Do you know 2016 is the Chinese year of the Monkey? This year claims to be a lively and positive one oriented towards an active social life. We are supposed to experience a year full of laughter, optimism and creativity. Sounds good to me! This would be the ideal time to pursue your creativity and make a beautiful mixed container or hanging basket for your deck or entryway. You can do just that at Wagners Spring Planting Parties on March 5, 12 and 19. See information below.
You can grow most anything in a container from edibles to beautiful mixed florals and foliage. The best feature of container gardening is the ability to create a whole new design each year. First, establish the size of the container and balance the size of the plants growth during the season to fit the pot. Use good container soil that will retain moisture and provide good drainage or you can take the guesswork out and buy Wagner’s ready to use potting mix. It’s the same mix we use to grow all our plants in.
Second, choose plants with similar cultural requirements such as moisture, sunlight and fertilizer. Third, provide one taller plant for the center of the pot, a filler to surround it, and a trailing plant to soften the edges. You can also go monochromatic and plant just one variety or one color. I like to use a time release fertilizer incorporated into the soil such as Osmocote. It gradually releases a little fertilizer each time you water. Easy!!! Keep the container fresh during the season by deadheading the flowers and replacing any spent plants. Remember, this is the year of the Monkey so you can be as creative as you wish!
Just,
-Nola
