Evaluate Your Garden for Container Gardening Success
Successful container gardening begins with an approach that works with the environment to bring nature to you. Start by examining the natural elements of your gardening area. Discover what you have, and make gardening decisions accordingly. You’ll spend more time enjoying the planters and containers you create and less time wondering what went wrong by working with Mother Nature instead of against her!
Hardiness Zones
The U.S.D.A. divides the U.S. and southern Canada into eleven areas according to average yearly temperature. These “grow” areas are used to identify seeds and plants most likely to thrive in your particular hardiness zone.
Zone 1 is the coldest area and Zone 11 is the hottest. To find out what hardiness zone you live in, visit http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html. Most gardening books and magazines provide hardiness zone maps, as well.
While it is not a foolproof method, your gardening efforts are more likely to pay off if you stick with zone recommendations when selecting plants. That exotic tropical plant on display at your local nursery may look tempting, but if you live in the north it’s likely to disappoint you outside the greenhouse environment.
Seasons and Container Gardening
Hardy plants that are in season are ideal for first container gardens. Seasonal information is usually provided on seed packets, but if you are unsure about a particular plant – ask the professionals at the nursery!
Take into account how long a flowering plant will bloom once planted. Imagine designing your container garden around a brilliantly blooming plant that reaches the end of its flowering season in only one week’s time! It is best to know what to expect from plants ahead of time. Let seasonal information be your guide.
Many container gardeners switch out plants that fade and replace them with new ones as the season progresses. With the right information you can keep your containers fresh all season long!
When growing vegetables, it is particularly important to note the “days to harvest” information. Does the growing season for your hardiness zone allow enough time for your plants to bear fruit? If not, consider a faster producing variety or make a different selection.
Light & Container Gardens
Take some time to observe the lighting in your gardening area. Note areas of almost continual shade or high exposure to sunlight. Most plants in container gardens cannot tolerate more than four or five hours of continuous sunlight – despite the requirement for “full sun” their packages may boast! Similarly, few plants do well in total shade. Look for areas in your garden that offer some morning or mid-to-late afternoon sun. The majority of plants in your container garden will thrive in those locations.
A bit of planning goes far to help you work with nature to grow plants that favor your gardening area’s unique conditions. Making educated choices about what, when, and where you plant container gardens helps ensure you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labors!
Container gardens can look great, especially if they surround fountains or are flanked by garden statuary and other decorative garden accessories.