Planting a Mobile Garden
The art of using containers for a summer flowers.
by Diane Alpeter
Container gardening is popular throughout the United States, even for those who don’t have to move at a moment’s notice! Beginning gardeners, individuals with limited or no yard space, and those who just want to do something small are utilizing container gardening, says Carl Wilson, horticulturist at Colorado State University Extension Office.
Besides practicality, container gardening allows for bursts of color and the opportunity for fresh vegetables throughout the year.
“Later, after deciding on the basics of your garden, many people have fun considering the color of blooms, the shape of blooms, the shape of foliage, the textures; that is the fun part,” he said. “It is like painting a picture with plants.”
Once you have made the decision to test your green thumb on container gardening, you must decide what your container is going to look like. Linda Naeve, urban agriculture specialist with Iowa State University (ISU) says just about any container would do, as long as it is large enough to accommodate the root systems of the plants you choose. Examples include; plastic or clay pots, old pails, buckets or hanging baskets. Drainage is essential, so ensure your container has at least four evenly spaced quarter-inch holes (which you may be able to drill yourself).
Soil type is important, as this will provide the home and nutrients for the selected plants.
“Stay away from pine soil with a high percentage of bark,” said James Romez, master gardener at ISU. “It is less expensive, it is not as good as some of the other soils, and you get what you pay for when it comes to potting soil.”
If you already have a container with quality potting soil less than three years old, Romez says that should do. Fertilizer can always be added to enrich the plants and soil.
The amount of light and temperature of the region you live in will assist in determining which plants will do well in your container. Those who live in Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, and Southern California may want to consider a Fireworks Begonia or a Pineapple Lily. Alaska residents may want to plant garden lilies, peonies, or red cabbage. In the tropics of Hawaii, containers may include daisies and geraniums.
“The first time gardener should not buy a lot of stuff,” said Romez. “Start with a couple of tomato plants or petunias or geraniums to build confidence. See how much time is involved, or not, and go from there.”
There are several design principles to consider in container gardening. Dr. Terry Starman of Texas A and M University Department of Horticultural Sciences said focus, balance, form, texture, rhythm and proportion are key in design.
Focus is the area the eye is first drawn. Using large, coarse, or bright colored plant material will bring the focus to your desired location. Balance brings symmetry to the container. Using almost identical elements on either side will assist in achieving this goal. Form is based on the size and shape of plants selected. Taller plants add height while low growing plants add filler and depth. Texture is created when utilizing coarse, medium and fine plants. Repeating color throughout the container adds rhythm and the rule of thumb for proportion is the tallest plant should not exceed twice the height of the container.