What Do You Need to Know about Containers
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What Do You Need to Know about Containers

by Doug
(Somewhere out in Lake Ontario)

NOTE TO VISITORS - THIS SECTION IS COMPLETE AND THE SEMINAR SERIES HAS MOVED ONTO OTHER TOPIC AREAS. I'M NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS HERE - SORRY.

Please use the newsletter or question forms to ask your questions.

Seminar Participants were asked these questions

Here's where you tell me what exactly you need to know about growing plants in containers.

Tell me everything you want me to cover in this seminar.

Give me essays of questions. Give me whatever you think will help us figure out what we need.

Tell me when you agree with somebody else (it's like voting for that content).

The more you tell me your concerns with your growing conditions, the better able I'm going to be to develop something of value.

So - take a few minutes and tell me what to cover in this course. Enter your answer by using the "comments" link below.

Comments for
What Do You Need to Know about Containers

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edible flowers
by: Brenda

Is container potting best for edible flowers? What do you suggest
indoor containers
by: Brenda

I would like to know why most of my indoor containers are going moldy, inside and out?
max characters
by: Sharon

Doug, could we please get a counter so we know how many characters we have used up????
#2 problems with heat and sun
by: Sharon

Vegetables in pots... if you give them more fertilizer can you have them closer together in pots than the recommendation on the seed pack? I wish I knew how deep the various vegetables' roots go so I would know how large the pot has to be.

I put pea gravel in the bottom of the pots (1) to keep the soil in (2) to help drainage (3) to keep them from blowing over (it's often windy here). But I read that you think we shouldn't put any such thing in the bottom of the pot... what to do?

It seems to me that glazed ceramic pots do get too hot in the sun, also dark color pots don't seem to do as well. Your thoughts on this? I've never heard of that container stuff with the weird name that a couple of people mentioned. What is that? Where can I find out about it?

I enjoy each flower plant for itself. I enjoy discovering each one's personality... so I don't put a lot of different plants together in a pot, with the exception of some hanging pots that I have with a mix of small plants. It has been a problem to put smaller plants around the base of a large plant (like a Rose of Sharon tree)... the tree needs a lot of water, but that floods the smaller plants... since I have to water every evening, I don't feel like taking a lot of time watering slowly to protect the little plants... I wonder what smaller thing I could put in that large pot with the tree that wouldn't mind going swimming when I water the tree??? Mini glads didn't like all that watering...

What is "artificial" soil"? I thought I should get rich soil for potted plants???? But it does firm up after a while...

(By the way, I can answer the question about acidanthera, it DOES do very well in containers and you can start them early indoors... this is from my gardening experience in cold climate. I also have them in container in Phx and they shot up like magic within a week of planting.) This is my favorite scent... to die for. But the mixture of honeysuckle and jasmine early in the morning takes you right to heaven... I love my garden...
Containers: Dealing with heat and sun
by: Sharon

Everyone has great questions. My main problem is gardening in desert heat. I rent, so I have found containers to help my need to be a gardener. My experience has been that some plants can stand the heat, but not the sun. Some can't stand the heat either, but do well until it gets over 100. The directions you get on seed packets or plants you purchase never apply to hot areas. For instance, they will say to water once a week. Excuse me, everything in my garden needs water every day. I can not miss a single evening of watering.

I love to plant my own tomatoes. Being new to the desert, and since everyone says tomatoes love the sun, I left them in the sun. WRONG... they dried up and did nothing last year. I pulled the pots to the side of the house that gets sun until noon and then shade, and considered them dead. Within a few days they were getting new leaves so I started watering them. I cared for them all through the "winter" and this spring they came back strong. They only got weak foliage, but some of them are really producing lots of tomatoes albeit small ones. Is there anything I can do to keep them producing when the temp gets over 100? They drop their flowers and that's the end of the tomatoes until it cools off again. I gave them about an inch of steer manure and that made them happy this spring. I also give them Miracle-Gro for tomatoes every two weeks, but I read that you think they should be fed every week. Is there something better than Miracle-Gro to feed them?

upside down containers or topsy turvey's
by: Brenda Ladouceur

upside down containers or bag containers that hang what is your thought on these i tryed tomato plant in topsy turvey and cucumber not doing so well at all..tomato has hardly grown and cucumber died...maybe a subject you could add about upside down containers not sure if you believe in them or not but could use your advice to use them or not. Also I work evenings 4 till mid....so i love that you keep video's available so I can watch the video's when i get home...thanks your doing a great job keep it up.

fish emulsion
by: diane

another caveat to fish emulsion: don't use it if you live in a town house! My neighbors are ready to lynch me because of the smell! It doesn't really go away for quite a while. But it really does work great.
Love the Designing Containers YouTube Video
by: Blooming Stone

Thanks so much for the video about designing containers. I went right out and tucked mid-story plants all through the giant hypertufa flower pot I to my neighbour. He didn't mind my moving his gift plants into the middle from all around the edge of the planter to fill in, so that the low grass will peek through the blooming geraniums. Looks better already.
water Ideas??
by: mindnova

Water control is the most important problem I have. What soil mixes or even lawyers ideas do you have for conservation and maintaining water.
types of containers
by: Cheryl

I have read most of the comments and they are all excellent questions/comments. But do not see anything on pot arrangement. Outdoor rooms can be made by arranging several sized pots together to form 'walls" or centerpieces. How about some food for thoght on what to place together to look great!

Also, fish emulsion was mentioned, how about the great compost/soil that can be made using rabbit manure, either fresh from the rabbit, or left to sit for a while. No weed seeds, not strong, will not burn, and a fairly balanced composition.
Containers
by: Bette

I love the idea of the lightweight fiberglass containers, but I tend to stick with clay anyway, because it seems to me like the plastic types would fry the plants in the hot summer sun. Thoughts?
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
by: Pat

Where can you buy fish emulsion feritlizer?
Thanks for any help.
Wintering Plants in containers
by: Evelyn

One of the most asked questions on my garden web site is "how do I winter my plants inside." Since so many gardeners grow in containers because they can bring the plants in out of the cold, it would be good to know all there is to know about keeping them alive once you get them inside.
planting in buried containers
by: Judy

I have a beautiful curved sidewalk, and I frame the walk with flowers. Tree roots from a large maple tree sap the water from flowers on one side of the walk. Would buried containers solve the problem? If so, what kind would I use?
Container layer planting
by: Susan

I would like information on how to layer spring bulbs with summer and fall blooming plants (perennials & annuals) in the same container to be overwintered in the garage.
Barrell containers
by: Anonymous

Hi Doug, my question is how often do you change the soil in these large barrel containers, or do you just change the top half yearly??? It can get expensive loading these up with potting soil for sure....thanks Kathy
Crazy About Containers
by: Candi

Wow! Everyone has good questions and it seems that container gardening is a popular topic. I'd love to hear it all. However, I promise to buy your ebook as well. There's nothing like having a good bit of information to refer back to. May I also say that your latest newsletter is right on the mark. Annuals (in gardens or containers) give you unbelievable color. Perennials, on the other hand, are always more expensive, but have their advantages too (like being there again and again) while improving with age. Would you comment on multi-level container plantings with bulbs (buried) and then adding annuals when they pass. I've never done it, but it sure seems like a wonderful idea.
As always, thanks and happy gardening!
Question 6
by: Liv

Hi Doug,

I thought of yet another question:
I like to flip through various gardening publications and one hot topic I've seen a lot recently is evergreens in containers. Specifically, evergreen arrangements/mixtures in containers. I like the look, but when I look at the "dwarf" evergreen plants in my local nursery, they eventually get BIG! Is there a secret to keeping them small so they can live a long happy life in a container?

Thank you,
Liv
Doug's e-book
by: Marie

Has anyone read Doug's e-book "Success with Container Gardening"? It answers a lot of the posted questions. I can't wait for the seminar to add to this book.

I still can't believe it was only $9 with a money back guarantee if not satisfied! I'd reeeely have to lie to get my money back!
The Bottom of the Barrel
by: Anonymous

Hi Doug: I would like to know the soil recipe for filling barrels. Is it always the same for all plants ? I once had barrels for about 15 yrs before they rotted after a I decided to empty them and start afresh. I remember we had charcoal at the bottom to stop the soil turning sour...it worked !! I wish I could remember what else went above that !!
Also do you have any ideas for shade plants for baskets on a north side shady spot. I take the baskets down and give them sun but still have problems. Tx for the seminar
know about potted rose
by: hemant

I am study on research problem on effect of potting media on rose cv.First Red under fan and pad greenhouse with media rice husk, red soil,FYM.black soil and cocopeat with diferent proportions.I want to know about the effect of that all materials in rose growth,flowering and vase life charecters. Which gives better result? and why? what is effect of bending on quality and please information about pest ,disease and fertilizer managments in polyhouse
Just a few more container subjects
by: June

1.) My biggest gardening thrill is growing my plants from seeds. If I plant seeds in large containers early in the year can I grow them on in it without root rot if I just water lightly (mist new seeds & seedlings), from the top? I get a little tired of repotting, repotting, and repotting my plants to get them to the right size for setting out. Can you suggest combos we could do that way?
2.) I don't believe anyone has asked about deadheading, my question is; are there container flowers that don't need deadheading? Could you demonstrate how to deadhead specific container plants? I think that deadheading is as important as feeding and watering for maintaining containers, but how can we stream-line the process? It takes forever to pinch some plants back enough to keep them looking good. What can we shear and how?
3.) Could you make suggestions for starting perennials in containers in the spring that we could transfer to the borders and beds in the fall?
4.) I was thinking I might get thrill, fill, and spill (t f & s) with petunias only. Maybe zinnias, but are there others? What annuals look good all by themselves in containers? What about designing groups of containers instead of grouping plants in containers? You know, big, medium & little and color combos and such, as well as t f & s.
5.) Can I use saucers under my containers and water less frequently once the roots fill the pot? What plants would survive and look good that way? What about water/pond plants in containers? Could we put info on them in the seminar also? Or do a separate water gardening seminar?
6.) Also, what methods do we use to rescue our containers when they do end up suffering from neglect? Which plants do we flood and which do we have to water a little bit at a time when they are too dried out?
And one last question (I think), what about our indoor plants going outdoors? I have burnt a few plants because I don't have an area outside that is shady enough for some of my indoor plants. Any suggestions for structures used specifically for the purpose of growing plants outside during the summer? I would love to do cymbidiums but in my zone 5 location I'm afraid to try. I was thinking I might do miniature ones. Also would like to do miniature roses. Also, I use chemical fertilizers for my indoor plants, would you suggest something else while they are outside.
Oops one more; bonsai plants. Do you have any suggestions for a year round outdoor bonsai container? Could we do over wintering bonsai plants? I've always wanted to try a larger bonsai or two but I'm intimidated about space issues during the winter.
New to Balcony gardening.
by: Betty

I have just moved into an apartment and I have a fairly small balcony. I am very interested in what vegetables and flowers can be grown in containers. I am living in southern Ontario. Any suggestions and advice would be helpful.
Thanks
I agree
by: Anonymous

I am interested in all the questions already asked,
containers in the garden
by: aluf

I would like to know the ins and outs of putting containers below ground level in the garden.
Tropical Plants in Containers
by: Anonymous

I have many tropical plants in containers and have always planted the plants in the ground in the summer. Can I start planting the container and all in the ground to save time on digging them up in the fall or is it better to plant in the soil ?
Thanks
Linda
CONTAINERS & PLANTS IN CONTAINERS
by: PEARLS

(1) Which are better clay pots or plastic?
(2) I have Amaryllis in pots that are not flowering what can I do i tried using potash still nothing.
(3) I have gladiolus that have died down is it safe to plant something else in the pot until they come back ?
Starting containers indoors
by: Blooming Stone

This year I've taken advantage of our small attached greenhouse and packed it with Hypertufa containers that I've started early. Sunny days in February were perfect for Geraniums and then the first day our garden center had sweet potato vine I added them, and tucked in the house plant purple heart (Thriller, Spiller and Filler). I'll be adding a lime-coloured low growing grass as a filler to another. I'm fooling around with colour, texture and shape of plants that (may) go well together.

Any pitfalls and tips for starting containers early indoors?

Thanks, Mercedes
Winter Containers
by: Blooming Stone

Every fall I push red osier dogwood and pine boughs in the soil in my hypertufa containers around the property. They look very cheerful all winter. A big bonus is that the dogwood roots by spring. I am planting the rooted sprigs along the northern edge of our small-town property.

Any other shrubs that will root so easily and look so great in the winter? Any other combos that work so well all winter?

Thanks, Mercedes
moving plants indoors
by: Tracy T. Nelson

how do you compleatly remove pests from your plants before you move them indoors? Last year I had lots of ants and pill bugs and even a bumble bee in my house right after bringing them inside.
Plant selection and watering
by: Anonymous

Selection of plants for season/year long display. Can I grow a shrub in the planter by my front door? I tried boxwood, but it looks dead. I'd rather not have to replace the plants every few months and also end up with an empty planter in winter--or at least until I get some greens for Christmas.

If I were to try a shrub, how big a planter would I need? Is the width or depth more important? Would a ground-cover such as vinca or ivy survive?

How do I know if a planter needs water?

Do I really need to discard all the soil from last year?


bulbs
by: Clara

Gladiolus callianthus Acidanthera
These were great bulbs last summer in the garden. Can these be grown in a container? Can annuals be planted with them?
container shrubs
by: Clara

Any tips on planting shrubs in containers? What are the best shrubs to use in Zone 3? How large does the container have to be? Does it require pruning to develop a compact plant? Do the roots have to be trimmed every year? I overwinter my containers of perennials by laying the containers on their side and burying the containers in mulched leaves. Would this method work for shrubs?
Can you suggest shrubs for colour or form?
Thank-you,
soil and plant choices for sunny locations
by: Bonnie

I echo what many have already said. How to pick plants and soil to keep containers looking great all year long. I find my shady ones look better and better as the summer goes on but those if the sun get straggly, and dry out. I ususally buy special planter mix soil made to retain moisture. If I'm away for more than a few days without a rain they're done in!
Any watering tips? I have soaker hoses on timers with mulch in the garden but no tricks for the planter boxes, hanging baskets.
Fertilizer?
by: Sarah

I would like to know what other types of organic fertilizer I can use besides fish emulsion. I know this is good for nitrogen, but what can I use for phosphorus and potassium? My containers never seem to look like the ones in the stores, I suspect that they just aren't big enough, or perhaps I am not fertilizing often enough.

How often should I be using the fish emusion? Is once a week to much? I have these containers planted with annuals in organic potting mix + compost.
Question 5
by: Liv

5. Multi-year perennial container mixtures:
This question may be related to the “how many plants can you put in a container” question. I have one big container that I planted two different color varieties of nemesia, one dianthus/carnation, and one trailing verbena. The plants thrived and looked beautiful all year (even when not blooming) when this spring arrived, the plants still looked good and even began to bloom. Then, all of a sudden the nemesias and verbena started to die back and never recovered. Only the dianthus survived. The pot did not appear over-crowded and I did nothing different from the previous year. Should I have lifted and divided anyway? What are some reasons plants suddenly die back? I know some people plant seasonal mixtures of annuals, but I was hoping to keep the perennial mixture of plants indefinitely. How do I keep my perennial mixture containers thriving year after year?

Thank you again for offering these courses! I look forward to the first installment!

Take care,
Liv
Question 4
by: Liv

4. Over-wintering plants in the home/garage:
I’ve been so spoiled out here in the Golden state that I do not really know how to over-winter plants. My first attempt seems to have failed. We bought a nice container fuchsia last year and placed it in a sheltered shady location on our front patio. As the weather got colder, we started bringing the plant in for the night and eventually brought the plant in the garage full time. Our garage is not heated, but is warmer than outside. I placed the container on a TV table in front of the window. The window has mini blinds that are never opened, so the plant got filtered light and was watered consistently. While in the garage the fuchsia would send out a few new leaves and flowers, but did not really grow. Once the weather started to warm up in the spring, we started bringing the container outside during the day and once the danger of frost was past, we brought the plant outside to its previous spot. At first, it grew some leaves, but then the new growth died back and it seems to have died (scratching the branches reveals tan to brown coloring). What did I do wrong? How do you successfully over-winter plants?
Question 3
by: Liv

3. Watering:
a. I’ve been experimenting with different self-watering devices for plants and was wondering if there has been any research done about what works best: perforated pipes to the root zone, water bottle devices with spikes to the root zone, drip irrigation, or some other method?
b. I have some containers that dry out considerably faster than others (even with water bottle devices) and was wondering if there was an easier way to keep these plants hydrated. One of these plants (sage) is supposed to be drought tolerant but dries out so fast it seems to need twice daily watering.
Question 2
by: Liv

2. Multi-season planting:
I currently have some containers of spring/summer blooming bulbs, but also have a small garden and would like to have containers that provide year-round interest. Is that possible? Are there any good companion plants (annuals or perennials) that can thrive in a container with out taking over and/or choking the bulbs? Are there multi-season bulb planting mixtures that work well together (i.e., can spring/summer bulbs live in the same container as fall/winter bulbs)? Are there other good bulb combinations that work well together (i.e., have different planting depths and can be in the same container)?
Question 1
by: Liv

Hi Doug,

I also agree with a lot of the questions that have already been asked.

Here’s my essay! It seems I am the first to take you up on your offer! ;-)

It seems my questions are too long for one comment, so I will post each question as its own comment:

1. Container maintenance:
a. I’ve read that the top two inches of soil should be removed and replaced every year from potted plants. Is this true? If so, do we need to worry about surface roots?
b. I’ve also read that plants should be re-potted. How often do they need to be re-potted? What are some signs that a pot needs to be re-potted? Can you show us in pictures or video what damaged roots look like versus healthy roots when re-potting? Is there a rule of thumb about how much of the roots should be pruned? I’ve read that one inch of soil should be removed from the sides of the root-ball. Is this a good rule of thumb?

Container Mix
by: Bob

Have been using containers for a few years. My questions are:
When is it necessary to replace the mix (potting soil)?
When the mix dries some the water just runs through and does not seem to be effective. I leave water in the container pan and hope it is drawn up. Does that work, and if not how can the mix best be watered?
Your Container Planting E-book
by: Dorothy

Hi Doug: Just a little plus for your container gardening e-book. It pretty well answered all the questions asked above. I've filled all my pots with your suggestion of 3 shovelfuls of last year's potting soil and one shovel of compost and added some peat moss for luck! I haven't had a chance to try them out yet though as it's still way to cool in the Hamilton/Toronto area for annuals.

What I'm more interested in are what combination of plants to use in large and small containers - something that will look pretty for a few months with a little trimming every now and then. I've pretty well given up on sweet potato vine (grows too quickly and I could cheerfully hack it back every day) and osteospermum which seems to bloom prolifically to start out with and then just look sad for the rest of the summer. I have both sun and shade conditions and would appreciate a blow-by-blow description of what plants look good with what plants (either perennials or annuals).

container gardening
by: chris

i will be away for one week this summer, with no one to water my containers. what method do you suggest to prevent them from drying.

i'm interested in answers to all the questions that have been submitted so far.
Barbara C.
by: Anonymous

I am really interested in growing vegetables in containers, so most of my questions are about that.
1 What size does the container have to be?Minimum, maximum?
2 What soil mixture do you use?
3 How often and what do you feed them?
4 What veggies grow well in containers?
5 How many plants per container?
6 Can you illlustrate planting a pot so that we can get a general idea of what works best for you?

7 My other container question has to do with potted annuals in wire hanging baskets with cocoa fiber liners. What do you suggest to help the soil hold more moisture when you are watering? My experience is that when I water the water runs right through dampening the soil but then draining out right away. During the hot weather they need watered every day, which I don't always have the time or energy to do.
Any suggestions would be helpful.

I look forward to this seminar !
Thank you!

Container Vegetables
by: Marie

All of the questions are interesting and answers to any of them would be very heipful.

This is the second year I'm trying to grow pole beans and bush cucumbers in pots on the deck. Last year the pole beans were successful. The cucumbers developed mildew and didn't produce after the first crop.

Information on container vegetables would be appreciated.
Container- Soil and design concept
by: Colleen

Hi Doug, Please show everyone the concept of the Thriller, the Filler and the Spiller. An easy way of remembering design basics. Also the main ingredient...great soil. Thanks Doug.
Most bang for the bucks
by: Loraine

What is the best type of arrangement to please the eye. Also do containers of callas, etc. look good for the whole season (once they get above ground). All the previous comments will be very helpful.
Selfwattering containers and plastic
by: Anonymous

II want to try self-watering containers (homemade) to grow veggies but i am concerning about plastic leaching into soil. What is the best idea for self-watering container that will be safe for organic gardening?
How to make soil for use in these containers? What is better for soil: perlite or vermiculite?
Feeding: i am using only fish fertilizer, is it sufficient? How often to do it for containers and how much?
I have tiny roses in container that developed a lot of yellow leaves, they are started to blow (couple buds), how to help them?
I want to plant one tomato plant in a basket upside down, what mix is better to put in it? What will be schedule for feeding?
Container Gardening
by: Ruth

All of the above comments and questions. Also, how to keep our containers looking as pretty as the ones in the stores. After awhile, even with watering and care, they look raggy and don't look attractive. Any help is most appreciated.
Containers
by: Anonymous

First of all lets start with the basics. I want to know about containers themselves. What are the different types of containers? what plants can you grow in them? How do you keep containers from breaking in the winter?
Second I need to know what goes in the container.
Whats the best soil to use? Should I use topsoil bought at the store or expensive potting soil? how do I get good drainge? How doI keep all my precious soil from washing out the bottom of the pot? Can I use compost instead of potting soil?

Next I want to know about what to put in the container.
I have a sunny pourch what veggies would do best in a container?

Design Ideas for containers in the shade?

What plants work best together both visualy and horticulturaly?

how many plants can I jam in a container? I realize containers come in many sizes I just realy want to know what the spacing should be.

Then I need to know about care how often should i water?
when should I fertilize?
and finally Can I over winter hardy perrenialls in a container outside?
alright that covers everthing I'd like to know I think.

full and lush plants
by: diane zone 6

In addition to my perennial garden, I have lots of cotainers for annuals. I usually buy starter plants cause they're cheaper. I have several hanging planters with million bells, white bacopa,
sweet potato vine, etc. Big pots with geraniums, lantana and assorted annuals that catch my eye. This year we're trying strawberries in a strawberry pot. So far I've gotten two strawberries - very sweet. Full, sun, I water every day in hot weather and feed every two weeks with miracle grow. My question is why my annuals don't do so well. My sister has plants that threaten to take over her porch they are so full and healthy. I tried her suggestion of feeding a weak solution every time I water, but still they are not really full and lush. This year instead of planting two or more varieties in a pot like in the garden center, I am just putting one plant in each pot to see if that will make a difference. What is the secret to full, lush, containers?

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