TLC tips for container gardens

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TLC tips for container gardens

June 13, 2008

Coming up with a plan is always a good thing, especially when it comes to gardening.

First, spend some time researching plants’ characteristics and maintenance needs. Then draft a list of what you want and where you’ll put it, lest you become dizzy with choice at the garden center. Naturally, the same holds true for container gardening.

This is the fourth of five posts featuring tips on container gardening from guru Karl Gercens of Longwood Gardens Inc. in Kennett Square, PA, longwoodgardens.org. Here, Karl offers tips to take care of your plants and flowers. Also today (in another post) Karl offers suggestions on which plants to select. Thanks so much for all of your fantastic input, Karl!

CARE TIPS
Watering a container garden: So when exactly do I have to water this pot?
Water as needed, depending on amount of sun, reflected heat, air circulation. Forgetful waterers can spare plants misery by using hydro gel water crystals. By choosing plants that are tolerant of dry conditions, it’s possible to have summer container gardens that need watering only once per week! Avoid wetting foliage in densely planted displays as disease problems are likely to occur.

Fertilizing your potted treasures: Don’t kill ’em with love!
Apply a liquid feed weekly weakly, during the growing season only. Plants enjoy a little food on a regular basis. Use a well balanced formulation like (N)20-(P)20-(K)20. The nitrogen makes plants grow and remain green and phosphorus encourages flowering. Containers in autumn and winter will not need any additional feeding through the cold season.

Grooming your garden: He loves me, he loves me not …
Even a potted garden needs clean-up and removing yellow leaves. Keep the plants free of dead branches and this will decrease insect and disease occurrence. Remove spent flowers promptly to encourage new growth that will be full of vibrant new flowers!

Flower Fact of the Day: Rhododendrons prefer partially shady conditions. For the full scoop on these brilliant flowers, read Garden Detective Jessica Damiano at: newsday.com/features/home/ny-lsgarden5724332jun13,0,3025075.story.

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