| Container Gardening |
 |
 |
 |
|
Homestead Gardens offers custom containers planted especially for you! Choose from our huge selection of decorative containers or use your own. You can select a particular style and color of annuals, perennials, tropicals, topiaries or let our creative employees custom design one for you. For oversized containers we offer on-site vists. We also offer pickup and delivery (fees apply). Not only are containers a wonderful way to garden in a small space, but they've become an easy and affordable way to beautify any landscape. Containers offer an alternative way to add color and texture to patios, balconies, walls, or entrance ways. They can help to highlight a focal point, become an architectural element, or can be placed in areas where plants simply will not grow.
Container Basics  Container gardening is one of the easiest ways to garden. It is also the most cost-effective and space-efficient methods of gardening, as you can pack a big showing of plant material in a relatively small space. And, on a practical level, containers are also much easier to maintain than beds in the ground.When making plant selections, you want to choose material that is appropriate for the location. Does that area receive a lot or very little sun? Is the area very windy? These are questions to keep in mind when you pick out plants. For that finished, professional look, you need to plan your design in three tiers. The first tier is the height and is planted near the middle. The height of the plant material should be about one and a half times the height of the container in which it is planted. The second tier is the mounding material, the meat of the container. These upright, bushy plants are the most colorful in your container and are planted around the taller tier. The third tier is the trailing plant material. These plants visually tie the container together and present another opportunity to add in a splash of color. The secret of success for any container garden is drainage. There must be a hole in the bottom of the container, or the roots will remain wet and start to rot. Fill your container two-thirds to three-quarters full of soil and begin to place your plants. The easiest way to plant is to work your way from the center outward, starting with the tallest plants. After you are satisfied with the placement, fill in around the roots with more soil. The final soil level should be about one inch below the rim of the pot. You can add slow release, granular fertilizer at this time as well. The final step is to water. Soak the planter thoroughly, until water drains through the bottom. Remember to be diligent with watering, especially through the heat of the summer. To keep your container looking nice, occasionally trim any straggling plants as they get out of hand. Contain your Creativity Creating unique planted pots that will stand out on your patio or landscape is a satisfying way to express your personal style. Just pick a concept that’s “you,” then put your potting soil, plants, and flowers where your theme is. “Our customers get very creative with their themes and containers,” says gardening expert Kerry Kelley. “And as long as you take into account the basics — soil, food, water, and light — you can really do a lot, and add your own personal signature to your garden.”  Choosing a ThemeSome gardeners focus their theme on the visuals, playing with blocks of color — for instance, all coral-colored flowers, or something red, white, and blue. Another option is a “moon garden” container, with white and pale pastel flowers selected for scents and glows that become more pronounced at night, such as night blooming jasmine and — yes — moonflowers. Other gardeners plant containers that reflect more practical interests. There are medicinal gardens, featuring the natural healing powers of plants and herbs such as peppermint, and echinacea. For gardeners who are top chefs, what about a salsa garden with tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro, or an Italian herb garden with basil, oregano, and parsley? Or consider a salad garden with a mix of lettuces and edible flowers. Getting Started The first step in growing your theme is picking out containers that complement it — and you’ll find a greatselection of pots and planters in a variety of styles, colors, and textures at your garden center. Before you decide, think about how much sun your container garden will get. “If your container will be in direct sunlight, the soil can dry out more quickly, so don’t go too small,” counsels Peter Vera, a horticultural consultant. “If you have shade and sun, you have some flexibility, and in the sun, almost anything goes.” Position your containers relatively close to a water source, and be sure to allow for drainage. “If roots get too wet, they can start to rot,” says Kelley. “The water needs somewhere to go.” At your garden center, you can pick up just the right potting soil mix for your theme garden. The best advice: go with the good stuff and use a quality container mix. Ordinary garden soil or topsoil is too thick to drain well, and you run the risk of transferring any fungus or disease that might be in the soil to your container. Now you’re ready for the fun part: choosing your plants. The experts at your garden center will be happy to answer your questions about selecting plants that will flourish together in your themed container garden. “There’s no limit to what you can do with container gardening, as long as you think it through,” says Kelley. “Use your imagination, and make the most of it."
|
