Tips for Container Gardening

Self-Watering Cortina Planters have realistic finishes that mimic ceramic pottery and aged metals. They are made of lightweight polypropylene, so they're easy to move.

• Scrub last year's pots with a 10-percent bleach solution before re-using. This will kill fungus, diseases and pests, and will help remove any accumulated fertilizer salts.
• Before choosing plants, decide where the pot will be placed so you know the light conditions. Some plants can survive on only four hours of sun per day. But most plants, especially annuals, require at least six to eight hours per day.
• Put your pots on saucers to protect your deck or patio.
• "Season" new clay pots by submerging them in water for 15 minutes before you fill them with soil. This will force air out of the pores and will help keep the soil moist.
• Tall plants need heavier soil to keep them from tipping over. Add some builder's sand to the bottom of the container if overall weight is not an issue.
• To help reduce watering chores, consider self-watering planters.
• Do not use regular garden soil or topsoil for containers. It tends to become compacted and will not drain properly. Use potting soil that is made for pots and planters, such as Container Mix and Self-Watering Container Mix.
• Always pre-moisten the soil before putting it in the planters. If your mix contains sphagnum peat, you'll find warm water works best.
• It's best to start each year with fresh soil. However, you can "recharge" old potting soil with Container Booster Mix. The mixture contains concentrated plant and manure compost, Chilean nitrate, black rock phosphate and seven other natural ingredients.
• Add a slow-release, organic fertilizer, such as All-Purpose Fertilizer, at planting time.

This tip is especially nice for all those large tropical plants that have to be dragged in for winter.