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Container Gardening. Wyandotte County Kansas State Research & Extension. Container Gardening . Gardening in small spaces – patios, balconies, window boxes Mobile gardening – move the plants to new locations; entertaining Less strenuous than conventional gardening. Challenges.
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Container Gardening Wyandotte County Kansas State Research & Extension
Container Gardening • Gardening in small spaces – patios, balconies, window boxes • Mobile gardening – move the plants to new locations; entertaining • Less strenuous than conventional gardening
Challenges • Plants may be under more stress from an exposed location • Plants need more regular watering • Large containers can be expensive and difficult to move when filled with potting mix.
Containers • A variety of styles & sizes • It is essential that the container has holes in the bottom for drainage • Plastic, clay, and wood containers - porous or non-porous (moisture) - weight of the container • Size of container – balance between top growth and root systems of plants flowers & small vegetables 6” vegetables & roses 1-3 gal
Potting Mixes • Soilless mix – does not contain soil • Additional ingredients – peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite • Rapid drainage, but still hold sufficient water and nutrients for plant growth
Potting Mixes • Purchase from nursery or garden stores • Make your own potting mix 2 parts sandy loam soil 1 part sphagnum peat moss 1 part perlite
Potting Mixes • Free of disease organisms, insects, or weeds • Do NOT put rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the container
Plant Selection One species or combining plants textures colors shapes/forms heights Use complimentary color purple & yellow blue & orange red & green
What to Grow? • Flowers sunny locations: marigolds, geraniums, periwinkle (vinca), petunias shady locations: impatiens, begonias • Vegetables lettuce, red chard, flowering cabbage & kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers • Herbs basil, chives, thyme, mint
Hanging Baskets • Originally designed to hang from trees • Minimum basket size = 14”-16” • Extend the length of the baskets chain or rope so that the plant is at eye level • Plants dry out quickly, so check soil frequently • May need to remove basket during high winds to prevent wind damage
Container Gardening You are growing a plant with a small, constricted root system so regular fertilizing and watering is important!
Watering • Water is lost quickly from containers • How often to water will depend on the type of plant, potting mix, type of container, and weather conditions • Stick your finger in the top inch or so of the potting mix to feel for dryness • Apply sufficient water to allow a small amount to come out of the bottom drain holes.
Fertilizing Water soluble fertilizers ¼ recommended rate every other watering unless continuous feeding directions are available Time release (controlled release) fertilizers designed to release fertilizer gradually over a long period of time.
Pest Control Insects & Diseases • Can be a problem because plants are growing under more stress & with a limited root system • Use control measures used in conventional gardening