CULTURAL RECOMMENDATION FOR GROWING PLANTS IN CONTAINERS

Drainage:

            Provide adequate drainage through holes in the bottom of portable containers or by leaving a narrow space between boards. Place small small stones, broken crocks or gravel in the bottom inch or so. Before filling with soil, put a thin layer of straw or sphagnum or some other divider over the drainage material.

 

Soil Mixtures:

            A good garden soil with sufficient organic matter is essential. Avoid soils that are too heavy as they will hold too much water or tend to become very compact. To lighten a heavy soil, mix sand, compost, peat, perlite or vermiculite with the existing soil. The pH range for most plants except azaleas would be between 6 and 7.

 

Mulching:

            A light mulch of pine bark chips, peat or other mulches on top of the soil in the planters will keep the soil from drying out too quickly. The mulch also helps to prevent the upper layer of soil from crusting.

 

Watering:

            Maintaining the proper amount of soil moisture in the planters is important. Under- watering or over-watering will lead to serious difficulties. Plants that completely dry out will die. Too much water in the root area will deprive the plant of its necessary air.

 

Feeding:

            Plants differ in their requirements for food. The general appearance of the plant often indicates whether additional food is needed. Plants off color or not growing as fast as desired would benefit from an application of a soluable fertilizer. It may be applied to the soil or the foliage without danger of injuring the plants if directions are followed.

 

Maintenance:

            Plants in containers need to be pruned occasionally to encourage them to be bushy and compact. Pull off dead or faded flowers. Certain annuals or roses will need to be sprayed periodically to prevent plant diseases from getting started or to control insect pests.

 

Type of Containers:

            The containers may be permanently built in the building or may be portable. Plastic, wood, ceramic, fiberglass or metal are the materials commonly used for the portable containers. Regardless of the material, probably the most important item of concern should be whether or not there is sufficient drainage.

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