Tracy, Iowa 50256
Phone: 641-828-8545
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Malcom, Iowa 50157
Phone: 641-528-2801
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Your SCISWA Quick Tip
Topics of Interest - Container Gardening
Container Gardening: Reloaded!
This isn't the movie theater's blockbuster hit of the summer, but it can be the summer hit of your patio or porch. From the variety and colors of the plants used all the way down to the shape and size of the vessel, container gardening takes on many forms. One unique way to display your contained garden is to use salvaged or recycled items.
Before throwing out that rusty old milk pail or water damaged sewing drawer, take a second look and visualize the planting opportunities that item might bring. Besides shaking up the ho-hum approach to planting in pots, this method of container gardening will also help to divert waste from your local landfill!
When choosing a salvaged or recycled container, consider the shape and size as well as the types of flowers you want to display. Anything that may have had a harmful or hazardous material stored in it may not be good for plant growth as well as dangerous for you to handle so be aware of its origin! As with any type of container, always be sure there are holes in the bottom to ensure proper water drainage. Many plants prefer to be in a well drained growing medium to allow excess water to escape from underneath.
There are many types of synthetic potting soils to choose from but you want to make sure you chose one that will provide adequate drainage but not allow the plants to dry out immediately. There are also soils available with granular fertilizers mixed right in! Do not use regular field or garden soil in your recycled container.
Some of your salvaged containers may be big and bulky, so the last thing you will want to do is fill it to the brim with soil. This could cost a lot and the weight if the soil will make moving your containers very cumbersome. One suggestion would be to fill the pot half way with broken up Styrofoam or empty pop or water bottles. This will take up space in the container and make it lighter to save potting soil and your back!
As for plant materials, be sure to place plants together that require similar growing conditions. That means putting sun loving plants with others that prosper in the sun and putting shade plants with other shade lovers. This way you will have an entire container of prolific growth and not plants that are sickly and struggling.
So, spice up your summer gardening by incorporating salvaged or recycled containers into your plans and enjoy the unique looks you create while knowing you are saving valuable space in your local landfill!
View examples (PDF; 181 KB) of salvaged containers planted with an array of flowers.
