Maximum Yield USA May 2017 | Page 126

A pot ’ s construction and materials can have an impact on plant health and longevity .”
beginner ' s corner
DO consider using self-watering pots and containers .
If you have dozens of things to do every day and figure watering the petunias won ’ t ever top the list , using a cheat like a self-watering pot is a good idea . These containers have onboard reservoirs that release water into the soil as needed through a natural process called capillary action . They ’ re available in several sizes and configurations . Convenience pots cost a little more , but if you worry about unintended negligence , you ’ re likely to suffer fewer plant losses .

Cleanliness

Bacteria , fungi , and insect incursions can quickly devastate container plants . Living in an environment where water may be available only sporadically and the temperature and humidity can change fast and often , stresses plants and can lead to lowered resistance to disease . Keeping things clean is added insurance against problems .
DON ’ T reuse pots without sterilizing them .
Clean loose material from containers and soak them in a bleach solution ( one part bleach to nine parts water ) for an hour or more . Drain and rinse . Dry , clean containers can be used immediately or stored .

A pot ’ s construction and materials can have an impact on plant health and longevity .”

DO remove mineral deposits .
If you don ’ t consider the mineral deposits on your pots a badge of honor , you can get rid of them with a little elbow grease and a 50 / 50 mixture of water and white vinegar . Brush deposits with an old toothbrush and rinse .
DO clean your gardening tools .
While you ’ re sterilizing pots , throw your hand tools into the mixture too . Tools should be cleaned at least once a year . And be sure to wash your garden gloves with soap and water . If they ’ re leather , you can lather up and clean them while wearing them . They ’ ll be more likely to hold their shape that way .

Soil Considerations

If you take a close look at the media used in most standard container gardens , you ’ ll notice it ’ s lightweight and porous . That ’ s no accident . Typical garden soil is inappropriate for container gardening because it ’ s too dense . It tends to compact and clump , making it difficult for plant roots to move around and inhibiting the flow of water through the pot .
DO use a specially formulated potting mix .
There are numerous quality potting mixes on the market . A few include additives like hydrogels , which are polymers that act as spherical reservoirs for water . Most potting mixes contain little or no soil , opting instead for a combination of ingredients that anchor plant roots and stems but still provide good drainage , adequate aeration , nutrients , and a balanced pH . Some constituents found in potting mixes include peat moss , sand , perlite , shredded bark , coconut coir , and vermiculite . DON ’ T reuse potting soil .
It can be tempting to reuse potting mix , especially in pots that have housed annuals and are now free for new residents . Quality prepared mixes can be expensive . Dumping that nice , augmented media seems counterintuitive . However , pathogens can remain in potting mixes for months or longer . The safest way to protect container plants is to start with fresh media for every project .
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