Planting A Container Garden

They are versatile, portable and can add a new dimension to a garden. Georgia Raimondi, author of The Passionate Gardener, shares container gardening tips on The Saturday Early Show.

Apartment dwellers and those with limited outdoor space can satisfy the gardening urge with containers. A garden-in-a-pot is a perfect solution for those with limited time and space.

The usual mix of dirt, garden soil and topsoil do not work well for growing plants in pots. They won't drain water fast enough to give roots enough oxygen. The best solution is to create your own container mixture by combining two parts sterile potting soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite. Perlite is a light and porous substance that helps root development by allowing for better drainage.

It is a good idea to add a time release fertilizer with polymers. Polymers retain water and help keep soil moist. Sprinkle the fertilizer over the soil surface, following the directions on the package for quantity.

Almost anything can be used as a garden container as long as it has good drainage. Use a drill to poke holes through the bottom. If the container is difficult to drill through, or if you don't want to damage the container, line the bottom with pebbles before adding soil.

After adding the soil, it is a good idea to do a trial arrangement with your plants. Place the plants on top of the soil and move them around until you find an arrangement you are happy with.

Mix and match three to five different plants of varying heights and textures with the tallest in the middle or at the back of the container. Use trailing plants such as ivy, bacopa, lobelia or licorice around the rim to mask the edges of the container.

Each container should contain plants that have similar light and water requirements. Check the tag stuck in the soil at the nursery for these requirements.

Container plants need more care than garden plants because they lack the nutrients and moisture provided by the earth.

• Add a layer of mulch on top to conserve moisture.
• Feed every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.
• Check soil moisture frequently. In hot weather, plants may need to be watered twice a day.
• Remove damaged leaves and spent or fading flowers so that your plant will use their energy to create new blooms rather than form seeds.
  

Flea markets, back yard sales, attics, garages and basements can turn up a vaiety of unique planters.

• A galvanized wash tub makes a good kitchen garden container. Plant arugula, lettuce, cilantro, patio tomatoes and chives within easy reach of your cooking area.
• A breadbox can be filled with scented plants for a fragrant container, perfect for a bathroom or kitchen window.
• A utility pail makes a perfect place to grow edible flowers. Calendula, johnny-jump-ups and nasturtium all have edible blooms. Use them to decorate summer birthday cakes and fruit salads.
• An old wagon makes the perfect portable container. Filled with summer flowers it can be transported easily to where it's needed most.