Common Container Gardening Issues & Their Solutions
Written by - Kaitlynn from MIgardener
Container gardening is the perfect go-to for beginner and veteran gardeners alike. Every form of gardening from the container raised bed, or in-ground has its own set of common issues. For beginners especially, container gardening is the perfect place to learn. Today we will be discussing the three main types of container gardening problems and their solutions.
Overdoing It
If your plants are spindly, unproductive, or yellowing from the ground up, chances are you are paying too much attention to them! This is very common because the container gardens are placed in easy access places where they have your full attention. However, this easy access normally leads to excessive watering and fertilizing. Plants will bolt form nitrogen overload. The cell membranes of your plants will burst with overwatering and cause leaves to be limp and yellow. Giving your plants a regular feeding and watering schedule will help immensely. Also, insuring your pots have proper drainage will avoid issues that come with overwatering.
Right Plant, Right Place
You might have a style in mind when organizing your container garden. However, if you place varieties in the wrong spot it could lead to sun and temperature damage. Especially for apartment gardens, planting near a brick or concrete wall creates a microclimate. A microclimate happens when the heat of the day is increased from 10-20 degrees because of the warmth the wall adds. This is vital to take into consideration when placing plants. The great thing about this gardening style is if something isn't in the right place, you can pick it up and move it!
Container Spacing
Depending on the variety, multiple plants can fit into a container. The only time this can become a problem is when pruning is avoided and plants become overgrown in their pots. Potted plants can become ideal conditions for disease and pests. Airflow is very difficult to have without regular pruning. Additionally, fungal diseases spread much faster without aeration. Especially plant to plant in closely packed planters. Insects will have an easier time spreading. If they don't have easy access to other plants, insects will move much slower around the garden. Pruning is the best kind of attention to give your container garden.
Sources:
Did you find this post helpful? MIgardener is passionate about sharing free gardening tips and information! If you are looking for inspiration in the garden, make sure to check out our Pinterest page. New ideas and inspiration can be found there at any time.
Let us know in the Facebook comments what you would like to hear next from the MIgardener blog. I hope this little introduction sparked some curiosity for you. Check us out at MIgardener.com or on youtube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Leave a comment