Planting Pots and Boxes

Container gardening is one of the most enjoyable gardening projects we can do at this time of year. We can use containers to grow veggies and herbs, bring hummingbirds to our patios, have fragrance by our porches and bring color to just about any part of the yard or garden. Containers can fill a tight spot that is too small for shrubs, block unsightly utilities or create barriers so that people don’t walk off decks or other ledges. And a pot or box can be planted with different flowers every year providing a way to switch things up and opportunities to play with colors and textures. Here are some tips for success with your containers:

• Use fresh potting mix and fill the entire container…don’t put rocks, shards, mulch or other debris in the bottom of the pots!
• If you want to recycle some of the potting mix from last year, take out the plants and main roots from the last season and put the potting mix into a tub or wheelbarrow. Add some compost and some organic fertilizer and mix well, breaking up any clumps of roots still in the mix. If you’re planting with all annuals you will do well to add some time-release synthetic fertilizer such as Osmocote as well. Refill the containers. The worst thing you can do is to leave the old soil in the container without refreshing it and loosening it in some way.
• Don’t ever cover the drainage holes!!! They are for drainage. 
• Select a variety of plants with different growth habits – some to spill over the side and others to grow straight and tall.
• Water the container well after planting and water deeply when the soil starts to get dry on the top as the season goes on.
• Have fun!