2005 Year in Review

Container Gardens

A container garden added to a yard or patio can provide a beautiful show of color, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

"Growing plants in containers is still a very popular garden trend," said Susan Grupp, who is based in DuPage County. "Nearly everyone can do it and many different plants perform well in containers. Container gardens look good on a patio, deck, porch, entranceway, doorway, and even in the garden as a focal point. Window boxes and hanging baskets are good, too."

Those considering a container garden should keep some points in mind, she recommended.

"To start, consider the location of your container garden," Grupp said. "The availability of sunlight will pre-determine your choice of plants. Since container gardens need frequent watering, make sure there is an easy water source nearby.

"Choose a pot to blend with the surroundings. The volume of soil is very important since plants need enough soil to support their water and nutrient needs. Also, pots must have drainage holes since excess water needs to drain away freely."

Drainage is key to success, Grupp noted. Do not use plain garden soil in the pots, or you may have a waterlogged container garden. One of the most reliable soil mixes in a soil-less mix. This is made with two components: a mineral part and an organic part.

"They offer both good drainage and good moisture retention," said Grupp. "However, they need special attention with watering and fertilizing. Also, you can make your own container soil mix by combining one part good quality garden soil with one part peat moss and one part perlite or coarse builders sand."

A nearly endless choice exists for plants for container gardens. Some plants are easier to grow than others. Generally, annual flowers, annual herbs, annual vines and foliage plants are the top choices to provide color and interest through the growing season.

"Combining plants creates beauty and interest," said Grupp. "Avoid problems by grouping plants with similar cultural requirements.

"Color is one of the first things we notice. Pick colors you like and that will look good with your surrounding garden and home. Try exploring different color combinations. Warm colors such as yellow, red, and orange are bold and strong, and are easily seen from a distance."

The cool, restful colors--green, blue, and purple--are beautiful near-by, but may not stand out enough if placed too far away in the yard. Use white and gray to help blend colors together and look especially nice with purple, pink, and blue.

"Finally, combining plants with different textures and forms can create as much excitement as color," Grupp noted. "A contrast of tiny and large flowers, or finely-cut foliage and bold leaves can be striking. Eye-catching container gardens often pair trailing plants with upright plants."

It is important to keep the container garden looking good by proper watering. Such gardens should be checked daily since many factors will influence the frequency with which they need water. The container gardens should be watered thoroughly.

"You will know you did a good job when water begins dripping from the drainage holes," she said. "You may want to try one of the many water-holding polymers available on the market. This product helps extend the time between watering.

"With so much watering comes a depletion of the nutrients in the soil mix. These nutrients will need to be replaced. If using a liquid fertilizer, a general rule is to mix and apply every two weeks. Time-released fertilizers work well, too. A three-month formulation is popular. For flowering plants, choose a fertilizer with a higher second number. For foliage plants, choose a balanced fertilizer or one with the first number slightly higher."

Grupp said home gardeners should be sure to remove dead flowers and foliage regularly and check for insect and disease pests.

"If plants get 'leggy,' a soft pinch of the terminal shoots will help encourage stocky, bushy plants," she said.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
March 25, 2005