Container Gardening
Container gardens can be an improvement to nearly all landscapes. They bring a splash of color and texture that makes outdoor areas more inviting. Whether containers are used to liven up an entryway, or to grow vegetables, they are a welcome addition to the home. Here are some tips for getting started that will make the whole process easier.
Anything can be used as a container to grow plants – buckets, wooden crates, wire baskets, window boxes, ceramic pots, and any number of things. When choosing a container for planting, always use one with drainage holes. This allows the soil to drain freely and minimizes the risk of overwatering.
Choose a container that suits the size of the plants you are growing. Plants grown in containers always require more water than those grown in the ground. Don’t undersize your pot and then have to water twice a day. On the other hand, don’t put a tiny plant in a large pot or you will be risking root rot because the soil will stay too moist. Also, choose a soilless potting mixture to fill your vessels, since garden soil is too heavy and will not provide proper aeration when in a pot.
Vegetables and herbs can be grown on porches and patios allowing for a quick harvest at meal time. Group plants together with like light requirements, which for herbs and veggies is around 6-8 hours of strong light per day. If you have a sunny wall, plant some pole beans and tomatoes in a trough in front of it, and stake to a trellis attached to the wall. Window boxes are also a great place to grow herbs. Once you experience the enjoyment of snipping a few fresh herbs to add to dinner and you’ll never be without a little kitchen garden again.
Group containers together for interest. There’s something about odd numbers that the eye finds more pleasing than even numbers, so put plantings together in groups of 3 or 5. Repeat colors and textures of plants among the pots to tie it all together.
Snow Creek has a professional garden staff who can advise on container plantings or even do the job for you. Give us a call to schedule a time to stop by and see our container collection.
828.687.1677 www.snowcreekinc.com