Container Gardening Adds a Splash of Color

Container gardening, although not a new idea, is one of the hottest trends in gardening for 2005.  Decorative pots have become as varied as the plants available to grow in them.  Container gardening has increased partly due to the development of good potting mixes, the increased new varieties of flowering plants, and trees and shrugs that are suitable for growing in containers, and partly because of the changing life-styles in America.  Container gardening makes it possible to grow plants for pleasure and practical reasons in small spaces: on balconies, decks, patios, by pools, even among flower beds and shrubs.  Set containers on the front doorstep to greet guests, cluster them in a corner of the backyard, and you can even take them with you if you move to a new location.  Container gardens also make a wonderful gift for those hard to buy garden enthusiasts, friends, and of course, what Mother wouldn't love one.

Pots, boxes, old kettles, bushels baskets, and half whiskey barrels are also suitable for growing some varieties of vegetables and flowers and make it possible and practical to put almost any space to use.  Planting vegetables, herbs, and small fruits in containers for small areas is particularly appealing because these plants can be used for ornamental purposes as well as for food sources.  Splashes of color from ripening tomatoes or a dark purple eggplant can look elegant on a patio in a container.  Use flowers such as alyssum, rose moss, or million bells draping over the sides of the pot for added interest.

You can make use of almost any kind of container for growing plants as long as the container meets the plants primary requirements: also, the container needs free natural drainage.  Size and dimensions of the pot will determine what kind of plant you can grow.  Large containers 12" or more in diameter allow you to grow a wide variety of flowering plants and vegetables.  Don't be afraid to experiment wit mixing some vegetables with herbs and flowers.

Start with a good quality planting mix such as Pro-Mix, available in 3.8 cubic foot bales for large containers; or for smaller pots, we also offer small bags of Sunshine professional growing mixes.  Watering is critical with container plants.  The planting mixes may dry at different rates depending on several factors:  whether it is in sun or shade; whether temperature and humidity are high or low; and wind conditions.  Check your plants regularly for moisture by using a Moisture Meter to check for water.  If dry, flush the container with enough water to saturate the soil and run out the drainage holes.  Fertilize several times through the growing season with a good slow release granular fertilizer such as Growers Special (12-6-6).

Visit Sartin Services Lawncare & Nursery, Inc. today to see our large selection of containers that are available to choose from.  We carry a wide variety of planter types in fiberglass, glazed ceramics, and metal or iron containers to last a lifetime, in many different shapes and sizes to fit any need, and prices for all budgets.  And once the container is chosen, your choice of plant material available to fill them with is endless.  Let one of our sales associates help you choose just the right color and type of plant to brighten up that extra little space in your lawn or garden with a new container planting.  Don't forget Mother's Day is coming up on May 8th!