Ebook Comments

by Doug
(Somewhere out in Lake Ontario)

Please add your comments and questions to this space about the ebook I sent to you on container gardening.

NOTE: This ebook is only available to those on the list and is NOT available for general download.

Should you wish to sign up for future seminars and downloads, check out the bottom of this page for the signup box and free ebook download to start you off.




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Ebook Comments

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where's the book?
by: JHerring

Doug,

The e-book I received upon signing up for the course is Gardening for the Wealth of It. Though I enjoyed it (and agree with every word), I should like to have the container gardening book. What have I done wrong?

Thanks.
where's the book?
by: JHerring

The e-book I received upon signing up is Gardening for the Wealth of It. Though I am enjoying it (agreeing with every word), I should like to have the one on container gardening. What have I done wrong?
Need advice on compost
by: Kathie

Great tips for growing baskets, can't wait for the pruning video. Now about compost, my horses provide me with tons of the stuff, I keep it in seperate piles each year. I am working out of pile 2006 now and it's beautiful black dirt, can I use it straight or should I mix it with peat for my baskets? You talked about compost tea, but not about using compost for soil.
Thanks Doug for making my thumb a little greener.
Container Gardening ebook
by: Maxine Macrae

Thanks so much for the advice on container gardening. I have about a dozen clay pots I plant with annuals each year and find your advice great! I line them with plastic so they don't dry out so fast - leave the bottoms open. Will this cause any problems? When fertilizing with fish emulsion, do I do this after I have watered till water runs out the bottom - maybe the next day? I really appreciate your sense of humour and clear concise advice. I had already bought your ebook on containers but enjoyed the follow-up download anyway - the video was good.
Thanks for great info - give us more!
by: Anonymous

Thanks Doug for addressing something that most of us want more of - the beauty and variety of plants in our lives and homes.
Container gardening makes sense regardless of how large or small the space of the front and back and inside of our homes contains.
If someone does not believe this, just visit the hallways and apartments of assisted living centers anywhere. Whatever small resources people have beyond the needed survival necessities for their lives and families, they will often spend some of it on living plants to personally enjoy and share with others.
We were created to garden and it is in the garden (regardless of what that 'garden' is or where it is located) that we find the greatest nurture for our soul.
Yet another gem of Green!!!!!
by: Dianne

Informative,easy read with great info. Always wondered why when I bought them, some pots dried out so fast and others are good for a few days. I assume it is the soil mix. Also great info re pot colour...makes sense!
E-Book on container gardening
by: Kathy M

I learned something new from your info on container gardens. I new the white plastic pots looked ugly, to me , but never knew they heated up faster, I use wire baskets, and to save money, I reuse a cork-type brown container, inside my wire basket.
The flowers cover the container anyway, so all you see is the wire basket, because you really don't see the links much, which makes it look like its floating there...very pretty.
I also stopped using Miracle Gro, and bought the fish emulsion..I thought I read somewhere thats its not good to fertilize your plants when your in a heat wave? Is that true? It could of been your site.

I look forward to anything you can teach me, this is the best site, and I've been gardening for a bit now. All the best to you.

Bad timing
by: Clara

Sorry to have missed the opportunity to download your video on container gardening.
I have enjoyed previous videos. Your humor and enthusiasm are refreshing.



Love a Freebee
by: Alex D.

As an old Scotish plumber, I am not much of a gardener, so I do like the free advice to help me grow veggies, keep up the good work Dougie
Containers,etc.
by: Anonymous

Hi Doug. I downloaded the ebook, and take it along greenhouse shopping. My windowboxes look great, but the front containers still need work - not much variety in plants this late in the season.
With this sudden hot weather, many plants are lying down. Any advice?
Awful looking porch flowers
by: Debbie SmithAnonymous

I loved the ebook, it was just the thing for a relatively new gardener,now I can give good advice ,but, I'd have to tell them I got it from a Pro,that I knew a professional gardener,who just sends me all the advice I need. I don't have to ask the local greenhouse lady!!
E-Book
by: Joan from Michigan

Great information about the soil and useing fish emulsion in place of Miracle Gro. Also I didn't realize the color of pots could make such a difference in the soil heating up. Thank you for the great tips. Sometimes the little things that can really make a difference a person doesn't think about. Great job.
Couldn't download E Book
by: Anonymous

From all the comments I missed out of a really great ebook. I was in CA for our youngest daughters wedding and when I got back to GA to my computer the link didn't work. I will reread all the comments so I can learn more. When I was in CA I made 2 contacts who I'm sending you web site as they want to learn container gardening.
Have a good weekend
MaryKay
Misting
by: Anonymous

Excellent recap. The only point I would add is that the flowers in containers will cool down if you water mist them when the temperatures rise. The flower petals seem to reach out for the moisture and reward you with their gentle nods. This is something my grandmother taught me and its been rewarding.
Container gardening e-book
by: Mary

So sorry I missed your e-mail about this e-book. I was away and got your e-mail too late. Is there any way you could send it again? I always look forward to reading all your articles. Thanks so much.
Summer In Seattle
by: Linda in Gig Harbor

To quote Mark Twain "The best winter I ever had was summer in Seattle". That pretty much sums up not only last summer, but this one too, so far. I am keeping my hopes up, and so are my tomato plants, which are in containers.
I am really interested in this whole major project you have undertaken because I want to switch to primarily an all container existence and I just didn't know how. I have gotten more confidence already and can hardly wait until the next episode comes out! This is my kind of gardening! Thank you!
re: container gardening e-book
by: Jan

Waaaaah! I didn't get the link :( Could you send it again?
E-Book
by: Elaine

I enjoyed the e-book so much thank-you. I love the planters there so beautiful I just bought the fish emulsion I will try it this weekend. I can't wait to learn how to prune the annuals.
Everything I've always wanted to know about container gardening
by: Betty Jane

Thanks so much for letting us know what works and what doesn't. I potted up a few containers the other day using your suggestions and I look forward to seeing them fill out. The 'thriller, filler, spiller' technique is a good reminder.
Needs picture adjustment
by: Peg Williams

Thanks for the info. Am trying to redo some containers to get the 'grow through' effect. Very nice! RE the e-book, on the last page, you start out with "This is an example of a landscape type planting" but the picture right next to it is the "classic example of a Thriller, Filler and Spiller". Took me a minute to get it figured out. Thanks for the info!
thank you so much
by: Anonymous

Very useful information.
I would like to get a list of plants, which are good for dark room contaniner for bathroom.

Sarah
Missed It
by: Fate

Oops missed it! I am not on the computer every day, (I prefer to be in the garden), so was soooo disappointed to have missed something i was so looking forward to. Is there any way to avoid this problem in the future?
Sorry I missed you
by: Bev

Unfortunately I was out of town and got your email half a day too late, but I did pick up on some things by reading others comments. So sorry I missed it.
e-book
by: Sharron

thanks so much for the e-book great info but not overwhelming the flower pots are beautiful the thriller spiller filler idea is so simple when you think of it I use fish emulsion and it works in the past I had always dumped my container soil good to know it is reusable
Container
by: Marie

I am assuming, when you water with fish emulsion (once a week), you also water/fertilize until the water comes out of the bottom of the container. Is that correct?
Container gardens
by: Janet

Thanks for the info and the video. I was so glad to learn a different technique from the thriller, filler, spiller. I was getting really tired of the same kind of containers. The window box was gorgeous.
Succinct and useful info
by: Anonymous

Enjoyed your ebook. Would appreciate elaboration on "soiless" mixes. Will try the fish emulsion but would like to know if it attracts neighbourhood cats.
5 Secrets -- Wonderful!
by: Anonymous

Jeez, Doug! This was great. Short, sweet, to the point, do-able and had a tidbit or two of new info (those must be the secrets!) but nothing overwheming. Thanks so much.
container garden soil
by: Barbara C.

Doug -
Thank you for the infomation download. It was very informative and helpful - for next year, as this year's containers were already done a few weeks ago. But it inspired me to buy a few more flowers to pot one more container and see how it comes out after reading your tips.
I too would like to know the formula for soilless potting mix as I am not familiar with it and do not remember seeing it at local hardware store or nursery I go to. I am curious what it is made from and a "recipe" to make my own if I can not find it locally.
Thanks again for the great job you do!
Thank You!!!!!!!!!
by: Grammadirt

The e-book has terrific advice and was thoroughly enjoyed. Admit to filling the bottom of the large pots with rock (to hold them down due to a very windy Lake Superior). Will seriously reconsider next time. No fish emulsion fertilizer available here, but will start searching the internet for a source. All your helpful advice is greatly appreciated by all!!!!!
container ebook
by: Jane

Thanks for sharing the ebook, Doug. This was just the right length for me - I tend to have a pretty short attention span, and often don't make it to the end of longer articles. I have been planting containers for years, but learned a lot. The watering and soil mix advice were new to me, and I will try them. I would add my request to others before me that you share a recipe for soilless potting mix - I just haven't seen Promix in the stores in my area - and that you would suggest some good, basic plant and color combinations for containers..... Sorry, but I don't have much creativity! I also want to say that the container video was just the right length, too - short enough that I COULD download it with dial up (and that is the last time I will bring up my lack of internet speed!) Thanks again, and keep it going.....
Basics
by: Anonymous

You did a good job with the basics, but lets not stop here!
Thanks
by: P J

Most things should be built from the bottom up and you have given a clear and basic foundation to container planting.

We look forward to the up coming ebooks and recognize your expertize and effort.
Thank you!
by: Anonymous

Doug, As a Horticulturist I want to thank you for compiling this information. I know these things take alot of time and effort on your part. I work in a library and know how important information is and I also appreciate the "heads up" as I was one of the people who had procrastinated getting the book saved!! Many thanks, many blessings to you. Victoria
Container Gardening
by: Ruth

Very useful information. I always love to learn how others do things. Never to old to learn something new. Loved the photos. Hope mine will look as good. They start out good, by middle of the season I'm ready to toss.Looking forward to the next session. Thanks!
Doin' It the Right Way From Now On!
by: Charlene

Excellent article! I have a large pot that I filled about half way with "peanuts" in a plastic bag. I did this so I wouldn't need so much soil and the pot would be lighter. Also, I saw someone on t.v. do this. I see from your article .. I've made a mistake and I will not do it again next year. Thank you Doug.
Wonderful
by: Linda B

ebook and I really liked your video as well.
Simple and to the point so everyone can understand how to build a great container garden.
Can't wait to see the rest!
by: Heather L. Black

Hi Doug,

Thanks for the sneak peak!
Just a couple of questions:

Under 'soil'; if one didn't want to buy a mix, what would the proper mixture of their own be? How much of what, I mean?

Also, in the spring when you take out the dead leaves and chop the soil and add compost, how much are you chopping, for fear of damaging the bulbs in a bulb container garden? Or do you lift out the bulbs at the end of the season?

Under 'feeding', how much is too much or too little?

Under 'pot heat', what plants might take more heat than others?

Lastly, will there be planting and pruning suggestions in the online ebook? Thanks again!





awesome
by: Anonymous

As always an awesome presentation. I reuse my container soil for a few years too. I am using fish emulsion this year in my containers with great results. Plants seem more robust with organic food.
Great tips and photos. Looking forward to the next session.
5 Secrets
by: Nannagrandma

Great info and I loved the window planter! But the description for it lined up with the Thriller,Spiller photo.
Thanks, again. Love your humour!
Five Tips
by: Loraine

Just great!! You get to the bones of information with your humor tucked in. I will be doing some of my containers differently next year, as I had just finished the lot the day before. But I have answers, not too late, for why some things should be done differently this year.

Thank you for all the time and effort you give us!!
Great Help
by: Jean

Thanks for the e-book Doug, it seems just made for me! I'm one of those who do a "little " watering. Also, the leaf temperatures and "old wives" part is, I think, the reason my herbs haven't done so well here in Malaysia.
Container Maintenance Ebook
by: JennyB

Thank you so much for the ebook. I thought it was great, and I loved the pictures you were able to find to illustrate. I was glad to hear that you use your soil mix over. That is something that I have done for years, but always felt a bit guilty about it--now I can reuse with confidence because you said it was okay! ;-) Also, I never thought to shape and trim plants on a weekly basis. I will try that this summer--I bet they will stay nicer and fuller looking the whole season. Thanks again Doug!
Just What I Needed!
by: Sandy

I have shyed away from container gardening as I've never had much success in the few times I've tried. I want lush and beautiful or nothing. Now I have the knowledge and confidence to try again and I expect great things because of this info. Thank you!
Excellent!
by: Dorothy

Excellent article, Doug. I bought your e-book on container gardening a short while ago and this covers most of what's in there in a very succinct fashion - quick and dirty, as you say.

I have reused the soilless mix left in my containers over the winter and mixed it with compost, used your planting methods and am now standing by, waiting for the explosion of flowers!

I personally don't think you have left anything out, but then I've already read the whole book and it may not be as clear to someone who hasn't.

Great job.
Great Tips
by: Anonymous

The watering info is great to know, particularly since I use a peat moss base. As well, thanks for the info on how long the soil can last and tips on how to refresh it.
5 secrets
by: Bonnie

Perfect...I loved it but wished I'd had it a few weeks earlier.
I ordered Garden's Gate magazine's "containers made easy" on line and think I got more information from you in 7 pages!
They suggested a layer of water holding crystals and a plastic liner with holes for my hanging baskets (wire with woven grassy lining) and then mulch on top of the soil.
Now I'm worried that if I soak them like you're suggesting they wont drain!!
I look forward to the pruning video. I always snip them back when they get leggy but have never thought of pruning to shape them.
E-Book
by: Anonymous

Loved it--would like even more photos next time as they are truly inspirational.
E-book on Container Maintenance
by: Christine

Awesome, It's simple, informative and I learned some new things from reading this book
Many Thanks Doug.
Great as Usual
by: Marita in Ottawa

This is a great e-book. I have not had to do much container gardening (too much regular garden space to fill), but now I will know what and what not to do when I move to a smaller property. Could you please expand on what plants you recommend not to be used in containers and whys and any specific containers which are not the best.
Containers 5 tips
by: Carol

VERY informative and full of little things I
didn't know. Am basically a learn by the
seat-of-my-pants type. THANKS for making
my life easier and financially less painful!
Good Job
by: Sandy

Nicely done Doug. Easy to understand and quite informative. I'm sure we all wish you had more examples of your pots and baskets, but you explained that and we can relate! I did love the one example you showed. Would love to see something on pruning the plants to keep the pots looking nice. And as for using perennials mixed in with annuals, I have not had good experience with over-wintering perennials in my zone 5 pots... even the insulated pots. So I assume the perennials would need to be removed and stored for the winter?
Very nice job, and thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!
E-book
by: Sandy

Thanks for the container information, Doug. I vow I am going to be a better container keeper this year. The photo of the window box was so beautiful it made me gasp. Thanks again, I look forward to the next installment.
5 Secrets
by: Julie G

Very simple and well written. Also lots of information covered. Perhaps a bit more detail about fertilizer, maybe with information about favorite brands, and if you follow package directions or do something else. All in all, job well done.
5 Tips
by: June

I thought that both the video and EBook were good. I am hoping to get into some greater detail, some more advanced subjects, etc later as we continue. Two questions I have now are, what size where your plants when you filled the large containers? If I extrapolate from 18 to 12 inches will the ratio of plants remain the same. The second question is about growing lobelia from seed. I did that last year for the first time and I wasted lots of seeds because I got too many in the pots. Is there any trick to getting the right number of seeds in there. Also on lobelia, I would like to pull apart the 4' pots to get 4 plants for containers. Any advice? Thanks again for all you do.
June
Renewing Peat
by: Geoff

Hi Doug
As a newbie, I'm thankful for all the info and tips. Just one thought... as Peat takes so long to renew, shouldn't we replace it with coir, which is renewable,absorbs about 70% more water than peat on contact , without the need to soak it?
I rememer seeing an article of yours a few years ago, about Fish Fertilizer, and I thought you said you would tell us your source for this, but I don't think you did. I guess there's two, or more? types of FF - your source for this would be appreciated. Thanks for everything.
Geoff
Simply Superb
by: Candi

A wonderful presentation putting it all together and adding delightful photos as model examples. I can identify with the beautiful plants shown. However, the problem is that most of my containers never continue to look that good as the season progresses. Your tips on feeding, watering, and pruning may help.
Great Format
by: Shirley

You've done a superb job!!! Covered the subject and succinctly. The "landscape" concept holds more interest than the traditional thriller, filler, spiller, I agree.

A word or two about perennials in containers would be good. Do you mix perennials and annuals in containers?

very clear and informative
by: Anonymous

Smple, compact, and informative. I liked the pictures of the two different styles of planting. It's not obvious how you can chop up the soil and put in the new compost without damaging the roots. I guess it's just a quirk but I never liked you refering to yourself in the third person.
I give it 5 stars out of 5.
Good job
by: Anonymous

I liked video and e-book, good material, nice composition, but it's concentrated on growing annuals in containers.
What about perennials? Should it be the same soil that you name or in case when plants should live in the same container for several years you have different tips?
Container gardening
by: Ellie

Wow! That photo of the pink geraniums and blue lobelia blew me away. That is definitely a combination I'll be using next year (too late now--all my pots are set out for the summer). Great tips for seasonal maintenance. Thanks for down-to-earth, easy to understand descriptions.
Thanks again and again!
by: Anonymous

I didn't comment on the video so now you get both.
Video- the best info I've read, seen or heard on containers! As always, your presentation is simple and straightforward even on (for me) difficult to understand material. You never talk down to the audience even with all your advanced education and experience. The set is also simple without distraction. Maybe a sturdier whiteboard for when you get exuberant with the marker!
The e-book looks great. It has more details, and I am able to re-read over and over for when my senior brain fades. Sometimes it is good for me to have a written copy to refer back to when I am doing the containers. Since I am so visual the pictures make a big plus.
Thanks again for all you do
container gardening inspiration
by: Judith

Really do appreciate this. You've helped to inspire me to try these again, as I've had a few problems in the past keeping them looking nice all season.
5 secrets
by: L. Carson

Wow! What a lot of great info. I have been doing container gardening for years and always wondered why they only looked great for a little while. Now I understand the correct maintanence practices I need to use.

I also am glad to know you can reuse the soilless mix by adding compost. I have attended seminars where we were told that we must use new fresh mix every year. When you have lots of big containers that can become quite expensive.

I understand about having to trim/prune plants back regularly to keep the container good looking and am looking forward to seeing your video on it. I am very timid in doing this in my containers. I think this point needs to be expanded on in your book unless of course the video is included in the book.

Any ideas on building containers with both annuals and perennials? I would like to know some good combinations where I can keep the perennial from year to year in the container and just add some annuals to it but still have a great looking container.

I am an Advanced Master Gardener and I just want to thank you for expanding my knowledge and giving me so much practical information over the last few years.
5 secrets
by: diane

As always, it is informative and enjoyable. Thanks for the pictures.
5 Secrets
by: Jane

Thankyou for the many lessons I learn from you. The easy to understand and informative e-book is a great gift from you. Thank you.
E-book on Container gardening
by: Anna

Very nicely put together, Doug, along with great advice. I must confess, to fill a very large planter, I fill it to about half with packing foam peanuts or smashed-up packing foam. The plants seem to be happy and I have an easier time moving the things around on the deck.
Thank you !!
Anna in Maryland
Five Secrets
by: Jeanie K.

Terrific tips! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Can't wait for more.

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