Thinking Green: An Early Start on Gardening

Even though it's a cold outside in most parts of the country, it isn't too early to think about the garden. Spring will be here before you know it, so let's get prepared for making the garden look great.

And what better way than to give your plants a boost by planting them in pretty containers for an added zip?

Whether you live in condominium or a large home, containers can add color and style to a simple garden. To begin, there are three main elements to keep in mind when adding containers as a decor item in the garden:

· Choosing the pots
· Getting the right planting medium
· Selecting the plants

Most importantly, the key is to create a healthy growing environment for the plant roots. For a healthy root system, water must be able to pass quickly through the soil. As the water drains out, air replaces it in the soil and an exchange of carbon dioxide is made with the plant roots, so say the experts. This movement of water and air is essential to a healthy plant.

Here are some tips to help choose from the array of pots, troughs and boxes available at local home improvement and hardware stores:
· Pick the spot for your garden first and then find a container to suit it. For example, a wooden trough may look better in a rustic garden, and classic urn shaped pots are better choices for a casual country garden. In addition to style, pay attention to size and proportion of the containers.
· Consider the weight of the container -- not only empty, but filled with wet soil and plants. If there is a strong wind that cuts across your outdoor space, the container needs to be heavy enough so it doesn't tip. On the other hand, the structure on which the containers sit should be strong enough to hold them.
Here are some container choices:
· Clay/terracotta pots: These are attractive and complement a wide range of foliage and flowering plants. These are the traditional potting container because, in addition to draining well, they hold in moisture through their sides. This provides a drier root environment, which means less opportunity for root diseases. However, it also means more frequent watering is needed. If you tend to underwater, use terra cotta pots for only drought tolerant plants, or choose another type of container.
· Plastic pots: These are inexpensive, lightweight and functional, and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. If you don't like the look of plastic, try adding a faux finish or slip plastic pots inside other containers. If you tend to underwater your plants, plastic is a better choice than terra cotta, but they may need to be weighted down to stay in place.
· Wood containers: These look great in natural environments, and most plants do well in them. Wood drains better than plastic and can be heavy when planted. Choose containers made of hardwood, such as redwood, cedar or cypress, which don't rot out easily. Lining wood containers with plastic garbage bags will give added protection from moisture, but remember to provide proper drainage.
· Metal containers: These look good in contemporary settings. Galvanized containers are the best for planting -- they don't rust out. Unless the container was designed as a planter, drainage holes should be added to the bottom of the pot, or place other pots inside it.
· Fun stuff: If you're highly motivated or creative, miscellaneous items can add variety and whimsy to the garden. If you're going to plant directly in such items as watering cans, old boots, teapots or wheelbarrows consider drainage and air movement around the roots of the plants.
Selecting the right outdoor garden planter is very important to the success of your garden so be sure you've chosen the right one before "digging" in.

Written by Debbie L. Sklar