Start From the Ground Up in Containers
Question: How do I go about gardening in containers?
L.M., Santa Ana
Answer: There are many varieties of lightweight soils intended for use in containers that should be adequate for most needs. A few things to keep in mind:
* Plants with specific soil requirements, such as orchids or cactus, need the appropriate mixture for their specific needs.
* Don’t use garden soil; it is too heavy.
* Consider adding water-saving soil polymers to potting soil, which hold water and release it to plants when needed. Be sure to soak the polymers before mixing them into the soil or they will push the soil out of the container when they expand.
* If a soil seems fine textured, add pumice to the mix to increase drainage.
* Leave room at the top of the container to allow water to soak in.
* Cover exposed soil with mulch to cut down on evaporation and make the overall appearance more aesthetically pleasing. Good choices include moss, stones, shredded bark or try an unusual mulch such as seashells or tumbled glass.
Maintenance
Establish an effective watering routine for the type of containers and plants in your garden. Consider installing a drip system if necessary.
* Fertilize regularly. Container plants need regular feeding because they have limited soil and the nutrients tend to get leached out quickly.
* Periodically check for roots that are coming out of the bottom of the pot, which is an indicator that the plant needs to be transplanted to a larger container.
* Check for pest and disease problems regularly. Because plants in containers are under more stress than plants growing in the ground, they may be more subject to pest and diseases. Treat any problems quickly, before they spread.
* Grooming and deadheading is important since container gardens are typically viewed at a closer range than garden beds.
Written and researched by University of California Master Gardener Sheila Peterson of Laguna Beach.
Have a problem in your yard? University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners are here to help. These trained and certified horticultural volunteers are dedicated to extending research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management. They are involved with a variety of outreach programs, including the UCCE Master Garden hotline, which provides answers to specific questions. You can reach the hotline at (714) 708-1646 or send e-mail to ucmastergardeners@yahoo.com. Calls and e-mail are picked up daily and are generally returned within two to three days.
