container gardening part 2 soil, water, nutrients, light

Container Gardening

Part 2Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

Soils for ContainersSoils for Containers

• Container soil is challenging because of the small volume of media used to support plant growth

• Desirable traits:– Water and nutrient retention

• ‘Soilless’ Mixes– Low bulk density (fluffy and light)– High porosity to ensure good aeration and root growth– Free from weeds, diseases, and insects

Soils for ContainersSoils for Containers

• Organic Blend: 5 gallons finished compost, 1 gal. sand, 1 gal. vermiculite or perlite, and 1 cup granular all purpose organic fertilizer.

• Standard Blend: 1 bushel vermiculite, 1 bushel ground spagnum moss, 8 tablespoons superphosphate (0-20-0), 8 tablespoons ground limestone, 2 cups bone meal.

• Garden Soil: 25% sand, 25% garden soil, 50% compost.

Watering Container PlantsWatering Container Plants

• Increased water and nutrient needs

• Thoroughly water once per week – twice per day

• Water depending on container and weather

• Cluster pots to minimize moisture loss

• Water needs greatest at flowering and fruiting

Sedum mulch

Mulched plant

Watering Container PlantsWatering Container Plants

• Too much or too little water is the most common problem for container grown plants

• Drip Irrigation Systems (below, left)• Self Watering Containers (below, right)

Fertilizing Container PlantsFertilizing Container Plants

• Add slow-release fertilizer at planting such as Osmocote.

• Initially, half-strength, water-soluble fertilizer• Increase fertilizer to recommended rate as

plants mature• Occassionally use compost or fish emulsion for

micronutrients

Light

NORTH

WEST EAST

SOUTH

Possibly shade all day

Possibly sun all day

Morning shade, afternoon sun

Morning sun, afternoon shade

LightLight

• Direct light – east or west windowsills, south-facing window

• Bright, indirect light• Low light

Direct Light Indirect Light Low Light

LightLight

• Too much sun – trellis

• Too little sun – reflective wall or water