| Author |
Garden Gate:  Question about Planting in containers  |
|
|
LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 20 2007 : 09:21:52 AM
|
I need to plant in some containers, I have a few questions. I have this great tin that we got some Cub Scout Popcorn in and it is quite big, with a patriotic theme on it. I really want to plant some flowers in it but need to know if it needs holes in the bottom for draining or something. My Mom helped me find a pot for my begonia bulbs and said it needed holes at the bottom. So what do I need to do for 'recycling' old tins and other containers to plant in? I have never done container/pot plantings so any tips will be great!!
Thanks,
Liz |
|
|
Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2007 : 09:49:39 AM
|
Yes, you do need holes in the bottom. Water drainage. You could put crushed pop cans or even rocks in the bottom because you don't want the soil ever to be too wet, or your roots too wet. But, really, holes are recommended. Good drainage is so important. I hope this helps. Marybeth
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
 |
|
|
DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2007 : 09:52:36 AM
|
If it's the type of tin I'm thinking of (about 18-24" high?), you should be able to get away without making holes in the bottom. Put a few small rocks in the bottom and then maybe about 6" of course sand or gravel on top of that. That will help the water settle in the bottom without waterlogging the roots and also give it a little weight so it doesn't get knocked over easily.
Just remember when you water not to overdo it and let the top couple of inches of soil feel slightly dry before you water again.
Something I do when I plant containers is to put the bottom of large plastic jugs in the bottom. I cut off about 2" of the jug. In containers with no holes, I put the jug bottoms facing down to keep roots out of the water. In containers with holes, I place them facing up to help keep some water in the container so they don't dry out so fast, particularly when its hot out.
One tip I read that really works well...in containers with holes, place a used dryer sheet in the bottom over the holes. It is porous and lets water through, but keeps the soil in the container. Works great!
Last summer I went to the thrift shop and bought about 20 little pots, tins and containers. They were small, so each got 1 plant in each and I made groupings of them on the patio and steps. It looked really nice and I think I'll do it again this year. They don't necessarily have to be flowering plants...different colored and patterned leaves look just as nice, including herbs and grasses.
Oh boy..I'm rambling...I am SO ready for spring!!
Di
|
|
|
|
LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2007 : 10:22:54 AM
|
| Thank you both so much! I think that I will tap a few small holes into the bottom of the tin and get some dryer sheets for the bottom,that totally makes sense. I also have a handful of gravel that I can toss in for good drainage. Hopefully things grown fast for me, I am so impatient! |
|
|
| |
Garden Gate: Question about Planting in containers |
|
Question about Planting in containers
