Flowering Container Basics
New Types Of Containers:
Lighter weight foam and resin containers make lifting easier. Some
containers you can use are baskets, buckets, wood boxes, old jugs, bushel
baskets. kitchen canisters, lunch boxes, boots, shoes, tea pots, or another
container that you can add drainage holes too will work!
Structural Accents:
Dried decorative branches for contrast and as a focal point. Trellises,
obelisks, gazing balls on stands can be used to add height to your
container.
Living Accents:
Don't be afraid to use small trees, shrubs, roses, grasses, herbs,
vegetables. Options are endless.
Color:
Color trends are always changing. Are you looking to make a bold
statement? Then add hot colors, or colors that contrast. Want to
evoke an emotion? Try using the same color plants, but different shades
for a smooth easy appeal.
Uses:
Use your containers for vegetables gardens, herb gardens, butterfly or
hummingbird attractors. Table centerpieces, kids gardens, or as gift
ideas.
Exciting New Plants:
Grasses, King Tut Cypress, Blue
Arrows Juncus, Diamond Frost Euphorbia, Pineapple Sage, Eucalyptus, Hosta,
Heucheras,
Site and Light:
Pick your location. Be Aware of height and width restrictions.
How much sunlight will your container receive each day? Select sun or
shade plants based on how much sunlight your area will be getting in a day.
Soil:
Baccto Potting Mix, Never Top Soil
Fertilizer:
Miracle Gro every 7-10 days after
plant is established. Osmocote slow release fertilizer as a supplemental
feeding.
Water:
Keep soil evenly moist to
start. Light, temperature, and air movement are the three biggest factors
for drying. Once plant are rooted well, water containers heavier but less
frequently. During extreme hot summer days, water more often.
Trimming:
Most plants need to be
trimmed. Trim in the morning or at night. Clean your pruning
tools regularly.
Drip Irrigation:
Saves water and a lot of time.
Easy to install.
Refreshing:
Some plants will grow out of
control, get root bound, and live out their bloom cycle. This is a good
time to replace plants for the fall season. Just add some fresh
soil.
Winterizing:
Most containers should be emptied
and stored in a dry location for winter. If you have too keep a container
outside empty half of the soil and make sure the container drains freely.
If you have a container with perennials in it, move in to an area that is
protected from the wind and winter weather.