Container Gardening Tips

Container Gardening Tips

150 150 jcharlow

CONTAINER GARDENING TIPS

POTTING BASICS

  • Clean reused containers – ½ cup bleach and 2 gallons warm water
  • Protect containers with water block – Spray inside and out twice
  • Cover drain hole – Use screening, old pantyhose, pottery shards
  • Use appropriate potting soil – Regular mix vs. cactus mix
  • Plant depth – Fill pot with soil and position plants no deeper than 1 inch below pot rim. Fill in empty spaces and add slow release fertilizer. Water thoroughly.

DESIGN BASICS

  • Height / Texture – Tall plants at back or center, trailing plants around edge and mid-sized varieties to fill in gaps. Mix different foliage textures and shapes to add interest.
  • Proportions – Match tall or cascading plants with taller/vertical containers and low pots with low-growing plants.
  • Color – Group “hot” colors, “cool” colors, complementary colors, monochromatic colors, themes (red, white, blue). Balance lights and darks.
  • Fullness – Fill containers to look lush, not skimpy. Leave some room for growth.
  • Size – Larger containers filled with large plantings look more substantial. Moisture will be retained longer

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Sun VS. Shade – Select the proper site for your plants’ needs.
  • Water – Water in the morning and don’t over water, especially in fall/winter.
  • Grooming – Pick off dead blossoms/leaves. Check for pests/diseases.