YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCckF4QEozMeLrNsy_RUVYOw?sub_confirmation=1
Container gardens: are an easy way to add a splash of color to your home landscaping. Pots are portable, decorative, and simple to maintain. They are a good way for new gardeners to experiment with flowers or for experienced gardeners to highlight existing flowerbeds. Follow these steps to create your own flower container garden, and make a colorful place.
Choose a pot: in general, a bigger container is preferred, greater soil volume supports better plant growth. It does not have to be watered as often, and there is less chance of the wind tipping it over. There are many container materials to choose from including clay, ceramic, plastic, fiberglass, and wood. Colorful, glazed ceramic pots serve a dual purpose, adding color from both container and flowers. You can also make containers out of everyday objects such as old watering cans. Make sure pots have drainage holes and think about portability.
Fertilize: fill your container with a soilless potting mix made of materials such as peat, vermiculite, and perlite. Unless it comes with fertilizer already mixed in, add nutrients to the medium before planting. Because of limited growing space and frequent watering, container gardens should be fertilized frequently and in small amounts. As the season goes on, you can liquid feed with substances such as fish emulsion or compost tea. If you choose inorganic fertilizer, add a slow-release granular product with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 3:1:2. Reapply halfway through the growing season. You may also choose a water-soluble fertilizer with a similar chemical makeup and apply frequently using a hose or watering can. In general, fertilizers containing 8 to 20% nitrogen produce the most blooms. Avoid phosphorus-rich fertilizers. High levels of this nutrient are not needed, and runoff can contribute to water pollution.
Choose location: many plants need full sun, and more frequent watering. Set up a simple drip irrigation system as wind dries out containers faster. Place emitters in your flower containers and set the system on a timer to ensure that plants get adequate water. Monitor containers occasionally for potential pests and diseases.
Apply design principles: for visual effect, follow basic design principles when filling your container. Choose plants satisfying three requirements: a tall focal point, filler material, and cascading leaves or blooms. Decide on a color scheme. A harmonious design uses plants in varying shades of one color or similar colors. Or choose a bold contrasting color scheme with plants opposite on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow.
Source: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2874.pdf
