Comments on: The Ten Commandments of Container Gardening

By: Fern

Fern — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Sure Ashley! I just sent you an email.

By: Ash

Ash — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:30:56 +0000

Hi Fern,

I have just discovered your website for the first time, and it is just what I have been looking for. It is fantastic.

I live in North London (UK) and have an apartment on the 4th floor. I am in the process of designing something really spectacular for this summer….could you give me some tips? I can send you some pictures of the space and the plants I currently have..
Many thaks
Ashley

By: Fern

Fern — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:32:42 +0000

Gen — Amen!!!

By: Genevieve

Genevieve — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:40:28 +0000

Thou shalt be dramatic:

I think containers are for bold self-expression! They liven up a staid entry, cheer a bare area of the patio or garden bed, or anchor an area and bring color and life. None of that requires muted statements or restrained prissiness. Give me drama, boldness, and color in a pot!

By: Fern

Fern — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 03:36:21 +0000

Janie — Thats a good one. It was in one of my “commandments” in an early draft, but for some reason I deleted that one. Like you said, people should never use dirt from the garden in their containers. It n addition to getting compacted, you could be needlessly introducing pests and diseases into your pots.

That being said, I don’t throw out the soil in my pots each year. For one, I grow a lot of perennials, so it’s not really possible. Also, many of my pots are huge, throwing out and replacing that much soil would be a huge hassle. And finally, I don’t think it’s necessary. No one would suggest digging up all the top soil in a traditional garden and throwing it out or composting it. Just like traditional gardeners, I amend my soil and treat pest problems as they arise.

By: Janie

Janie — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:58:26 +0000

Choose a good potting soil. I have found regular “dirt” compacts too much in a pot. New potting soil is full of nutrients. Throw the “used soil” on the compost pile to be used next year after it’s been turned in with other compost.

By: Fern

Fern — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:45:32 +0000

Jen — No Sweet Potato Vine in Oregon? Maybe it’s too wet for it up there?

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:59:45 +0000

Beautiful container…I miss Ipomea, for some reason I rarely see it up here. I like the black-leaved one too.

By: Fern

Fern — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:09:54 +0000

Sue — I baby my plants, I think it would make me too nervous to stress them by allowing them to wilt a little before watering. Also, I have too many pots, and several that are too large, to soak them in a bucket. But I know several people who like that method of watering.

By: Sue (Catmint)

Sue (Catmint) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:30:19 +0000

I often wait until the plants actually tell me they’re thirsty because they droop. Then I soak them in a bucket of water until they’re saturated and the bubbles stop rising. But I don’t know if that is a commandment, probably it is just a peculiarity.