Re: Containers

>Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 23:09:43 -0500
>From: Peter & Jennifer Overholt <jpover@execpc.com>
>Subject: Containers
> 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

Hi Jenny,
 Others might have better suggestions, but I would just go ahead and fill
it with more potting soil and sand.
 I place a small square of Typar landscape fabric (woven, not plastic. Use
a clean rag instead of using a piece of plastic landscape fabric.) big
enough to cover 2-3 inches beyond the drain hole, then a handfull (or more)
of gravel, then just fill it with potting soil. You can raise it up on 3 or
4 clay "feet" to help save your wood decking. (and I add a small piece of
plastic under each foot where ours winter over on the hardwood floors.) If
the pot is a bit small for the plant, or it's a "wet feet" plant, I add a
clay saucer to hold the water a bit longer.
 I'm a true lazy slob. I find I enjoy my 20 odd container plants a lot more
when I'm not being their water slave.
 I've learned to grow only the colorful dwarf sedums and tiny herbs and
other tough plants in the tiny containers I like as accents.
 The annuals, perennials and shrubs in larger pots benefit from the greater
stability (both moister and wind) of the dirt filled pots.
 I like the 12, 14 and 16 inch "double classic" rolled rim clay pots for
general use. They look great. They are large enough to let me skip a day or
two of watering, and heavy enough to withstand a good breeze. And they are
not too expensive to go get another one when I find another tropical that I
"need"! Pennington seed (Walmart) had them this spring. 12 inch for $13-14!

 If you're shuffling them around as plants come in and out of bloom
(foliage plants and annuals solve this problem) then you will need to get a
hand truck or dolly.
 Absolutely wonderful inventions, they make our semi-annual trek with the
16 inch potted tropicals quite pleasant. When you're shopping for one,
bring an appropriate clay pot with you. Make sure the pot fits comfortably
under the bracing of the hand truck. Or there is a hand truck with curved
bracing designed for B&B's and large round containers, available from
A.M.Leonard. Sorry, can't find the address.
 Our local Ace hardware sells them too. If you will be dragging them across
the grass, try to get the largest wheelsize you can afford.
 Expect to pay around $60 to $100 for a decent one, still much cheaper than
back surgery.

 If your decorative pot is plastic, then I would recommend using a nursery
pot inside the decorative plastic pot. Something with about .5 to 1 inch
airspace between the two pots should work well. It will help keep the roots
from scorching as badly.

 Tell us more about your pot! :-)

Matt Trahan  <matttrahan@ecsu.campus.mci.net>
USDA zone 8, AHS heat zone 7, Sunset zone 31, northeastern N.C.

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