Hi everyone! Tonight is Wine & Design time down at Garden Supply. Join us from 6-8 pm and let our experts help you pick out the perfect plant arrangements for your container garden. Sip a glass of wine and enjoy a beautiful evening with us. This event is free, however RSVPs are requested at 460-7747 or email at info@gardensupplyco.com. Want a few tips on easy container gardening? Beautiful pots bursting with gorgeous plantings dress up your patio, entry, or garden, and they are a snap with these simple guidelines.
Dazzling containers reach their potential only if planted properly. Here's the scoop on soil, pots, and the little things that help plants thrive. Plants need good potting mix to flourish. But how can you spot a good potting soil? Hoist the bag. If it's light and fluffy, like moist sawdust, it's probably fine. If it's heavy and feels like wet dirt, keep looking. Also consider using a mix that already contains a slow-release fertilizer, like Miracle Grow potting soil. Always use potting mix, never garden soil. And although it's tempting to reuse potting mix- it costs money after all- your plants will grow more robustly and have fewer diseases with fresh mix. If your soil doesn't already contain it, blend in slow-release fertilizer when you plant.
Pots must have a drainage hole for excess water to pass through. A pan to hold the drain water prevents staining on your deck or patio. In larger pots- more than 12 inches across- you may want to add an upside-down plastic pot or packing peanuts in the pot's bottom to decrease the overall weight. In smaller pots, fill completely with soil to allow for good root growth.
Finally, cover the surface with mulch. Not only does it decorate the pot, it also reduces soil splashing and conserves water. Simple bark mulch is fine, but try other materials such as rocks or moss for a more decorative look.
Now that we've got you started, you can move onto the real fun part...picking out your plants. Stop by the garden center tonight and let our friendly experts guide you on making the perfect selections for your yard. And come back tomorrow for more tips from me on basic design and TLC for your newly planted containers.
Thanks so much for stopping by and I'll see you all back here tomorrow for more snippets from the garden.