Container Garden Tips from Dundee Nursery’s John Henning
Container gardens are becoming very popular with folks who don’t want to tend to a large space. Expert gardener John Henning, with Dundee nursery shows us how to plant herbs and tomatoes in a container.
1. Select a Container
You can plant a variety of plants in a pot, but first you have to select a container. The pot should be large enough to accommodate your plants. There are a variety of pots, some hand over railings, while others are designed to sit on the patio.
2. Pick the Right Soil
Henning says it’s important to make sure to use potting soil, something light, that’s not going to clog the bottom of the container, and stop water flow.
3. Choose Your Plants
Henning went with a variety of herbs, like thyme and basil. The experts also chose a tomato plant to fill a container. He says it’s very important to give plants the amble space to grow.
4. Planting Technique
Henning likes to break up the root system before placing the plant in potting soil. He said this will revive the root system and recommends cutting off the tops of the herbs when you first plant. Henning says doing this will encourage more growth and will help the roots to expand better.
However, you’ll have to use a different technique when it comes to planting tomatoes in a container. Henning doesn’t recommend cutting the tops off tomato plants, but he does suggest removing the lower branches off of plant, before placing in soil. He says this will allow you to place the plant in a deeper hole.
“Tomatoes will root out better, and they’ll strengthen the root system better,” says Henning.
5. Water a lot
The gardening expert recommends checking container gardens every day to see if plants need watering. Potted plants require more watering than plants that grow directly in the garden.
