Container Gardening

May 08, 2014

by Ankaret Dean, Lanark County Master Gardeners

Although window boxes and hanging baskets have been in vogue for many years this year people are taking a new look at growing plants, such as vegetables in containers.

With the renewed interest in growing vegetables and herbs, the garden nurseries are offering an ever growing variety of containers. It is even possible to grow tomatoes in a upside down hanging plastic bucket, growing downwards from a hole in the base. Check on the internet for details on this idea.

Firstly. The most important consideration is where to put the container. Shade is easier because the earth does not dry out so quickly on hot days; however all veggies and herbs need at least half a day of sunshine It is possible now to buy containers or bases on wheels, which can be moved about as the sun level changes during the summer and can also be rotated at the same time. All containers should have a drainage hole in the base, and should be put on a large saucer/plate to avoid rotting a wooden floor or flooding the patio.

The second consideration is the soil chosen to fill the container. Because the plants are usually planted very close together it is essential that the soil is both well fertilized and will hold moisture. A purchased bag of potting soil is recommended. If the container is very large, the base of the pot can be filled with Styrofoam peanuts used as fill by packing companies, but alternatively, heavy, large stones can be used. At the end of the year, containers should be emptied and stored under cover or turned upside down to avoid freezing and cracking. The soil can be put into a garden bed or on the compost pile.

Planting should be planned before visiting the nursery. Put high plants behind and low ones in front, and leave room for the plants to fill out during the summer. Although the containers are limited in size, there is always the potential of growing plants upwards. Either buy a small trellis, or make one using first-year shoots and interweaving with raffia, wire or string. Try planting cucumbers, climbing beans, gourds or morning glories. If the container is in a windy situation be aware that it could blow over.

Careful watering is essential with container gardening. Ensure that the container has a drainage hole at the base; too much water can be as damaging as too little. It is possible to get a high-tech watering device with a timer that will water the containers on a regular basis, but it cannot tell if there has just been a thunderstorm. I prefer to keep a watchful eye on the containers, keeping the soil damp but allowing them to dry out between waterings.

Hot, sunny, windy days will cause them to dry quickly, particularly hanging baskets. I know someone who watered her hanging baskets twice daily at the peak of summertime. There is now a product that can be added to the soil, which will increase the absorbency of the soil and lengthen the periods between watering.

Control of insects, mold and other annoying problems like burrowing chipmunks can usually be solved by careful watching. "Prevention is better than cure", so it is said. Picking off critters by hand, spraying a mild soap solution on and washing it off later is probably all you need do. Dead head flowers to prolong blooming (not squashes) and add a little fertilizer later in the summer to perk things up. Otherwise enjoy your container vegetable garden. Bring in delicate herbs to overwinter on the window sill.

For more gardening information or questions contact:www.lanarkmastergardeners.mgoi.ca