Submitted by Joan Regan
I’ve had a few questions about pots in a garden and why bother? Here are some of the reasons I have heard and also experienced in my own garden.
Poor soil, no soil, too many rocks, too many weeds, easier to get at pots in the “Golden years”, too many finicky plants, pops of colour, and the list goes on.
A lot of vegetables and herbs like to be in a container. I have a herb ladder that Pete made me a couple of years ago full of pots of herbs and also a couple of Heirloom Tomatoes from a Ms Turry Gardener – all are thriving.
I’ve had some inquires as to using fillers (plastic containers, etc.) to take up space in large pots. Did that – don’t now. I found if the fillers shifted there might be pockets where water could sit and that meant ice – and ice is a death sentence to the roots as well as the plants. So it’s soil all the way. I get my soil delivered from POD and mix in a shovel of compost and mulch stirred up in my wheelbarrow full of soil. I use this for veggies, perennials and a few annuals as well.
I’ve also had inquiries about what kind of container to use and do I leave them out all winter? Do I lay them on their sides? I have several galvanized tubs as well as cedar planters that Pete has made, but if the pots are going to be hidden I will pot them up in the resin nursery pots. Anything will do except for glass, ceramic or clay that will crack from the frost.
The most important thing with container gardening is drainage – a hole in the bottom and/or 1-2 inches up the side, and no saucers.
Although I have many containers with many plants, from huge Hostas to tiny minis, and several assorted perennials (five Astilbe in large pots and they are gorgeous and wow the bees on them), I do still love my planted plants that have called my garden home.
I have split a couple of extra large Hostas from the pots and put the splits in the ground beside them. I also have an absolutely beautiful Sum and Substance Hosta in a big container (tree size) and she is breathtaking. She was slowly giving up where she was so she got potted and Ka Boom. Her sister that was planted the same day is doing fine in the ground. Go figure?
So if you have established gardens and want to give it a jolt, try popping in a container or more. You will be happy with the results, I guarantee it.
Got a message awhile ago from a guy that has some veggies on his deck as well as his herbs and some beans growing up the side, all growing in pots. Close to his back door and his Bar B Q.
So to pot or not to pot ? Hmmm… give it a try, if you haven’t already.
HAPPY GARDENING.
Be Safe,
Joni
jpregan@amtelecom.net 519 596 2389
PS: Thanks for the calls and emails, hints and questions – such fun.
