QUESTION OF THE WEEK
How can I have container gardens like in the magazines?
Answer: First, move somewhere cooler! But really, it’s easy to have lush container gardens in spring, but it can be tough in summer. So, first, be sure to pick plants that can really take the heat. And like in flowerbeds and borders, suit the plant for its site. In addition, “full sun” may not be the best thing for a container plant on a western-facing white-rocked patio. Others thrive on that situation, but most of our container plants appreciate some afternoon shade. Select accordingly.
Next, use large containers. This will cut down on your watering chores and reduce plant stress since its roots won’t dry out as quickly.
On containers, think about the material. I have some cast iron pots that are just too hot for plants in summer. The light weight polycarbonates that are sort of insulated seem to help. When you select your container, think about the plants that will be in it. Some plants want more even moisture, where succulents and cacti want a well-draining situation that “breathes.”
Cute small containers are just that and may only be best for temporary settings. Again, it depends on the situation and the plant. But putting a plant in a tiny container in direct sun in July will usually not meet with great success!
Adequate water. Avoid drying out the plant but also avoid drowning it. Like plants in the ground, this may take some experimenting. It will depend on the container, potting soil, temperature, humidity, wind, and the plant itself.
Mulch. It looks nice, protects the leaves from disease splashing up, and conserves moisture.
Deadhead/clean up. In a large garden, it’s easier to get away with a little laziness. Up close in a featured container, scruffiness is more evident. If it’s a flowering plant, this will encourage a bushier form and more flowers. If a foliar plant, keep it cleaned up from spent leaves if necessary.
Fertilize.
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PLANT OF THE WEEK
Softleaf Yucca
(Yucca recurvifolia/Yucca pendula)
Softleaf yucca has beautiful green-blue evergreen foliage that adds soothing complementary color and structure in the garden. It’s an extremely drought-tolerant plant that tolerates moist soil as well, and partial shade as well as full sun. The trunks are unbranched and can grow to 5’ or more. It sends up a 3-5’ spike with cream colored flowers in summer. Although its pendulous leaves are soft, the tips are sharp.
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PLANTING TIPS OF THE WEEK
- Plant more tomatoes and peppers.
- Watch out for spider mites. They love hot, dry conditions. Spoil their party by spraying them with water. Every time you turn a water hose upside down, and spray the bottoms of the leaves, you really mess the spider mites up. And even though they’ll still be around, there will be very few of them and they won’t be enough to do your plants much damage. Just water alone can control them if you, once a week or so, spray the undersides of your foliage.
- Pecans and persimmons are carrying those fruits and nuts for the fall harvest. You want to make sure they get adequate water. If we don’t get good water this time of year, the fruits’ sizes will be smaller, and in some cases late in the season, the pecans just won’t fill out as well. So a good soaking once a week is a good idea.
- Cut back summer blooming shrubs to promote a new bloom cycle.
- And finally if you have any summer blooming shrubs, cut them back now, and get a new bloom cycle, and they’ll be just fine.
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THIS WEEK'S FEATURE
Debra Prinzing and William Wright tour innovative ideas that turn utilitarian structures into Stylish Sheds & Elegant Hideways.
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