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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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Container Gardening |
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If your growing space is limited, gardening in containers may be the answer for you. Container culture is essentially the growing of hardy garden and frost-tender plants in pots, tubs, and other containers of decorative type. The cultural needs of plants grown in this way are critical. To maintain an attractive healthy appearance, attention to watering, fertilizing, and control of pests and diseases is especially important. Home gardeners find that by using containers and good horticultural practices, they can overcome the problems of poor soil aeration and drainage, and the limitations of paved surfaces with a lack of available growing space. Planting in containers also offers the chance to change landscape effects periodically and makes possible the use of certain tender plants in the warm season and the easy moving of them indoors in colder weather. What kinds of containers are best? Clay pots, plastic pots and wooden tubs are good choices. Clay pots are handy for small plants, absorb water and allow air to enter the root zone, but will crack if left outdoors in winter. They come in a wide variety of sizes. Plastic pots are lighter weight than clay, making it easier to carry larger plants. They retain moisture inside the pot, so there isn't as much risk of having the plant dry out between waterings. Too much water, however, will sit in the pot and could contribute to root rot problems. If wooden tubs are selected, they should be of a type that resists decay and is able to withstand alternate watering and drying. Joints should remain tight, preventing moisture losses. Garden soil and potting soil may be considered for containers. In general, a fertile, well-drained loamy soil is a good choice for a wide range of ornamental trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. For all plants, regular watering during the growing season is essential in container culture. Water regularly, letting the soil become slightly dry between waterings, then water until it runs through the base of the container. Plants remaining outdoors during the winter, especially evergreen types, must have a considerable supply of water to help prevent winter scorch. Water these very heavily during mid to late November. Remove evergreens from exposed to protected locations outdoors or into the garage or unheated porch. Tender plants that cannot withstand the winter must be moved into the house before the furnace is turned on in September. If left outside until heating is necessary indoors, the abrupt temperature change may cause undue stress to plants. Inside, follow good watering, fertilizing, and light culture as you would regular houseplants. Container gardening can help you bring color and life to an otherwise dull patio, deck, or porch. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
