1. Wyandotte County Kansas State Research & Extension
Container Gardening
Wyandotte County
Kansas State Research & Extension

2. Container Gardening
Gardening in small spaces – patios, balconies, window boxes
Mobile gardening – move the plants to new locations; entertaining
Less strenuous than conventional gardening

3. Challenges Plants may be under more stress from an exposed location
Plants need more regular watering
Large containers can be expensive and difficult to move when filled with potting mix.

4. Containers A variety of styles & sizes
It is essential that the container has holes in the bottom for drainage
Plastic, clay, and wood containers
- porous or non-porous (moisture)
- weight of the container
Size of container – balance between top growth and root systems of plants
flowers & small vegetables 6” vegetables & roses gal

5. Creative Containers

6. Potting Mixes Soilless mix – does not contain soil
Additional ingredients – peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite
Rapid drainage, but still hold sufficient water and nutrients for plant growth

7. Potting Mixes Purchase from nursery or garden stores
Make your own potting mix
2 parts sandy loam soil
1 part sphagnum peat moss
1 part perlite

8. Potting Mixes Free of disease organisms, insects, or weeds
Do NOT put rocks
or pebbles in the
bottom of the
container

9. Plant Selection
One species or combining plants textures colors shapes/forms heights
Use complimentary color purple & yellow blue & orange red & green

10. What to Grow?
Flowers sunny locations: marigolds, geraniums, periwinkle (vinca), petunias shady locations: impatiens, begonias
Vegetables lettuce, red chard, flowering cabbage & kale, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers
Herbs basil, chives, thyme, mint

11. Hanging Baskets Originally designed to hang from trees
Minimum basket size = 14”-16”
Extend the length of the baskets chain or rope so that the plant is at eye level
Plants dry out quickly, so check soil frequently
May need to remove basket during high winds to prevent wind damage

14. Container Gardening
You are growing a plant with a small, constricted root system so regular fertilizing and watering is important!

15. Watering Water is lost quickly from containers
How often to water will depend on the type of plant, potting mix, type of container, and weather conditions
Stick your finger in the top inch or so of the potting mix to feel for dryness
Apply sufficient water to allow a small amount to come out of the bottom drain holes.

16. Fertilizing
Water soluble fertilizers ¼ recommended rate every other watering unless continuous feeding directions are available
Time release (controlled release) fertilizers designed to release fertilizer gradually over a long period of time.

17. Pest Control Insects & Diseases
Can be a problem because plants are growing under more stress & with a limited root system
Use control measures used in conventional gardening