Transcript CONTAINER GARDENING - Oregon State University

Container Gardening
Part 2
Soil, Water, Nutrients, Light
Soils for Containers
• Container soil is challenging because of the small
volume of media used to support plant growth
• Desirable traits:
– Water and nutrient retention
• ‘Soilless’ Mixes
– Low bulk density (fluffy and light)
– High porosity to ensure good aeration and root growth
– Free from weeds, diseases, and insects
Soils for Containers
• Organic Blend: 5 gallons finished compost, 1 gal.
sand, 1 gal. vermiculite or perlite, and 1 cup
granular all purpose organic fertilizer.
• Standard Blend: 1 bushel vermiculite, 1 bushel
ground spagnum moss, 8 tablespoons
superphosphate (0-20-0), 8 tablespoons ground
limestone, 2 cups bone meal.
• Garden Soil: 25% sand, 25% garden soil, 50%
compost.
Watering Container Plants
• Increased water and
nutrient needs
• Thoroughly water once per
week – twice per day
• Water depending on
container and weather
Sedum mulch
• Cluster pots to minimize
moisture loss
• Water needs greatest at
flowering and fruiting
Mulched plant
Watering Container Plants
• Too much or too little water is the most common problem for
container grown plants
• Drip Irrigation Systems (below, left)
• Self Watering Containers (below, right)
Fertilizing Container Plants
• Add slow-release fertilizer at planting such as
Osmocote.
• Initially, half-strength, water-soluble fertilizer
• Increase fertilizer to recommended rate as
plants mature
• Occassionally use compost or fish emulsion for
micronutrients
Light
Possibly shade all day
NORTH
Morning shade,
afternoon sun
EAST
WEST
SOUTH
Possibly sun all day
Morning sun,
afternoon shade
Light
• Direct light – east or west windowsills, south-facing
window
• Bright, indirect light
• Low light
Direct Light
Indirect Light
Low Light
Light
• Too much sun – trellis
• Too little sun – reflective wall or water