Here’s what you’ll need:

1.) The first thing you’ll need is the container. And you know what? Any container will work, as long as

it’s large enough to support the root system of the plants you intend on growing in it, and that it has

excellent drainage holes. There are so many pots and decorative containers to chose from today, it’s

unreal. But again, size and great drainage are the 2 most important factors. Do not add gravel to assist

in drainage. All it does is add weight to the pot!

2.) Next, you’ll need a good soil-less potting mix. These mixes are what the professional use, and

although there are many brands to chose from, the basic ingredients include sphagnum peat moss,

vermiculite, perlite, and sometimes a small finely ground pine bark. Forget the 99cent bags of

muck…invest in the soil-less mixes. And remember, you can use them year after year. Depending on the

soil-less mix, you may want to add extra Pine Soil Conditioner to the mix (25-30% pine soil conditioner).

Combining soil-less potting mix and Pine Soil Conditioner makes one very nice growing medium!

3.) Soil-less mixes are basically nutrient free, so you’ll need to add a little fertilizer to the mix. Use a

slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote for a slow all season feeding, and then supplement additional

feedings as needed with good old Miracle Gro, Fish Emulsion, or fertilizer of your choice, and feed as

needed depending on what you’ll be growing in your containers.

4.) And here’s a real secret to container gardening. Plants in containers will be depending on you for

water. So make sure you have a good water wand. And to help cut down on your watering, add Soil

Moist to your soil-less mix. These tiny polymers absorb water, swelling to 200 times their original size,

and as the soil-less mix becomes dry, the Soil Moist releases water back to the soil, basically cutting

your watering in half. Also consider using ‘Aqua Cones’ to help reduce your watering times.