Tips for successful container gardening

The most-asked question from new gardeners is, 'How often do I water the potted plant, once a week, twice a week?' My stock answer is place your finger in the soil. When it is dry, water. When it is wet, don't. The frequency of needed water will be determined by environmental conditions.

The warmer weather has finally given gardeners the urge to get out and plant something. Recent conversations with many of them have revolved around the subject of container gardening. They have had a lot of questions so I thought I would dwell on the subject today.

When considering container gardening, start by determining where you want to place your pot. Sun or shade conditions will determine what kind of plants you will put in the container. If you are not familiar with many plants, go to your local garden center and ask a lot of questions.

The pot size used will be determined by the number and size of the plants you put in the pot. You want to put a large enough plant or the right number of small plants in the pot so that roots from the plants will fill up the pot. If you put a small plant in a large pot it is very difficult to not overwater the plants.

Using the right soil in your pot is critical. Do not use a potting soil. It is usually too heavy and will hold moisture. Use a potting mix.

I would recommend using a potting mix that does not have moisture control in it. If we have a rainy season, chances are the moisture control will result in too much moisture staying in the potting mix and the plant roots will rot.

I don't like fertilizer added to the potting mix by the manufacturer either. Different fertilizers will react differently to soil temperature and will also will affect the potting mix pH.

You want to control when you fertilize and what you use, not a manufacturer who lives in another state. Their growing conditions will different from yours.

After you have selected the pot and the potting mix, it is time to get to work. Fill the pot with potting mix. Next, remove the plants you are going to pot from their growing container. Then open up the root system of the plant with your hands, a knife or a jet of water. You want the roots to spread out and not continue to grow in a circle.

Place the plant in the potting mix and tamp the soil mix around the root system. This gives the soil good root/mix contact. Make sure that when you are finished planting there is enough room at the top of the pot so that potting mix surface is about 1 inch below the top of the pot. This will make watering much easier.

Next water in your newly potted plant with a soluble fertilizer such as a 9-58-8. The high middle number, phosphorous, will encourage the plant to spend most of its energy on producing roots. A good root system is the needed foundation for good plant top growth.

As the season progresses, fertilize your plant about every other week. Alternate the 9-58-8 with a 20-20-20. The will provide a good balance of root growth and top growth.

The most-asked question from new gardeners is "How often do I water the potted plant. Once a week, twice a week?"

My stock answer is place your finger in the soil. When it is dry, water. When it is wet, don't. The frequency of needed water will be determined, by environmental conditions.

I would suggest that you have a tendency to under-water. Remember the phase at the gym. "No pain, no gain." A plant stressed a bit will have a tendency to thrive versus one that is constantly overwatered.

Container gardening can be enjoyable for homeowners and for apartment dwellers.

With a little effort the results, whether it be a beautiful red tomato or a gorgeous geranium, will be outstanding.

Happy gardening in 2014.

Plant food and potting mix available at Sunny Hill Gardens and Florist help keep your plants healthy and beautiful throughout the season.