QuestionI'm a novice gardener who wants to put together a small container garden this spring on some vacant lots in Baltimore. I am involved with sculpture students so we can design and build our own things pretty easily. We have a small budget and seek to recycle as much as possible. The materials we have access to are: wood, plexiglass, and whatever we find lying around. We have found many suitable small containers but are wondering what type of big container might work. There is also a big rat problem in the area and I wonder if you have ever dealt with rodents and how. My major questions are:
1. What plants work grow easiest in containers?
2. What type of soil should I use?
3. what type of containers do you find work best?
Answer1. most perennials(succulents, sedum, etc.) will tolerate sun and dry conditions. most anuals will take sun but need a little more attention.
2. buy a good commercial mix in large bags(2-3 CF) like redimix, miracle grow indoor plant soil, etc.
3. anything that has drainage in the bottom. from metal to clay to plastic.
added info: for containers water by weight. put a saucer under the pot. water and let the plant sit in the excess water for 5-10 minutes. after that time pour off any excess water in the saucer. pick up or tilt the pot. it should feel heavy. don't water again until it feels considerably lighter in weight. outdoors check the plant everyday. indoors check it every 3-10 days. watering frequency depends on many factors(sun exposure, type of plant, wind, day temps, etc.).
get to a local garden center/nursery and tell them what you are doing. buy your products from them and they should be more than happy to help you.
rats are best controled by using bait boxes designed for trapping(or killing) them. the garden center should be able to recmmend someplace(hardware store, etc.) that sells bait boxes for controling rats.
good luck.
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