Part of the magnetism of gardening is the opportunity for creative expression. Why bother with the same boring terra cotta pot or hanging basket when you can grow mother-in-law’s tongue out of an old toilet or a medley of herbs in a discarded wooden crate? Okay, so maybe you’re not too keen on showcasing your prized fern collection in a gleaming white porcelain throne, but consider creative container gardening as an opportunity to spice up your landscape and get those creative juices flowing!

By definition, container gardening refers to large containers planted with a mixture of plants, and they serve as focal points by elevating plants and making them more prominent in the landscape than a similar grouping of plants at ground level. It is necessary to consider the right plant for the right place when picking plants for your containers, same as you would do in the garden. Be sure to choose plants with similar needs (i.e. light, water and fertilizer). Also be conscious of growth rates and mature size, so that the containers match the plants’ potential. Finally, consider your desired maintenance. Annuals usually stay under control but need to be replaced seasonally, whereas perennials may need occasional pruning but infrequent replacement.

Potting Soil
There are a variety of potting soils on the market, depending on the type of plant you’re growing; specialty soils are available for cacti and succulents, orchids, and more. The key is to use a potting soil that can absorb and retain moisture, while also allowing water to drain. A general lightweight potting soil with peat moss (for moisture retention) and perlite (for drainage) is suitable for most containers and most plants. If working with very large or very deep containers, substitute some of the potting soil with a light weight filler material, such as Styrofoam™, empty plastic bottles, or lava rocks. In this way, you don’t spend as much in potting soil, the plant roots are not affected, and the container remains light enough to move around, if necessary.

Planting Procedure
Container gardening involves placing plants to determine the desired arrangement, so after filling the container with soil, but before digging, set the plants in their original pots on top of the soil and step back to see the bigger picture. Arrange the plants as many times as necessary to get the look you want, then dig your holes. Similar to planting in the garden, you have to ensure that the hole is large enough and that the plant is not installed too deep or too shallow. However, keep in mind that the finer your potting soil, the more it will settle once watered. The final level of potting soil should be about 2 inches below the rim of the container, and the top-most root of each plant should be level with the surface of the potting soil. If the plants in the container are small and not yet mature, add a layer of mulch on top of the soil to protect the roots and keep the soil from drying out too quickly. As the plants fill in, the soil will be better covered and mulch may not be needed.

Drainage
Although it may seem like common sense, be sure your container has at least one drainage hole. Additionally, make sure that the drainage water has somewhere to go, since water that drains onto a patio or deck may be hazardous and unattractive. If it is not possible to create a drainage hole in a chosen container, then adjust your potting arrangement so that the plants fit into a smaller container (with drainage) that is then placed in the larger container. You will still get the benefit of the container design or style, and your plants will not drown.

Irrigation and Maintenance
Probably the most limiting factor to container gardening is irrigation. Potting soil, because of limited space in a container, may dry out quickly without regular rainfall or supplemental irrigation. It is imperative that you observe your potted plants for signs of wilt and don’t allow them to get to the point of no return. Immediately after planting, the initial watering may quickly run through the soil and out the container’s drainage holebecause of all the pore spaces in the potting mix. Give the soil a few minutes to settle, that water again, slowly, to allow the soil to absorb as much moisture as possible. Most container-grown plants will need watering at least 3 times a week, unlike their counterparts in the landscape, which may go as many as 7 to 10 days in-between watering. It is a good idea to invest in a low volume, micro-irrigation system, specifically designed for potted plants. The system can run directly off an outdoor spigot or hose, and you can place a battery-operated timer on the system for scheduled watering. Keep in mind that plant water requirements will change with season, rainfall, growth stage, and plant size. Other maintenance issues include weeding and pruning. Until young plants fill in to cover the soil in the container, weeds will regularly rear their ugly heads, distracting from the beauty and form of your container garden. Be diligent and hand pull weeds as much as possible, since many herbicides may also injure or kill your desired plants. As some plants grow and fill in, they may not keep their original shape in the container, ultimately changing the overall look you were trying to achieve. Prune selectively, so that you’re not spending inordinate amounts of time creating the “Disney look,” but you’re still shaping plants in a natural form that complement the rest of the container and/or the surrounding landscape design.

Other Tips
Just as you would choose plants for the landscape based on their size relative to the structures around them, it is important to choose containers that are large enough to fit all your desired plants and will not “disappear” into the surrounding environment. Even though larger is better, very large containers may put a significant dent in your pocketbook. For the same impact, create a grouping of containers that are similar in shape, material, or color.

If you tend to lean more toward the eclectic side of life, a hodgepodge of containers may just suit your fancy. By choosing the right plants to create the right effect, a diversity of wild and wacky containers will really make a statement!
 
Use your containers as focal points in the landscape by selectively placing them throughout the yard and designing plant beds and pathways around them. Increase the dramatic effect of a small container by placing it on a pedestal or securing it at eye level against a wall or fence.

Finally, choose plants with brightly colored blooms or foliage for containers in the shade or along a garden border. They will help to define the space, while drawing the eye towards the area in which they are placed. A slightly modified version of a quote from Proverbs says, “Don’t plant more garden than you can care for,” and this is sage advice. But remember that container gardens, if done right, can provide you with color, style, impact and versatility throughout the landscape and throughout the year.

You’re only limited by your own imagination!

Consider Reading:- Add Style to the Garden with Containers

Fall is an ideal time here in Florida to venture out into the garden and re-pot your plants.  The weather in the fall is meant to be cooler with less humidity, though this isn't always the case. 

Plants that have outgrown their planters, plants that have roots that are growing out of the drainage holes, plants that have their bottom leaves turning yellow or dropping off, or plants whose soil has become washed all deserve to be repotted. 

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Repotting in the fall provides for optimal plant growth as the plant receives the necessary soil freshening, added nutrients and doesn't have to fight the all encompassing heat and humidity. 

Here are 5 Tips on repotting and preparing plants for fall:-

1. A garden planter should be selected that is one size larger than the original pot.
2. Fill one-third of your new pot/planter with potting soil.
3. Remove the plant from the original container. If the roots are tightly wound, gently slice the sides of the root ball in two or three places with a trowel. Insert the plant into the new pot/planter, filling with more potting mix and press lightly. Leave about an inch of space between the top of the potting mix and the lip of the pot/planter, so water does not overflow.
4. Water your planters thoroughly and allow to drain.
5. Remember to fertilizer and water appropriately throughout the season. 

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You should see an almost instant change in your repotted plant. 

Consider Reading: Benefits of Container Gardening or Unique Containers

Here is another article by Dr. Marina D'Abreau when she joins us at GardenersReach.com in future her 'Pen Name' will be HC_Greenthumb, this is her Hillsborough County Extension Horticulture Site!  Why not pay the site a visit and check out the resources available there.

Part of the magnetism of gardening is the opportunity for creative expression. Why bother with the same boring terra cotta pot or hanging basket when you can grow mother-in-law’s tongue out of an old toilet or a medley of herbs in a discarded wooden crate? Okay, so maybe you’re not too keen on showcasing your prized fern collection in a gleaming white porcelain throne, but consider creative container gardening as an opportunity to spice up your landscape and get those creative juices flowing! By definition, container gardening refers to large containers planted with a mixture of plants, and they serve as focal points by elevating plants and making them more prominent in the landscape than a similar grouping of plants at ground level. It is necessary to consider the right plant for the right place when picking plants for your containers, same as you would do in the garden. Be sure to choose plants with similar needs (i.e. light, water and fertilizer). Also be conscious of growth rates and mature size, so that the containers match the plants’ potential. Finally, consider your desired maintenance. Annuals usually stay under control but need to be replaced seasonally, whereas perennials may need occasional pruning but infrequent replacement.

Potting Soil
There are a variety of potting soils on the market, depending on the type of plant you’re growing; specialty soils are available for cacti and succulents, orchids, and more. The key is to use a potting soil that can absorb and retain moisture, while also allowing water to drain. A general lightweight potting soil with peat moss (for moisture retention) and perlite (for drainage) is suitable for most containers and most plants. If working with very large or very deep containers, substitute some of the potting soil with a light weight filler material, such as Styrofoam™, empty plastic bottles, or lava rocks. In this way, you don’t spend as much in potting soil, the plant roots are not affected, and the container remains light enough to move around, if necessary.

Planting Procedure
Container gardening involves placing plants to determine the desired arrangement, so after filling the container with soil, but before digging, set the plants in their original pots on top of the soil and step back to see the bigger picture. Arrange the plants as many times as necessary to get the look you want, then dig your holes. Similar to planting in the garden, you have to ensure that the hole is large enough and that the plant is not installed too deep or too shallow. However, keep in mind that the finer your potting soil, the more it will settle once watered. The final level of potting soil should be about 2 inches below the rim of the container, and the top-most root of each plant should be level with the surface of the potting soil. If the plants in the container are small and not yet mature, add a layer of mulch on top of the soil to protect the roots and keep the soil from drying out too quickly. As the plants fill in, the soil will be better covered and mulch may not be needed.

Drainage
Although it may seem like common sense, be sure your container has at least one drainage hole. Additionally, make sure that the drainage water has somewhere to go, since water that drains onto a patio or deck may be hazardous and unattractive. If it is not possible to create a drainage hole in a chosen container, then adjust your potting arrangement so that the plants fit into a smaller container (with drainage) that is then placed in the larger container. You will still get the benefit of the container design or style, and your plants will not drown.

Irrigation and Maintenance
Probably the most limiting factor to container gardening is irrigation. Potting soil, because of limited space in a container, may dry out quickly without regular rainfall or supplemental irrigation. It is imperative that you observe your potted plants for signs of wilt and don’t allow them to get to the point of no return. Immediately after planting, the initial watering may quickly run through the soil and out the container’s drainage holebecause of all the pore spaces in the potting mix. Give the soil a few minutes to settle, that water again, slowly, to allow the soil to absorb as much moisture as possible. Most container-grown plants will need watering at least 3 times a week, unlike their counterparts in the landscape, which may go as many as 7 to 10 days in-between watering. It is a good idea to invest in a low volume, micro-irrigation system, specifically designed for potted plants. The system can run directly off an outdoor spigot or hose, and you can place a battery-operated timer on the system for scheduled watering. Keep in mind that plant water requirements will change with season, rainfall, growth stage, and plant size. Other maintenance issues include weeding and pruning. Until young plants fill in to cover the soil in the container, weeds will regularly rear their ugly heads, distracting from the beauty and form of your container garden. Be diligent and hand pull weeds as much as possible, since many herbicides may also injure or kill your desired plants. As some plants grow and fill in, they may not keep their original shape in the container, ultimately changing the overall look you were trying to achieve. Prune selectively, so that you’re not spending inordinate amounts of time creating the “Disney look,” but you’re still shaping plants in a natural form that complement the rest of the container and/or the surrounding landscape design.

Other Tips
Just as you would choose plants for the landscape based on their size relative to the structures around them, it is important to choose containers that are large enough to fit all your desired plants and will not “disappear” into the surrounding environment. Even though larger is better, very large containers may put a significant dent in your pocketbook. For the same impact, create a grouping of containers that are similar in shape, material, or color.

If you tend to lean more toward the eclectic side of life, a hodgepodge of containers may just suit your fancy. By choosing the right plants to create the right effect, a diversity of wild and wacky containers will really make a statement!
 
Use your containers as focal points in the landscape by selectively placing them throughout the yard and designing plant beds and pathways around them. Increase the dramatic effect of a small container by placing it on a pedestal or securing it at eye level against a wall or fence.

Finally, choose plants with brightly colored blooms or foliage for containers in the shade or along a garden border. They will help to define the space, while drawing the eye towards the area in which they are placed. A slightly modified version of a quote from Proverbs says, “Don’t plant more garden than you can care for,” and this is sage advice. But remember that container gardens, if done right, can provide you with color, style, impact and versatility throughout the landscape and throughout the year.

You’re only limited by your own imagination! 

Hanging baskets which fall into the realms of our feature of Container Gardening this month, can alter a landscape significantly dependent on the array and color found within it.

Hanging baskets can contain floral, herbal of vegetable plantings. I hope in future to plant a hanging basket similar to one I've seen recently, which featured an assortment of different lettuce. Can you imagine the ease if salad were on the evening dinner menu and having the ability to slip outside onto your patio with the scissors and snip the necessary amount of leaves required to cater to your family? Now you can't say that that isn't a great idea, now to action it in the forthcoming days and show you I did it!

In the meantime, here are a few Tips for Hanging Baskets.
 
1  Plant Selection - Several plants can be placed together in a hanging basket or container, however it should remembered to ensure that they all like the same growing conditions ie shade, waterings. Imagine the scent of that of that hanging herbal basket!
 
2  Watering - Remember prior to fertilizing water and allow to drain. Water as the plant requires, know your plants needs i.e. some plants don't like wet feet! Remember to consider the weather. A drip line irrigation system can also be set up to water the plants as seen in the pictures below at Florida Aquarium.    

Florida Aquarium Hanging Baskets - Can you seen the Drip Irrigation Lines for Watering?

3  Fertilizer - When feeding your plants, water first with unfertilized water and drain; then re-water with a fertilizer solution to ensure the fertilizer is retained in your hanging basket. If your hanging basket is to be a floral display, feeding once a week with a water-soluble fertilizer will ensure that you have a continuous array of healthy blooms. Remember if the container holds edible plantings that a fertilizer for edibles be used. Always remember to read and follow the directions accordingly.
 
4  Balance - Remember that your plants are going to grow so consider positioning when planting, you don't want your hanging basket to be uneven, the aim is to achieve a balance as the plant grows.
 
5  Care - Remember to deadhead or pinch the plants if they require it to encourage further growth.
 
Enjoy!

* Consider Reading - Adding Style to the Garden with Containers  or  Benefits of Container Gardening 

Here in Florida we can grow a lot of plants.  Some of these plants, while not officially 'invasive' can grow fast, really fast in fact.  So fast that you actually have to work to keep them contained.  Now personally I'm not against working in the garden except during the months of January through December. :)  Just kidding.  But the summer months are just too hot in Florida for me to put forth any serious gardening effort like pulling a 'too fast' growing plant.

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Unfortunately, some of my favorite plants are the kind that grows fast.  For instance, I love bamboo, but it's just too fast growing for me.  Not to mention it's nearly impossible to kill.  Sharpen the machete and prepare to sweat if you actually have to cut it down!  All of that translates into work in the garden.

Bamboo  

Containers allow you to have the best of both worlds.  Using containers you can have that fast growing plant and reduce your garden work.  There are a couple of different approaches to keeping control of that runner be it a vine, runner, or just really happy plant.  The first and probably the one that will take more effort over time is to bury the container where you want to place your selected 'fast grower'.  This method makes for more of a semi-permanent planting but will reduce your garden work.

1. Make sure the location is really the place you want the plant.  Don't forget to take account for height.  Just because it's in a container doesn't mean it won't reach full height.
2. Bury the container before you put your plant and planting material in.  Trust me, it'll save your back!
3. Make sure the lip of your container is above ground if your fast growing plant has runners or some other mechanism for spreading along the ground.
4. You'll still have to monitor the plant to make sure it hasn't found a way out of its containment.

The second method is the more traditional approach.  Simply select a container and 'plant' your fast growing plant where you'd like to see it live.  On the surface this is a easier solution.  You can move the plant where you want it to be and it's easy to notice if it's trying to escape.  Of course it's more likely you'll want a nice planter instead of a cheap plastic pot. 

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There will come a time when you'll need to repot your plant because it will have taken all the nutrients offered in it's container.  This will be much easier if you used the second method, but sometimes the first method just fits better into your plan.

* Consider Reading Benefits of Container Gardening

 Bamboo in Containers

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Following a few easy tips you will be snipping fresh herbs for your kitchen throughout the winter season. A small spray of herbs can even make great season present for your friends and family especially those who cook!

As we are featuring Container Gardening this month I thought I would share this post with you. Many herbs will grow easily in containers and only require minimal care from you the gardener.

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Tips

By planting your herbs in a container with a south or southeast facing linea or patio where they will receive at least 5-6 hours of sunshine per day is preferred for growth.

Considering your culinary needs can aid in determining the herbs you will grow, although some of my herbs are grown for the fragrance they bestow upon the garden. (Rosemary, Lavender)

Which herbs should you choose?

Choose herbs that don't grow too wide or tall. Chives, basil, parsley, oregano, mint and thyme are all great choices here in Florida.

My Sweet Basil, I hope to plant another Basil alongside this one.

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MY How to Plant your Herbs

1 Plant your herbs in a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. Individual plants can be planted in 6 inch pots, or if preferred you can plant multiple herbs in a wider or long container. (Remember to consider plant growth)

2 Using a potting mix, which is lighter than soil, this will facilitate better drainage. (Some herbs do not enjoy wet feet!) Place a 2-3 inch layer of potting mix into the bottom of your container.

3 Position your herb plants in the container as required.

4 Continue filling your container with the potting mix, firming gently around the plants with a gentle knuckle press and tap. Leave about an inch at the top of the container to allow for watering.

5 Water sparingly, often when my plants are young I tend to use a mister sprayer so that the plant is not overwatered.

6 Feed once a month with a fertilizer, remember to read and use as directed on the label and to also remember to use one that is for use on edibles.

7 Allow your herb plants time to acclimatize to their new surroundings, and then once you catch sight of new growth, you can start using your herbs. Snipping and using your plants often will encourage them to grow full and bushy. It should be remembered to never trim more than 1/3 of the plants foliage on any given occasion.

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Enjoy!

* Considering Reading: Basil; King of Herbs , Basil; Pesto Recipe or From the Garden to Culinary Delight

Containers can add extra style to any garden, and don't necessarily need to have plantings in them as seen below here they can be adapted to become a water feature.

Containers will add character and personality wherever they are positioned in your landscape. By using an attractive container you can emphasize or feature a special plant so that it stands out from the rest in your garden. You can even give the commonest plant a boost!

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Containers can be heavy dependent on their size and the plantings held therein, however container gardening gives us the flexibility to change up our décor in the garden to suit the occasion or offer maneuverability for example if a seasonal change should become necessary or if more sun or shade is required for your plants (moveable wheels could be added). They can also be transported if necessary inside should the weather be inclement in your area.

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Unique arrangements can be accomplished in containers by combining differing plants of different heights, colors and textures in your containers. The containers themselves could also be artistically grouped to present an eye catching seasonal display.

$15 off any $150 purchase with code KC-6983

Be creative, feel free to experiment and see what results.  Enjoy!

* Consider Reading - Container Gardening Basics

 So what do you do when you fall in love with the Allamanda, but can't decide exactly where you want it? You do the obvious thing: Plant it in containers so you can move it wherever you want. However, once you fall in love with one allamanda in a container, if you're not careful, they will reproduce in the dark - both the plants AND the containers.

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The allamanda, also called the 'golden trumpet', 'yellow bell', and 'buttercup flower', is a quick growing woody, evergreen shrub. Whatever you call it, container gardening was made for this plant if you're willing to pay attention to it.

Given full sun, this plant will grow to six feet in height, but only about three feet wide. If left to grow, it will surround your mailbox, light post or other structure.

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It's a water-wise because it is drought-tolerant. It may not produce as many flowers in drought conditions, but it will continue to grow and produce it's gorgeous, green leaves.

Its year-round production of large, bright flowers have made the Allamanda very popular in Florida. Although allamanda flowers come in yellow, white, pink, purple and orange, the yellow is the most popular.

Added to a vase in your home, they immediately gain the attention they deserve. Almost everyone will immediately walk to them and smell their fragrance. Their scent, although described as delicate, is more of a fruity fragrance.

Because it's a fast grower, it can be grown in containers, but will require more frequent pruning. If you're into container gardening, give this plant a chance to impress you. Just keep your clippers handy. You can plan on 'wandering, pondering and pruning' frequently.

Although you can propagate this plant from cuttings, you're better served to buy a growing plant. Regardless whether you plant it into a container garden or into the ground, you'll need to water it for a few days to get it established. Once established, this plant will thrive because of its ability as a drought tolerant plant.

$15 off any $150 purchase with code KC-6983

Give this plant a chance the next time you're looking for something to grow in your container gardening area. It's colorful and will remain healthy with just a little tender living care.

Consider Reading:-  Fall Tasks in the Garden or Benefits of Container Gardening

We have previously talked about porous gardening containers, and so this article will focus on non-porous gardening containers.

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Some examples of non-porous gardening containers would be glazed pots and plastic pots. It would also include non-porous metal pots of brass, copper and aluminum.

Today there are so many beautiful glazed containers on the market that they have actually become a focal point or artistic addition to lanai and yard.

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Non-porous pots and baskets hold moisture much better and longer thus the plants do not dry out as fast between watering. In addition plastic pots are less expensive, lighter and easier to clean than the terra cotta pots. Today they are making many plastic pots to look like terra cotta, but with a much lower price tag and much lighter in weight. Plastic is also much harder to break.

Make sure that all pots, regardless of kind, have drainage holes in the bottom. There are a few plants that like wet feet, or are bog plants, but most plants do not like to sit in water and will die rather quickly if proper drainage is not provided.

Choosing the right container for your plant will provide your plant with an environment to thrive and flourish. And if you find that the container you have provided does not work that well, it’s not a hard process to take your plant out of one container and put it into another. That’s the fun of container gardening - if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Consider Reading: Porous Containers for Container Gardening

$15 off any $150 purchase with code KC-6983

When we talk about container gardening, one of the most important factors is to pick the right container for the right plant. Although it is true that almost any container can be used to pot a plant, this article will focus on the "normal" containers for container gardening and talk about their positive aspects.

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Probably the container that we are most familiar with when we think of a pot - is the unglazed, terra cotta pot. This would be considered a porous container. Other porous containers include clay pots (unglazed), wood pots and baskets and hypertufa pots.

Photo's: Bok Tower Gardens

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Some things to remember about porous pots are that the pot dries out fast, wicking away moisture from the soil of the potted plant. Many plants grow best when they are watered and dry out in between, but other plants that are more "water loving" might dry out too much, if not watered more often. 

Wood pots and baskets are ideal for many plants, including many kinds of orchids and insulate the plant to keep the roots cooler than terra cotta.

So when choosing a pot remember the cultural requirements of the plant. How much sun, water and food will it need and how best can you provide the right environment for the plant to thrive.

$15 off any $150 purchase with code KC-6983