Give ‘em Room to Bloom
Apr 24th, 2009 by Shari
Planters that are overflowing with colorful flowers can make any outdoor space look full, rich, and inviting. Luckily, there is a huge variety of plants that can really thrive in containers. Besides potting annuals, perennials, bulbs, and tubers, you can even plant climbing vines, vegetables, herbs, fruits, and even small shrubs and trees, such as miniature alpines, as long as you use the right containers.
At CedarStore.com, you’ll find a great assortment of planters, including planter benches, with or without lattice backs, planter trellises, tubs, stands, window boxes, and wheelbarrows. You can choose from red and white cedar, cherry wood, metal, and polywood, which is available in several colors.
So, if you’re planning to do a little container gardening, here are some of the basics you need to get started. Once you decide what you’d like to cultivate, choose a planter that’s large enough to give them room to bloom, and accommodate their roots as they grow, but small enough so that the plant does not get lost in it. Usually, one that’s about an inch wider in diameter than the root ball will do nicely. Make sure that the bottom of the container has at least one hole, or is slatted, to keep the roots from drowning; if it has no holes, cover the bottom with a one-inch layer of gravel, or stone or marble chips.
The standard soil for most plants will be composed of one part perlite, one part peat moss or compost, and two parts sterile potting soil. If you’re growing azaleas, hydrangeas, or other acid-loving plants, or varieties, such as clematis, that flourish in more alkaline conditions, adjust the soil mixture accordingly.
Give fruiting plants and perennials an initial feeding of high-nitrogen fertilizer, which will encourage faster growth, followed by a high-potassium liquid tomato fertilizer. It is also recommended that annuals receive a weekly dose of liquid fertilizer; and the same should be given to potted roses and perennials every two to three weeks. Because most container plants need more water than those grown in the ground, keep an eye on the soil to make sure that it doesn’t get too dry.
If you have any questions about planters, or any of CedarStore.com’s outdoor furniture, outdoor décor, or home accents, you can always call a design consultant or customer service representative, at 888-293-2339. If you have questions about growing your plants, you’d better ask at a nursery or garden center.
Yours Outdoors,
Kathy
