New or recycled products come out each year to tempt gardeners into spending money and trying something new. As with all things, some are products are good and others will be found in garage sales or sitting by the curb on garbage day. Look at items critically before making a purchase.
Upside down planters have had mixed reviews due to the construction of some of the models available.
In theory using an upside down planter allows the plant to be hung in any sunny location. As the plant hangs, it will not need to be staked. Plants that are hung do not touch the ground eliminating problems with slugs.
On the down side, if the fruit becomes too heavy the stems will break and the fruit will fall to the ground. In the past their have been problems with the container collapsing under the weight of the wet soil, plant and fruit. Once again the plant will come crashing to the ground.
When purchasing an upside down planter, look for one that will hold a considerable amount of weight; plant, wet soil and fruit at maturity. Choose a variety of tomato that produces many smaller fruit that will reduce the strain on individual stems. Be sure that the hook or hanger used to hold the container will withstand the weight of the plant, soil, water and fruit at maturity.
Grow lights are popular with people that start their own bedding out plants. Normal florescent bulbs work for growing plants but others are available with a cost.
More importantly, look for grow lights that can be raised and lowered depending on the height of the crop. Lights that are too far above the crop will encourage the plants to grow tall and spindly.
Container gardening has always been popular in areas where land is in short supply. The concept is now becoming popular in Central Alberta because people are becoming more aware of the importance of fresh vegetables as opposed to the mass produced varieties found in stores.
Vegetables can be grown in any container if it is deep and large enough to hold soil, moisture and plants. Root crops such as carrots need a container that is slightly deeper than the root length at maturity. Lettuce can grow in a shallower container as the roots are relatively shallow and the crop grows upwards. Plants such as tomatoes, peas and beans have a large amount of top and root growth. Be sure to put them in a container with more depth.
Containers are like raised gardens, the containers themselves are warmed by the sun causing the soil to dry out faster than traditional gardens. The larger the container the more soil there is to absorb moisture and the less often it will need watered.
Planting in clay pellets or ceramic beads is back on the market. The theory behind the pellets is that they will hold moisture and allow plant roots to grow between the pellets. Plants can be planted in pellets or a mixture of pellets and soil. Soil that contains clay pellets is looser and plants can be removed from the pot and transplanted easily without damaging roots.
Clay pellets will absorb more moisture and release it slowly allowing for a longer time between watering.
On the other hand, most house plants die from being overwatered as opposed to being under watered. Adding a water retaining component to the soil could make this problem worse.
Take time to look over purchases to insure that they are realistic and useful before buying them and placing them under a tree this season.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lived near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com