container gardening part 2 soil, water, nutrients, light

9
Container Gardening Part 2 oil, Water, Nutrients, Light

Upload: valentine-hampton

Post on 22-Dec-2015

221 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

Container Gardening

Part 2Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

Page 2: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, 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

Page 3: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

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.

Page 4: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

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

Page 5: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

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)

Page 6: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

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

Page 7: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

Light

NORTH

WEST EAST

SOUTH

Possibly shade all day

Possibly sun all day

Morning shade, afternoon sun

Morning sun, afternoon shade

Page 8: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

LightLight

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

• Bright, indirect light• Low light

Direct Light Indirect Light Low Light

Page 9: Container Gardening Part 2 Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light

LightLight

• Too much sun – trellis

• Too little sun – reflective wall or water