THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 12, 1995 TAG: 9503100112
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G9 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: WEEDER'S DIGEST
SOURCE: BY ROBERT STIFFLER, GARDENING COLUMNIST
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
IS THERE A person reading this who hasn't lost a potted plant to lack of water, hot weather, bad luck or even moles? Most people lose one or more plants at some point in their career, say the experts at Sun Gro Horticulture, producers of Sunshine Potting Mix. But, they add, it's almost criminal to do so.
To keep you off the ``most wanted'' list of plant killers, here are tips to keep container plants alive and well.
Water, water everywhere: Plants in containers are surrounded by air and have little protection from nature's drying elements. They need to be watched closely to keep them safe from drought. Frequent watering tends to leach out plant food, so remember to feed often too.
Use peat-based potting mixes: Most growers use peat-based mixes, because the open structure of particles retains water and nutrients near the roots. Some new mixes contain water-holding polymers that purport to reduce the frequency of watering, but horticulturist Bonnie Appleton at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Virginia Beach has tested some and says they do not offer much benefit.
Double up: When starting plants from seed, plant two seeds in each pot where one plant will grow. Remove the weaker seedling when the stronger plant is established, and the chance for success is doubled before you even begin.
Care for cacti: Special mixes are made for sun-loving plants such as cacti and succulents, which require quick and even drainage to minimize root rot.
Light violets right: African violets like light, but sunny windows are often too much. Year-round, western exposure is a good bet. When watering, make sure not to water the leaves.
Moisten early: Two hours before transplanting, water a plant in its old pot and drain it throughly so soil will cling to the roots. Set the container on its side and rap it gently until the plant comes loose. Place the root ball in a new container, filled partially with mix. Then add more mix to plant level. Water to settle the mix around the roots.
Get rid of gravel: Especially with new transplants, gravel or other foreign objects in pots, even at the bottom, tend to rob the roots of valuable growing space and drain water away too quickly. A little sand is acceptable in the bottom of a very large pot when growing cacti.
Leave breathing room: Containers often need an inch or two of air flow underneath to keep any wooden surfaces from rotting or to keep drainage holes from blocking. If there are no casters or feet on the bottom of the container, use wooden blocks to keep it off the ground.
Cut a bug: Containers do not immunize plants from pests - quite the opposite, because they are so moist. Place bait (such as slug bait) on a lettuce leaf next to the container, or for earwigs, in a rolled-up newspaper. This makes the pests easy to pick up and throw away. Set the trap in the early evening, after watering.
Alternate ideas: My experience has been that the larger the container, the better your plants will grow. Half whisky barrels, although large, have limited life. I've tried plastic whiskey barrels, which look much like wood, and drilled holes in the bottom. At around $20, I found them a better investment. I've also found that large red plastic pots that look like clay cost about a tenth as much, perform as well and last much longer. MEMO: Sun Gro Horticulture Sunshine products can be found in garden and home
centers. They will answer gardening questions at (800) 665-4592. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ROBERT STIFFLER
Professional gardener Daniel Moore, who tends many Virginia Beach
gardens, recommends a peat-based mix for container plants.
by CNB