Potting Mix
A lightweight potting mix should be used for container gardening.  oil straight from the garden shouldn’t be used in a container because it is usually too heavy, and clay soil should be avoided. The soil should be porous in order to support the plants because the roots require both air and water. Packaged potting soil available at local garden centers is relatively lightweight.

Water and Fertilizer
One of the main drawbacks to container gardening is the fact that your plants will need continual watering and fertilizing. The roots of the plants are confined in the container, and they use all the water that is available to them. Also, remember that with the constant watering, many of the nutrients in the soil are leached when the water drains out of the bottom of the container.  There are some good all-purpose fertilizers on the market.  Slow-release fertilizer needs to be added at planting time and should be thoroughly incorporated in the soil mix.  Look for a complete balanced type such as a 10-10-10 formulation. Water-soluble fertilizers are added about mid-season when the plants begin to produce or bloom. A fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (P), will stimulate blooms. You can also use manure or compost for organic container gardening.  

Watering your plants this time of year is obviously a real concern and many may need to be watered twice a day. For those with automatic watering systems you can add a small hose and sprinkler through the watering system, and this will take care of watering, especially while you are out of town.

Thank you to Akin’s Nursery & Landscape for the containers and arrangements in the photos!