Newark Ohio Garden Club

Like beauty in your outdoor spot, but not the work of “down on the knees”?  Consider a container this year. These tips should make your journey a success.

1. Choose a sturdy container such as Terra-cotta, metal, concrete, glazed, wood or faux materials. Prices vary with size.

2. Carefully select your plants. Here’s how at the nursery. Place one hand over the soil in the pot, carefully placing the plant’s stem between your fingers. Gently press sides of the pot as you tip it. The plant will be loosened from the container.

If you find a ‘plug’ in a 4″ pot, avoid it. Why? You’re paying more for a larger pot with a recently transplanted plant. It needs more growing time at the nursery.

If you find roots growing in a circle, it’s probably ‘root bound’. Pass it by. If you can’t resist the plant, loosen the roots gently when you get home. However, be aware the plant’s growth may be slowed.

3. Choose your potting mix. Soilless potting is fine because it’s free of soil borne diseases. Some current mixes contain fertilizer and water absorbing crystal. Good potting mixes will crumble in your hand when squeezed. Mixes with too much clay clump together. Read the labels.

Carolyn Hearing