So, if you have read my last post, and want to know how to shop for plants at a big box store, here is part two ( a few days late). We have had fall-ish weather all week here, but the forecast for the next few days is back to summer weather with a bang. So if you get to the store to buy some plants before you head to the beach, plan ahead ! I am going to suggest a veggie planter.
First, figure out where you might want your planter to go. Make sure you have easy access to water, because no matter what you do next, plants in containers need to be watered more than plants in the ground. Try for a spot that gets mostly sun, but some afternoon shade . In high summer, plants can scorch to death without some relief from the sun. If you can't get some shady time, there are ways to design that into your container.
Next, pick your container. If you are a good thrift store shopper or thrash picker, you can get containers for almost nothing. Try for something different, like an old kids wagon, or the lid from an old grill, or a couple of cinder blocks. Drill holes for drainage.
Next , get your soil. If you must buy soil, get a block of 100% peat (usually near the back, not with the "miracle" products), and a couple of bags of organic soil or cured manure ( yes, you have to read the ingredients on these bags. There should be nothing but peat, and nothing but soil or manure in what you buy).
Next, your plants. We are in early summer here, so only buy hot weather loving plants. If you are looking for color, try getting two or three hot pepper plants. They are so pretty when the peppers ripen! Get just one tomato plant, unless your "pot" is huge.Get one marigold plant.
Lastly, your plant will need support as they grow. This could be an old broom handle painted green, some cut bamboo bummed from a neighbor, or a two by six bought from the scrap the big box store sells at a discount.
Tomorrow : what to do when you get it all home!
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