Pot a container full of plants

By Chris Graves, Star Tribune

Last update: May 13, 2003 - 11:00 PM

You can break all the rules when deciding what plants to use in containers. But there are a few ground rules when preparing containers so that your plants stay healthy and bursting in bloom through the summer.

Picking the pot: Drainage is a must. If your pot doesn't have drain holes, drill several pencil-width holes in the bottom.

When choosing a container, consider its size, scale, location and material. Clay dries more quickly than plastic and can't be left outside in the winter. Plastic and resin are lighter, which makes them easier to move -- and to tip in the wind. Because some metals leach into the soil, metal containers should be lined with plastic or a plastic pot.

The dirt on dirt: Soil should be light, airy and retain moisture. (When you squeeze a handful, it should spring back.) Use a commercial mix labeled for containers or mix your own, using commercial potting soil and a bit of vermiculite. Do not use dirt from your yard or garden soil. It can harbor insects and diseases and can compact over time, which can cause root rot. Use the same mix in all your pots to help regulate watering.

Keeping the color: Determine whether the containers will be in sun or shade, and fill them with plants that will thrive in those conditions. (Plant tags indicate if a particular plant is best-suited for sun, shade or partial sun.)

For an attractive display, use flowers with complementary colors and plants with interesting foliage. To give your container a finished look, add at least one tall plant and several cascading plants. If you want a lush-looking container, plant close together.

"Throw away all the rules about how close or far to plant," said Barbara Stendahl, who coordinates the University of Minnesota's Master Gardener program in Dakota County. To keep container plants looking good, pinch off dead blooms or foliage.

Water, water, water: Check containers daily by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the dirt. If the dirt feels dry, it's time to water. If you don't trust your touch, use a water gauge. It's best to water in the morning, but in hot, dry weather, pots may need several waterings a day.

Feeding the bloom: Consider using a potting soil that has long-lasting, slow-release fertilizer in it or try adding slow-release fertilizer pellets to the soil when you pot the plants. (Read the labels carefully to determine how long the fertilizer will last. You may need to apply additional fertilizer at the end of summer.) If using regular liquid fertilizer, apply near the base of the plant every two to three weeks. Fertilizing too often can burn plants.

Chris Graves is at cgraves@startribune.com.

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