More Container Gardening Mistakes to Steer Clear of
We already have learned some of the mistakes that can cause problems for your container garden. Here we continue our look at other common no-nos that you should work hard to steer clear of!
Look for plants that are healthy and strong looking. Stay away from sickly looking plants or ones that appear to be very weak. The best place to buy healthy plants that are disease-free and pest-free is at a local nursery that has a good reputation. The knowledgeable staff at the nursery can help answer your questions about which plants are best to buy.
Price is often a consideration when buying plants for your container garden, and often nurseries charge higher prices than do department stores. If the price is right at the gardening department of a big box store, then it would be best to purchase them as close to the date on which they were delivered to the store as possible. Find out ahead of time when the delivery for new plant stock is expected to come in.
Do not be fearful of pruning your plants when they look like they could use it. If your plants are starting to look ragged or worn down, cutting them back can make it possible for them to be even healthier. Think of it as a haircut for your plants!
All of the plants in your container garden need to have certain things in common for them to live together in harmony. Check to make sure that all of your container garden plants have the same requirements when it comes to soil, sun and water. To find this out ahead of time read plant labels, seed packets and/or speak with an employee at the nursery or plant store.
Beware of starving the plants in your container garden of the proper nutrients they require. The majority of potting mixes are deficit in essential nutrients, so you will need to add extra nutrients to your soil by way of fertilizer. Be choosy in the type of fertilizer you buy for your plants. Herbs and vegetables require a different kind of fertilizer than flowering plants do, so let this figure into your decision of what type to buy.
The more you know about the needs of your container garden, the fewer mistakes you will have to worry about making!
Gardens makes homes look pretty, green and fresh. With a well manicured garden, whether its scorching hot, you will never feel the heat. I do love gardening, but unfortunately for someone living in a flat its hard to do even the container gardening, I however have two containers of money plant at the balcony that is well taken care of.
Comment made by Jadinero on January 2, 2010 @ 11:06 am