Re: San Francisco area gardeners question

**C* S* <h*@cox.net>**

There a problem when growing black containers in full sun because 
daytime soil temperatures can be 20 degrees F or higher than ambient 
temperatures.

This was an interesting lab project - students inserted a thermometer 
inside the pot, about an inch from the wall of the container. They would 
record the soil temperature before the direct sun would strike the pot 
to see if the soil temperature matched the over night low. As the day 
progressed the heat of the sun will cause the potting mix to reach 
levels that are not conducive for root growth.

Painting the exterior of the container silver or white helps to lower 
the temperature of the soil. Some home gardeners will surround the 
plastic container with a larger decorative container. There should be a 
dead air space of approximately 2 inches around the interior pot to 
prevent the heat transfer from the larger container.

The problem in cold winter climates is the freezing and thawing of the 
container's soil unless sunk into the soil and a heavy mulch applied to 
provide a layer of insulation to regulate the soil temperature. Rodent 
damage to the roots and bark is another problem. Ants and worms can 
become a problem when they nest in a container are their movement 
becomes restricted and you flood the soil in the process of irrigating 
the plant(s).

Claude Sweet,
San Diego, CA

Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp wrote:

>Denise -- I agree with Doug. A 5-gallon bucket with drainage is big enough to grow about anything.
>
>jems
>
>On Jul 9, 2012, at 8:43 PM, Doug Green wrote:
>
>There is some sort of garden myth out there that it's more difficult to
>grow in containers or that "some" plants don't grow in them.  You can tell
>your friend that if they want to grow it - they can.  It's that simple.
>5-gallons is enough soil to grow any vegetable and flower you want.  It's
>big enough to grow most shrubs and roses (with some regular pruning).  The
>limitations in my experience are feeding and watering (assuming you always
>use soilless mix) and that's where most gardeners get into trouble.
>
>So - the answer to your question is, "anything they want to grow."  :-)
>
>Doug
>
>____________________
>Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
>Director, Garden Writers Association
>hoosiergardener@sbcglobal.net
>http://hoosiergardener.com
>Phone: (317) 251.3261
>P.O. Box 20310
>Indianapolis, IN 46220-0310
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>Great Garden Speakers
>
>
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