Inspired By
Container gardening is all the rage, and the endless options for pots and flowers can perfectly complement your outdoor-indoor aesthetic. For us diy types, beth zwinak of tagawa gardens tells us how to create - and maintain - the most brilliant container gardens.
SOIL
MOISTURE
Start with excellent quality potting soil.
Check moisture levels daily -- a moisture me-
(Don't ever use soil directly from the ground.
ter is a great too! Or insert your finger into the
It compacts and does not drain.)
soil and when the top few inches feel dry to the touch, give that pot a thorough watering. Be sure
POTS
to check each pot separately and water based
Make sure the pots are large enough to hold
only on each pot's needs. Sun and wind expo-
enough moisture in the soil, at least 14 to 16"
sure is different for each pot. When watering, be
diameter or larger. Smaller pots dry out too
sure to drench the soil thoroughly so all the soil
quickly in the heat of the summer.
soaks up the moisture. Keep watering until the water freely runs out the bottom of the pot.
COMPATIBILITY Use plants that are compatible, meaning
FERTILIZER
they have similar watering and sun require-
Fertilize every 7-10 days with a liquid/water solu-
ments, and that they are appropriate for the
able fertilizer that encourages blooming--we like
area that the pot is in. Then use the Thrill-
Age Old Bloom or Espoma Bloom! Bloom-en-
er, Filler, Spiller concept: use one tall, focal
couraging foods will have a high middle-number
point type plant for the Thriller, use cas-
in the three-number fertilizer formulation, e.g.,
cading type plants for the Spillers around
5-30-5 . That’s Nitrogen (green leafy growth) -
the edge of the pot, and fill in the middle
Phosphorus (encourages roots, bloom and fruit/
ring with Fillers. These are bright, medi-
veggie production) - Potassium (for stems and
um-height plants that will "fill in" the space
roots, and helps plants resist drought).
between the tall plant and the trailing plants
Choosing the right pots and plants for the lo-
around the edge.
cation is key. Depending on your preference and style, anything goes!
ARTICLE ROBIN BOND
14
Parker Lifestyle | May 2017