(ARA) – Now that warmer temperatures have finally arrived, you’re probably itching to get outside and start planting. But what if you don’t have a lot of space to work with or a lot of time?
Outdoor container gardening is an easy way to add splashes of color to all your outdoor spaces -- the deck, patio, porch or windowsill -- and regardless of your gardening experience or level of expertise, it’s really as easy as 1-2-3. One, plan ahead; two, plant your containers; and three, maintain them.
Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran, here are some tips for getting the best looking, lush flower pots in the neighborhood:
1. Planning
Begin by thinking about the color schemes you’d like to enhance your patio or deck. How will the flowers on your deck accent your kitchen’s décor? Think about what you planted last year, what worked and what didn’t and what exciting new varieties are available. Look at books and magazines for ideas and how you’d like your own containers to look.
Consider your light conditions and what plants work well together -- shade foliage won’t grow well in conditions appropriate for, say, a Geranium. Toy with interesting textures and leaf colors in addition to bloom colors. A variety of foliage adds unique depth to your garden. Herbs and vegetables are becoming a popular trend. A corn plant by itself, for instance, as the main focal point is rather stunning. Snow peas growing up a post create curiosity. Purple basil, arugula, oregano and nasturtium are lovely flowering edible plants.
2. Plant Your Containers
First, remember that trying to grow anything in containers with dirt from outside is a recipe for disaster. Gardening expert Felder Rushing, a horticulturalist from Mississippi who has written or co-authored 15 gardening books, says it’s imperative that you use quality potting soil if you want your plants to thrive. “The expense can be a turn-off though, so I recommend people make their own,” he says. ;“For the most simple mix, all you need is a bag of cheap potting soil with some finely ground bark mulch. Mix the two 50/50 and you’ll be all set.” In his book, “Container Gardening,” Rushing recommends other soil mix recipes that include sand, perlite, vermiculate and lime.
No matter what you plant, Rushing stresses that plant roots need air in order to take in water and nutrients. “Pots with clogged drainage holes are plant killers,” he says.
“Roots, potting soil or other debris can keep water from draining out of pots, which can lead to root drowning or even root rot. Every pot needs a clear drain hole.” Experts also agree that a plant’s roots need air in order to “breathe” oxygen… which is necessary for the plant to absorb nutrients and grow.
Some materials used to assist drainage are rocks, broken terra cotta pieces and packing peanuts. Many times these don’t work because soil runs down into the crevices and blocks the drainage you so diligently tried to create. Also, once the pots are filled with rocks, soil, plants and water, they can get very heavy and hard to move.
One alternative Rushing discussed is Better Than Rocks -- a non-woven, 100 percent recycled and reusable plastic mesh. This is a new planter drainage material that is placed in the bottom of containers. It is available in precut squares that can be used in either square or round containers. The material is very flexible so there is no need to trim the squares into circles. Better Than Rocks is also available in a large roll that you can cut to your desired size to fit planters precisely or accommodate your odd shaped planters.
Your pots will be lighter (no rocks!) and you’ll use up to 1/3 less soil in each pot. And because it creates a pocket of air within the planter, it helps provide that critical oxygen your plants need to thrive. Optimal drainage leads to superior plant health and more blooms. For large containers, you can fill the very bottom with crushed annual packs (that your plants come in) or another lightweight material. Then use two layers of Better Than Rocks on top of that to keep the soil in the top part of your planter.
Once your drainage system is in place, fill the pot with potting soil so the middle third of the pot is full, leaving four to five inches for plants. Next, take the plant plugs and set them in the pot. Start with the taller, wider center plant. Then place the next largest plugs around the perimeter, and balance them according to color and size with the smallest placed last. Rearrange until you are satisfied, fill with soil and water thoroughly.
3. Plant Maintenance
As your containers bloom and grow, give your plants a “haircut.” Pluck off dead blooms and trim leggy growth to keep your containers blooming well into the fall. Keep your plants watered and fertilize regularly.
When it’s time to put everything away for winter, dump your pots out. This soil is ideal to top off your perennials or add to your compost. When using Better Than Rocks, you won’t have to pick out the rocks or other material from the bottom of the pot. Pull out the mesh layers and cut off any roots that may have grown into it. Roots that have grown into the material will dry out over the winter and come out easily the following spring. You can reuse the material year after year.
For a special discount on your Better Than Rocks purchase, log on to www.betterthanrocks.com and use code “btrara08” or call (888) 994-7855. With this special code, you will receive 20 percent off your total order.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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