate, formal clay planter or decide on an old shoe or tea set tabletop garden. Remember, in our area that it is very hard, if not impossible, to winter over living trees, shrubs, and evergreens in outdoor containers. Also remember that clay pots and containers will crumble when exposed to moisture and freezing temperatures. For year round display rely on pots and containers formed of plastic, resin, or concrete. When putting your containers away for the season, clean them with a 10:1 solution of water and bleach, allow them to dry thoroughly, and then store in a dry location.
Watering - Small containers may require watering on a daily basis while larger containers may need watering every 2-3 days. If you are unsure that your container needs watering, just stick your finger into the top 1-2 inches of soil. If moist check again tomorrow to see if the top 1-2” of soil are barely moist. That’s the signal to water once again. When watering remember to water thoroughly. Add water to the container until it flows from the container’s drainage holes. Deep watering such as this will encourage deep rooting. If possible, try not to get the plant’s foliage wet when watering. This can encourage the spread of fungal diseases.
Continue to remove spent flowers and yellow leaves throughout the season. This will encourage more blossoms and further lessen the spread of insect and disease. If problems do arise, seek advice from your horticulturist and “nip the problem right in the bud.”
What are you waiting for! Get planting!
Vande Hey Design Center
