Is it possible that it is July? Our record breaking cold, rainy, nonexistent spring has been followed suddenly by a heat wave. Who knows what July will hold? A good solution for your garden problems is container gardening.

Containers filled with a variety of plants solve many problems. A strategically placed container draws the eye and enhances your garden view. There may be areas of plants that were washed away or are recovering from the heavy rains. Perhaps your perennials are finished in an area, and it is looking drab. There may be a shady area that needs some life and color. There may be some tropicals or alpine plants that you'd like to try.

Container gardens can be moved and designed to specific plant requirements. Houseplants may enjoy a vacation in an appropriate area of your garden in a special container. Many gardens have unappealing areas that can be covered by an interesting arrangement of planters of various sizes and shapes. Have some fun and try container gardening.

There are several steps to creating a successful container garden:

1. Choose a container that you can move easily, and retain water. Water retention is best in plastic and new light weight pots. Pots made of clay, woods or wire baskets need frequent watering.
2. Make sure the container has a drainage hole. If not, make one. Plants rot and die without proper drainage.
3. Use potting soil of some kind. Do not use soil from the garden. Do not reuse old potting soil because it will be depleted and can contain contaminants. Moisten the soil before you put it in the pot.
4. Put about ½ of the soil in the pot and add water absorbing polymer like Terra Sorb or Poly Sorb. These are little crystals that absorb and hold water in the pot to reduce watering frequency. Follow directions carefully. A little polymer absorbs an enormous amount of water.
5. Put in the rest of the soil and mix in a pelletized fertilizer like Osmocote. Follow directions on label. If you prefer to use a liquid fertilizer, use at least weekly because container plants deplete nutrients quickly.
6. You are now ready to plant. There are three types of plants to include: a tall plant for the center, several midsize plants and several trailing plants. Use the following guidelines for annuals (plants that bloom one season only): 4 or 5 plants in a 10-12 inch pot, 8 or 9 in a 14-16 inch pot, 10-11 plants in an 18-20 inch pot, etc. Use fewer perennials because they are larger.

Congratulations!!! You have a healthy, beautiful planting.

Gardens by Judy,
e-mail: gardensbyjudy@townedigest.com
Garden evaluations, creative garden plans, containers planted on site to your specifications.

About the author: Judy is a certified Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension who loves sharing the joys of gardening with others. She helps garden hobbyists solve their problems and is happy to provide information and suggestions about garden planning and maintenance.

Gardens by Judy prides itself in helping the home owner and garden enthusiast plan and maintain that special garden. Judy works cooperatively with the gardener. She evaluates each garden visited and consults with the gardener about his/her goals. She helps in the design of new gardens and in the re-creation and improvement of present gardens. Judy also creates beautiful container gardens to enhance decks, porches and landscapes.