| Container gardening is available to anyone who wants | | | | plants and scents. The mints do need their own pots, |
| to do it. Everyone doing so must be aware that | | | | as they will soon take over the available soil if planted |
| taking on container gardening is a bit like having a cat. | | | | with other plants. Mints available depending on where |
| The reasons are the pleasure of its making, and the | | | | you live are pineapple, peppermint, and spearmint. |
| reduction of stress. Like a cat, it demands ongoing | | | | Chewing peppermint is said hide the smell of garlic on |
| attention with its "look at me" demands. | | | | ones breath. |
| Deciding the containers and the plants is half the fun. | | | | The containers are on show all the time whether on |
| Everyone has their own taste so all container | | | | a balcony or in a living room. Deadheading the flowers |
| gardens are always completely original. Terracotta | | | | when finished encourages new growth and flowers. |
| pots are very popular and come in all shapes and | | | | Remove old and yellowing leaves. Your pet will need |
| sizes,from the very large "Ali baba" type pots to the | | | | fertilizer if it is a permanent plant, such as miniature |
| small ones picked up for a song at the local | | | | fruit trees, junipers, and hebes. A slow release |
| supermarket. The terracotta pots age beautiful when | | | | fertilizer is better for pot or container plants as the |
| left to the elements, care taken if frosts are severe | | | | included fertilizer in the original potting mix does not |
| in your area as some may not handle the cold. | | | | last. |
| Your choice of plants is a very personal one and you | | | | The plants are also prone to bugs and diseases just |
| will have to love it. Container plants can be | | | | as any garden plant. Like the cat, the constant |
| demanding in that they require watering regularly. | | | | attention picks up any changes in the health of the |
| They all have their own preferences. Growing | | | | plant and remedial action activated. If you have a cat, |
| bamboo in a large pot is easy, when watered | | | | they sometimes like to use the pot plants as a litter |
| regularly. Herbs especially are happy growing in pots. | | | | tray! There is not a lot you can do in that case, but |
| A cook will want the special herbs they use on hand | | | | sprinkle mothballs on top of the potting mix. This |
| and fresh. Container grown herbs particularly the mint | | | | does deter the felines, as they do not like the smell! |
| range in different pots gives the cook a range of | | | | |