Re: Containers

Please excuse me if this sounds like self promotion, but you might take a
look at the chapter I recently wrote for "Container Gardening for Dummies."
It's one of the Dummy series (they come in those bright yellow and black
jackets), and I researched and wrote the original source material on the
chapter on perennials in containers.


When I plant big pots, here's what I do.  I use the potting recipe on page
51:
16 quart peat moss
16 quarts vermiculite
7 oz bone meal
3 1/2 oz blood meal
3 1/2 oz ground limestone

Since I'm in a dry climate where one of the challenges of container
gardening is the soil drying out too fast,  I add a handful of acrylic
polymers to each pot.  If I'm planting succulents or cacti, I substitute
some sand, grit, or pumice for the peat moss and vermiculite.

Then, here's the catch for planting BIG pots -- I find a PLASTIC pot that
fits into the ceramic pot.  I pot up the plant into the plastic pot, and
once the BIG pot is in place, I lower the plastic pot into the BIG pot.  If
I need to move the BIG pot, I lift out the plant in its plastic pot first.
Saves me lifting all that weight and spares my back!

Nan





This may be a bit off topic for a perennial board, but say I am going to
put perennials in this BIG new pot I bought... I would prefer not filling
the entire pot with dirt as it would be too heavy & hard to move. Does
anyone have any suggestions for something I can fill the bottom of the
container with that would be light, take up lots of space, and not
interfere with drainage? Container gardening fascinates me, I can't wait to
add new dimensions to my gardens, and some of you seasoned pro's must have
some great tips!
>
>Thanks!!!!
>Jenny
>
>
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Nan Sterman, Master Composter in residency
San Diego County, California
Sunset zone 24, USDA zone 10b or 11


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