Monday, April 26, 2010

Container Time

It is that time again, to plant the containers!  I don't know why I bother each year to say I am going to cut down on my container gardening.  There is something about seeing various containers throughout the garden as points of interest.  They make every part of your garden a "go to" location.

I do have some small Guy Wolfe pots that I purchased up in Wisconsin and I use them around my vegetable garden.  Even with additives they dry out quickly, but they look "cottagey" and I like that look around my vegetable garden.  I do bargain hunt for pots at the outlet stores and have found some really special containers such as the broken ceramic piece pots.  We have added drainage holes to many of these with a ceramic drill bit.  It is important to have drainage holes or your plants will rot. 

I purchased two new pots this year the same color tone as my home, and I gave away pots that were repaired or just not something I use anymore.  We put them out in the alley and they were gone within an hour.  It is good to know that someone will get use out of them.  I have a ton of too small pots stored in cabinets in my garage which I should also give away because they dry out too quickly when planted. 

I do use moisture control potting soil, but I also add water retaining crystals to my mix.  Do not add too many preinflated crystals or during a rainstorm they will be all over the ground.  I know the resin pots are getting better and better each year, but I still favor the real thing, concrete, ceramic, clay, etc.  I did purchase two pre-planted bluestone look resin pots at Costco for the far end of the garden, and from a distance, they look great.

Containers require consistent fertilization, at least every two weeks.  I mix up a five gallon pail of super bloom fertilizer, fill up my gallon jug and fertilize, fertilize.  That's what I mean about containers, they are work!  We will revisit when I begin to plant the thrillers, spillers and fillers.  Figure out your expenses per plant, soil, etc., and sometimes is is more economical to purchase a preplanted container if it has all off the colors and plants you desire.

I keep telling myself with each one I plant, they are a lot of work but so beautiful!

16 comments:

joey said...

Oh yes, pots are you! Love the mosaics ... where did you find those? Since I'm gone so much during the summer, I must cut down ... but never do. It's an addiction that I love and (though expensive loosing plants) can handle :)

Larry said...

What a commitment... I really like containers as well, but so much extra work, so I basically stick with my hanging baskets. I well remember the first time I tried soil moist. Potted up my basket and watered it... an hour or so later I walked by and the plants were all laying on the ground... I apparently used way too much of the product! it's powerful stuff! Larry

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Joey, I found all of the mosaic ceramic pots at TJ Max. They were reasonably priced, but I do not leave them out over the winter.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Larry, they are a committment, and I really do think I am going to cut back. However, each year, I look at those pots and I am compelled to plant them!

Eileen

Lily said...

The pots are all pretty. Can't wait to see pics with your composition in them. I love that cast iron planter.

Indoor Fountains said...

Eileen, I found some great containers/pots at TJ Maxx as well. Some fabric stores also have some unique pots.

Lona said...

Hi Eileen. Now the mosaics are so pretty. The Rooster is wonderful. You have so many great ones. The iron one and pedestals.I have saw the Soil Moist product but have never tried it.I should since I do up some crazy planters sometimes that dry out faster than others. I like your little stone Scottie peeking around LOL!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Lily,

I was going to do some pot planting today, but there is a frost warning out. I think I will wait.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Sonya,

I love TJ's for all kinds of garden artifacts. I never thought about the fabric store (like Hancocks or Hobby Lobby)

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Lona, I did get the rooster at TJ Max. It's a little loud, but when the plants grow it tones it down some. Take it easy with the soil moist - I used too much in the beginning and it was all over the place when it rained.

Eileen

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

What a pretty collection of pots! I've just started getting some of mine ready to plant in. I bought some of the soil moist and will will try it for the first time this year.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Catherine,

The Soil Mosist does help especially when it is very hot outside. You still have to water them but not two or three times per day.

Eileen

Jim Groble said...

You can never have enough containers. Every year Pat and I tell each other that we have enough. That last till we find one that we have to have. We even use soil tiles. Wonderful pics and post. jim

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Jim, it is always fun to hook up with a former Chicagoan. I have a Chicago type lot in the suburbs.

Pots are an obsession! I can't tell you how many are up in cabinets with nowhere to go.

Eileen

garden girl said...

Very pretty collection of pots Eileen - looking forward to seeing them come alive!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Garden Girl,

I need to begin today, please no more frost!

Eileen