CUISINE & CULTURE
In last week’s column were tips to keep in-the-ground plants hydrated as temperatures soar. Today are some ideas to manage container-grown plants during the hot summer.
• Understand container growing. Plants grown in containers are totally dependent upon external irrigation. Unlike in-the-ground plants with roots that have an endless soil reservoir with which to access moisture, container-grown roots have access only to the media and moisture in the pot. Choose the right size container for the plant. Large plants need large containers. Media that rapidly dries out is likely in too small a container for the plant’s size.
• Container placement. This is the simplest way to circumvent high temperatures that accompany full sun. It is difficult to keep plants adequately hydrated that are growing in pots positioned to receive the hot afternoon sun. Water is quickly lost in plants that face the full brunt of the hot sun. If the containers can be moved, place them under the shade of a tree or in a position that has the hot western exposure blocked.
• Watering technique. Roots grow only in soil media that is sufficiently moist to support them. Frequent, shallow waterings wet only the surface, which will not encourage deep roots. Properly apply water by irrigating deeply and less frequently. Apply sufficient water to wet the entire media profile. The amount varies with pot size and the growing media, but the rule of thumb is to apply enough water that it drips out the bottom of the pot. Discard this water as standing water provides a culture for mosquitoes to breed and multiply.
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Containers that are crammed full of plant material will require more water and more frequent applications. Thin plants to adjust to the size of the pot.
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Fertilization.
It may seem like an anomaly to fertilize plants when trying to conserve water but light applications of a complete fertilizer leads to healthier plants. Stronger plants develop a more robust root system. Deeper roots are better able to withstand heat and droughts. Dilute applications can be made at the time of irrigations.
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Plant selection.
Lastly, although this could have been first on our list, choose container-grown plants wisely. Coaxing plants to thrive in shade, cool temperatures, constant moisture for optimum growth can be discouraging for even seasoned gardeners. Choose plants that can tolerate heat and intermittent droughts.
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
