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Katherine M. Brooks, VSLD
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Katherine M. Brooks, VSLD
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Katherine M. Brooks, VSLD
As you rush toward the pleasures of summer, your thoughts may turn to what you might want to plant in those empty containers on the deck.
We all want our containers to pop with nonstop color all season long, so let’s get started. First, select your containers. Because it’s a lot more enjoyable to spend the weekend on your boat or relaxing than watering plants, your best choice is large containers, meaning fifteen inches in diameter or larger.
Why? Because the bigger the container, the more soil held in the pot, and that means less watering needed. This is especially important since your containers may not be watered during the week if you’re a weekend resident ora busy full-time resident.
Next, determine the amount of sun or shade in each location. Full sun is defined as six hours or more a day, partial shade is four to six hours of direct sun a day, and full shade means less than three hours of direct sun, specifically with protection from midday sun. It’s important to know that full shade does not refer to a totally dark place. All plants need at least some light to thrive.
Now that you know your light requirements and have your containers, you can start selecting plants. Regardless of sun or shade, it’s good to choose drought-tolerant annuals and herbs. They’re easier on the environment and on the gardener. If you entertain frequently, you probably want your containers to reflect a festive atmosphere. Large, colorful plants make your outdoor living spaces inviting.
Here are some plant combinations to try: Sun: asparagus fern/coleus/geranium or purple angelonia/yellow lantana/marguerite sweet potato vine. Planting a dwarf crape myrtle in a container will make a dramatic statement.
Shade: caladium/impatiens/dewdrops or hosta/purple queen/tuberous begonia. Dazzling visitors with a large cut-leaf philodendron shows individuality. Suppose your leisure time is spent cooking with fresh herbs and vegetables. You’ll be happy to know that there are many vegetables that thrive in large containers. A few standouts are climbing cucumbers, leaf lettuce, beets, spinach, pole beans, tomatoes and even yellow squash and zucchini.
Devoting one large container to herbs can be productive. Parsley, basil, oregano, chives, thyme, and fresh tarragon do well in containers. Of course, rosemary can be planted in the ground as a shrub year round.
Here’s one last piece of advice to ensure that your containers are eye catching and distinctive. Don’t ever put a tall spiky plant in the center of a container and plant around the base. The reason is simple: this container combo can be purchased by the dozen at any grocery store garden center. Wouldn’t you prefer that your containers to have a custom look rather than a generic, cookie cutter look?
Now the question is, what are you waiting for? Get out your containers, line the bottom with three inches of small rocks for drainage, and fill the container to the top with potting medium.
Then comes the fun part: planting your annuals. After that, it’s as easy as water and enjoy!