by Lorrie Redman
In the mountains, we always have
to wait for the snow to clear, soil to warm up, and frost to end. I admit I am impatient and always have to
find ways to garden before these events occur.
I overcome my frustration by growing seedlings, potting Christmas bulbs,
nurturing micro greens, and watering houseplants.
Come May though, I can’t control
my need to garden and I want an instant garden.
My solution is container planting.
I can design, shop, plant and enjoy my mini gardens all in one day.
My three favorite mini gardens
are shade containers, perennial containers, and herb containers.
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| Container garden by Lorrie Redman |
•
Shade
Containers add lots of color to
problem areas that are hard to grow annuals in. I can add a container under a
tree and bring interest and height in those spots that nothing else grows. Plants I like to use are begonias, coleus
and, impatiens. There are so many new
varieties to choose from and they have similar water and sun needs.
•
Perennial
Containers are wonderful because you
get more for your money. You can enjoy them on your deck or patio all summer
and then replant them into your regular garden in the fall. Plants I love to combine are salvias,
rudbeckias, yarrows and lavenders.
•
Herb
Containers are edible and fragrant
additions to your living space. Who
doesn’t love to cook your favorite pasta sauce and grab a few basil leaves for
flavor or chop up cilantro into your homemade salsa? With herbs, I love to use one herb per pot so
I can control my plants watering needs.
Then I group the containers together for a variety of textures and
heights.
Container gardens do have some
special considerations to think about before you plant. They include:
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| Perennial garden photo by Lorrie Redman |
Choosing a Container:
•
Any container can
be used but it must have good drainage and drainage holes so your plants do not
become waterlogged.
•
If choosing
edible plants make sure the container is not made with toxic materials.
•
Porous materials
such as clay and wood need to be watered more often than non-porous materials
like ceramic, plastic, and metal containers.
Porous materials do offer more air circulation into the root zone.
Soil:
•
Choose soil mixes
that are free of insects, disease and weed seeds. It is recommended that you
change out your soil yearly.
•
Native soils are
not recommended since they compact easily and prevent oxygen from getting to
the root systems.
•
Soil mixes vs
soilless mixes tend to have some of the same ingredients but soilless mixes
tend to be lighter. Research your plants to determine which medium is better
for your choice of plants.
• These are problem areas for containers. Container do
require more watering and fertilizing than your regular gardens.
• Containers tend to lose moisture faster since they are
above ground and the number of plants in such a small space increases the need
for more regular fertilization.
• Letting your pots dry out completely is not
recommended since the finer roots will die and your plants will suffer.
• Even if you add slow release fertilizers to your soil
mix it is recommended in Colorado to use additional soluble fertilizers to feed
your plants.
• With increased watering and fertilizing good drainage
is also necessary to reduce salt build up from added fertilizers. Recommendations include draining your saucers
often and having containers that accommodate the root depth of your
plants.
Now go out and create your own
instant garden!
For additional information about
container gardening, check out the CSU Extension Fact Sheet Container
Gardens. https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/07238.pdf
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