Grab a container and
start gardening
BRIAN JERVIS Master Gardener
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Q: I would like to grow some vegetables in pots on my patio. What can I grow and how do I get started? Barb, Tulsa
A:
There are many
advantages to growing both ornamentals and vegetables in containers. For people
in apartments with limited space or those not wishing to create and maintain a
traditional garden, containers may be the answer.
Many types of vegetables and most herbs lend
themselves well to this type of gardening. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, squash
and a variety of salad greens can be grown separately or mixed with any of your
favorite herbs. The main thing is to pick plants that have the same growing
requirements.
Containers can be as attractive and elegant as
colorful glazed pots; as whimsical as an old wheelbarrow or leather boots or as
traditional as clay, plastic or metal. They not only can add to the décor of an
outdoor living space such as a patio, but have the added advantage of being
portable, allowing one to be flexible about this design.
Whichever type of container you select, it must
drain well. You should also be aware that some pots, such as clay, are porous
and will need to be watered more often and are more likely to freeze and crack
in winter. Be aware also that light-colored pots are cooler in summer than
those of darker shades.
The potting soil is very important. It is best
to select a good brand of soil; they are not all created equal. Most contain
variable mixes of compost, peat moss, sand, vermiculite and other materials.
Slow-release fertilizer with both the major and minor nutrients are added to
many potting soils. Do not use soil from the garden as it may contain disease
and drain poorly.
After planting your container, water and
fertilizers are the next most important considerations. Since potting soils
must be loose and porous, they do not retain water and nutrients as do soils in
your garden.
Containers should be watered when the top of the
soil is dry. Enough water should be added to allow drainage from the bottom of
the pot. Drainage water should be discarded, it contains undesirable fertilizer
residues that may be harmful to your plants if not removed. In summer, many
containers will need irrigation every day or every other day. Drip irrigation,
which may be easily installed, is perfect for conveniently irrigating all of
your containers.
All plants have their individual needs for
fertilizer. But a generic suggestion is to use a general liquid fertilizer once
every two to three weeks. Do not over-do it; too much nitrogen fertilizer may
be harmful. This is especially true with tomatoes, which would do best with the
above schedule using the fertilizer at half strength of what is recommended on
the label.
Container gardening has unlimited possibilities
fitting into most gardener’s plans, not only for attractive flowers, but for
many types of vegetables.
For more information, contact the Master
Gardeners at 918-746-3701 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Garden tips
· Cool-season lawns such as bluegrass, fescue and
ryegrass may be fertilized now with the first application of the season.
Usually, four applications of fertilizer are required per year, in March, May,
October and November. Never fertilize these lawn grasses in summer.
· Start your routine fruit tree spray schedule
prior to bud break. Contact the Master Gardener Office for a document outlining
recommendations for all fruit tree types — they are not the same.
· Don’t prune out parts of plants which may look
like they have “winter-kill”. They may still be alive and may rebound with
spring-time weather.
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