| Container gardening is a great way to add seasonal | | | | Soil and Fertilizer |
| plantings to your landscape. You may consider | | | | Garden soil is too dense and should not be used for |
| growing vegetables or perennial flora. You don't have | | | | container gardening. Container plants need a soil that |
| to be a master gardener to enjoy container | | | | provides sufficient aeration and drainage. An |
| gardening, all ages enjoy participating. Consider what | | | | all-purpose commercial potting mix with peatmoss, |
| type of plants you would like to keep either indoors | | | | perlite, or vermiculite is recommended. When planting, |
| and outside in sheltered areas (covered porches, | | | | compost may be added to the soil or you can apply |
| patios, etc.) With a few ingredients, you will be on | | | | a slow release nitrogen fertilizer after planting. Be |
| your way to enjoying your container gardens. | | | | sure to read the directions carefully for the slow |
| Containers | | | | release fertilizer, as it will only be necessary in small |
| Choose a container that will be suitable for the plant | | | | amounts. |
| growth and spacing on your patio. Make sure the | | | | Light |
| container has proper drainage and structure to | | | | The location of your container should be determined |
| support the weight of plants and soil depth. You can | | | | by the plant type and sun/shade requirements. Most |
| place regular flower pots in decorative containers | | | | plants need at least six full hours of sunlight. |
| that do not already have adequate drainage. | | | | Water |
| Containers may also be hand-made just make sure | | | | Extra care should be taken when watering container |
| you use CCA-treated wood or a natural rot-resistant | | | | plants. Soils tend to dry out more quickly compared |
| wood. Another option is to line the wood with a | | | | with garden beds. Morning is the best time to |
| water-resistant material. Be sure the container is | | | | thoroughly water each plant container. During summer |
| draining properly once soil media and plants have | | | | months plants may need additional watering due to |
| been added. You may have to elevate the container | | | | hot and dry weather. |
| to ensure better drainage. | | | | Maintenance (Insects/Diseases/Grooming) |
| Plant growth and spacing | | | | Plant choices should be selected based upon |
| Plants need adequate space for root depth and | | | | tolerance to regional environmental conditions and |
| horizontal growth. When planting more than one | | | | pests. Maintaining your plants will be fairly simple with |
| species per container, be sure to provide enough | | | | regular pruning, which include: flower blossoms, |
| space for these conditions. Most plants will come with | | | | mature fruit/vegetables for edible gardens, foliage |
| directions for spacing requirements. | | | | that breaks or has turned brown. Insects and |
| Plant type | | | | diseases will be prevented by maintaining a regular |
| Similar plants should be grouped together based upon | | | | pruning routine. |
| complimentary growth patterns. For example, when | | | | With a little bit of time and effort your container |
| grouping perennials in a container you should consider | | | | gardens will add seasonal focal points to your living |
| the growth habit, size of mature plant, foliage and | | | | spaces. They are a simple way to add color and |
| flower color, as well as watering and sun/shade | | | | contrast to any room. Enjoy gardening and the |
| requirements. Another consideration is to plant a | | | | spectacular results! |
| mixture of dwarf and regular varieties. | | | | |