Organic Gardening Tips and Methods Container Gardening (Pot Gardening) Part Four Specialized Container Gardens Container gardening is a versatile technique that with a little imagination, can be adapted to suit a wide range of styles and types of gardening. Pools and herb or vegetable plots, for example, are more often associated with larger gardens, can be scaled down to suit smaller plots by using containers, trough, or pots. It is equally possible to provide a touch of subtropical splendour in cool-temperate zones. Fruit, Vegetables, and Herbs; An interesting selection of fruits and vegetables can be grown outdoors in containers such as; tubs, troughs, large pots, and growing bags. Some are highly ornamental, as well as yielding reasonable crops when grown on a small scale. Crop plants grown in containers, however, generally require more attention to feeding and watering than they do in the open garden. Strawberries are a good choice among fruits as they generally crop well. At the other end of the scale are tree-fruits, such as apples, grown on a dwarfing rootstock; single stemmed Ballerina apple trees are ideal, but must be fed and watered conscientiously. Figs need root restriction to crop satisfactorily and so are well suited to container cultivation. They do, however, need to moved under glass (or shelter) in winter in cool regions. Among vegetables, the best choices are those that are compact, quick-growing, and highly productive. Radishes and lettuces, some of which are very ornamental, mature quickly; climbing peas and beans (on wigwams) and courgettes crop well if adequately fed and watered. Fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers are particularly attractive and, since they need sun and warmth to grow well, are ideal for containers in sheltered courtyards or roof gardens. For many gardeners, the challenge is part of the pleasure of growing fruits and vegetables, but herbs are, on the whole, an easier proposition. A good range, including shrubby ones such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris), and annuals or biennials, such as such as chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum), can be grown in small a space, providing leaves for culinary use from aromatic plants that are good to look at an handle. Water Gardens; A pool can make an attractive water feature in a small garden. Glazed jars are among the most suitable containers or this purpose where there is no risk of frost. If they are used in areas prone to hard frost, the cannot be left outdoors all year-round. Other suitable containers include wooden tubs and half-barrels, glazed sinks, and large metal pots or cauldrons. The wood of tubs and barrels is often impregnated with chemicals that are harmful to plants and they are best lined with butyl rubber or PVC. It is also a wise precaution to seal the inside of metal containers with a rubber sealant to prevent any contamination of the water. Fish in raised containers may not survive freezing conditions and should be brought indoors in winter. The plants that can be accommodated in a small water garden are a narrow but select group. Several water lilies, such as the yellow free-flowering Nymphaea Pygmaea Helvola, can be grown in water that is only 20-45cm (8-18in) deep, and shallow water also suits the mauve-flowered water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and the sculptural, floating Pistia stratiotes. Marginal plants of suitable scale include Juncus effusus Spiralis and Typha minima. Always plant an oxygenator, such as Myriophyllum verticillatum, to help keep the water fresh. Lift plants at the end of summer, and overwinter in frost-free conditions. Subtropical Container Gardens; Even in cool-temperate regions, the choice of plants for containers on patios or terraces and in courtyards can help create the impression of a warmer climate. One way to achieve this is to use plants that are natives of hotter regions of the world, and give them protection from frost in a greenhouse/glasshouse, or conservatory during the cold months, moving them outdoors for the frost-free summer months. Plants that instantly create a tropical effect include angels trumpets (Brugmansia) and Abutilon hybrids. The display can be enhanced and management made easier, by adding hardy or frost-hardy plants of subtropical appearance, including the lush, large-leaved Japanese banana (Musa basjoo) or palms such as the Chusan palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). To reinforce the design, include evergreen shrubs, such as the frost-hardy Fatsia japonica, with large , glossy leaves, and New Zealand flax (Phormium) with evergreen, sword-like leaves. Many hardy bamboos, such as Sasa veitchii and Fargesia murielae, also have a graceful, subtropical appearance. To these can be added the frost-tender castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), which is raised annually from seed. To create desert effects, cacti and other succulents are ideal. As many have low moisture and nutrient needs, they are perfect for low-maintenance containers. Some, such as Sempervivum, are hardy, too. The tender succulent Agave americana and its variegated cultivars, with magnificent, sword-like leave, are fairly tolerant of summer rainfall, as are yuccas, which make good companions. Plants that evoke a Mediterranean climate include olive trees (Olea europaea), lemon trees (Citrus limon), bougainvilleas, and oleanders (Nerium oleander), all of which look very attractive in terracotta pots. They must be moved under cover in winter, but hardier plants, such as lavenders and rosemary, also suit this style. Although the last two tolerate frost, it is best to insulate their containers in winter to protect roots. Note; All information given coincides and complies with the guidelines of The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)...
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 12:08:29 +0000
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