Comments on: Container gardening

By: brian kaminskas

brian kaminskas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:45:28 +0000

I built many large self watering containers from a website offering the plans, where one container is fitted into another after a small pond basket is attached to the bottom of the inside one. The completed project provides a water chamber on the bottom, with overflow holes to prevent overfilling, and a planters mix bed in the upper container where the pond basket, also filled with planters mix, extends into the water reservoir. Water is added through a pipe directly into the lower container. I have blossom end rot on many plants and suspect the watering situation. I added lime to the mix bed before planting. Any suggestions?

Hi Brian
I agree, it sounds like a watering issue. Blossom end rot is caused by uneven supply of water making calcium unavailable when the fruit is forming.

By: Marianne

Marianne — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:41:26 +0000

Central Illinois questions about time of day to water and fertilize container grown tomatoes, peppers, zuchinni. Also what ratio of fertilizer.
These containers are in full sun.

The best time to water is in the morning, so that the plant have all day to utilize the moisture. In hot weather you may have to water twice a day-avoid watering in the evening if you can. Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 or recommended vegetable fertilizer. Look at the recommended dosage on the fertilizer label.

By: Sara

Sara — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:33:33 +0000

I am in Wisconsin.
I have container grown peppers.
The leaves are turning brown around the edges only, as if they are burnt.
Ideas, please?!?!?!

There are a number of problems that can cause this symptom -not enough fertilizer, too much fertilizer, overwatering, underwatering, low humidity, air pollution and wrong ph. I would examine the first four(especially overwatering/underwatering) and see what you need to change.

Container gardening

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:22:19 +0000

Can I plant pumpkins in a container? If so, when should I transplant it?

Yes, you can start them in a container. In the cooler climate they should be started indoors around May and then planted outdoors when the weather permits (early June). Pumpkins are a warm weather crop and do not tolerate cold temps. This time of year, you can plant seeds directly into the ground. It may be too late for the cooler regions because they need 100+days to develop and produce pumpkins before the frost. In warmer climates you may still have a chance as the growing season is longer.

By: Melissa Perkins

Melissa Perkins — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:06:27 +0000

I have obtained a couple of whiskey barrels from my local distillery. I was wondering if there was anything special other than cutting, cleaning it out, and letting it dry out that I needed to do to make them planters.

That’s about all you need to do if you are using them for planters. You can also add some material into the bottom of the barrel to help with drainage and weight. A friend of mine suggested crushed cans, broken up clay pots – don’t make it too heavy or you won’t be able to move it. Whiskey barrels make great planters.

Jim H.
Can someone please give me instructions on how to make planters out of discarded car tires? Thank you.

Go to http://suite101.com �Felder makes a tire planter”. It has step by step pictures of the procedure.

By: kapusta

kapusta — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:24:42 +0000

What fruits and vegetables can be planted in pots for city gardening?

There are many vegetables and some fruits that can easily be grown in container. Vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucs, beans, lettuce, potatoes and fruits like strawberries, are easily adaptable to container gardening. The important part is choosing which ones you would enjoy growing. There are varieties that are specially bred to grow in containers and can be found in seed catalogs. Some of the important things about container gardening is maintaining moisture in the heat of summer and providing ample nutrients (fertilizer) which leach out of the soil when watering. There are great books on Container Gardening that can help you get started and the University Extension has some helpful publications as well.