Containers
Question: I have so many pots for outdoors that I was thinking of using soil from the garden in them. Is this a good idea?
Answer: A. No, for two reasons. One is that garden soil can contain insects or diseases that could harm plants in containers. Growing media for containers is sterilized, so any potential bugs have been eliminated. Secondly, potting mix for containers also contains drainage material like vermiculite or perlite, and it's composed of materials like peat moss and bark which are lightweight, consistent and allow for good drainage. Garden soil in a container will soon compact with all of the watering that is required, and your plants will suffer from a lack of oxygen to their root systems. Garden soil may be cheaper because it's already available, but it will cost more in the long run than using a good quality planter box soil.
Question: My pansy hanging basket is getting long and droopy. Can I cut it back and if yes how much can I take off?
Answer: Yes, you can cut it back by a third, fertilize it with 20-20-20 and it should be back in bloom fairly quickly. You may find that they are harder to keep looking good in the heat of the summer, a bit of shade during the afternoon would help to prolong it.
Question: When can we start planting our containers?
Answer: A.The answer totally depends upon what you are putting in your planters. I have already planted mine up with primula, tulips and daffodils. I did it last week and they should be fine now. If it gets very cold then I will cover them with something at night because they are completely out in the open. In the middle of May I will take those plants out, because most of them will be over. The primula can then be planted in a shady location in the garden.I wouldn't recommend doing your planters with annuals before around the 10th of May depending where you live and the choice of annuals.
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