ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, September 5, 1996 TAG: 9609050031
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV_2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
Container-grown plants for small areas
If you have a small yard, deck or balcony consider using container-grown plants. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small shrubs in wooden boxes to annuals in hanging baskets.
Good drainage important
Any container is good as long as it has good drainage. Large containers should be on wheels for easier moving. Some gardeners plant annuals in containers so they can rearrange them as needed. Using containers makes redesigning your home landscape as easy as moving a container or planting new flowers. Container gardens require well-drained soil, adequate sunlight, fertilizer, water and protection from drying winds.
Use containerized plants to hide unsightly views or to perk up the view from a window. Container gardens have a vertical dimension, as well as a horizontal one. You can mount pots on walls or build shelves to hold small pots of flowers. If on a balcony, use hanging plants or wind an ivy plant around the railing.
Move containers to get best light
In determining where to place containers, consider the light requirements of the plants. Rotate the containers every few days so the plants will grow properly. You needn't be restricted in placing container grown plants. If a high-light-requiring plant is in the shade at some point in the day, you can easily move the container into a more sunny area.
Plants grown in wooden or clay containers require more water than those grown in the ground because moisture is lost from all sides of the container. Plants in containers may be less sheltered from winds that can dry out the soil. Also, there is limited soil volume, and the sides of the container heat up, causing the soil to dry out faster.
Limited root space also means faster drying
Because there is limited space for roots, transpiration removes water from a smaller area, thus faster drying of soil. Check the soil frequently, and water when it becomes dry. Place containers on bricks or pieces of wood to allow air circulation and drainage of excess water.
Container plants need frequent fertilizing. Use a water-soluble plant food as recommended on the label.
LENGTH: Short : 50 linesby CNB