Parker May 2017

Page 14

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


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