Is space tight? Try using containers


Gardening is now one of America's most popular pastimes. If you have not gotten involved due to space restrictions, I have an idea for you.

Growing plants in containers creates beautiful plants in small, unsuitable areas, such as window sills, patios, balconies and/or doorsteps with minimum maintenance. Containers make plants healthier due to fewer soil-borne diseases normally being introduced with garden soil.

Choosing the right planter is an important step to having beautiful containers. Always keep mature plant size in mind when choosing a container. As long as plants are alive, they are growing. Be creative. Anything can be used for a container garden as long as the object has drainage holes. I have seen wheelbarrows, old chairs, shoes and even a toilet used for a plant container. Common container materials include terra cotta, wood, plastic and ceramic.

Proper care for plant containers includes choosing the appropriate soil mix that drains well, but is also able to hold moisture. Synthetic soils are best for container gardens.

These mixes usually are composed of a mixture of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and sometimes woodchips. All synthetic soils are sterilized so they are weed and disease free.

Fertilization of containers should include mixing a slow-release fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, into the soil to feed plants all season.

Watering of containers is extremely important. Based on the size of the plants and the container being used, watering may become an everyday chore.

Over and under watering are the number one reasons for plant death.

As you get ready to plant the container, choose three to five plant species to achieve an assortment of forms and texture. Use a tall species to add height, such as ornamental grasses, cannas or a dracaena spike. Use a mounded species to add mass, such as coleus, dusty miller or begonia. Finally, use a low-growing, cascading species to fill in, add depth and soften edges of the container.

Examples of these include sweet potato vine, bacopa or a wave petunia.

Each container should have a focal point which is the area where the eye is drawn first. Large, coarse textured leaves or vibrant-colored flowers make great focal points.

Place the focal point below the tallest point in the container to achieve balance.

Choosing colors for the containers will create a mood in the garden.

Using plants of all the same color with varying light and darkness will create a quiet and soothing environment. In contrast, using colors opposite one another on the color wheel will add drama and demand attention.

Once the containers are planted, stage them at varying levels in the landscape for a nice display.

Anything can be used as a plant stand, such as over-turned planting containers, logs cut to size, homemade plant stands or a plant bench.

For more information, call 697-4891.

Diane Ashburn is an agricultural extension agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service in Henderson County.


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