Page 36 - Discover Summer 2021
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66 Years CONTINUED
Weeder’s Digest CONTINUED
between watering. But too much water non-petroleum based soil mixture
is as harmful as too little water. So to get the best nutrients from your
whether your container sits on a dock veggies. These soil mixtures are very
or by your front door, never assume a light and dry out quickly, so consider
container needs water without checking adding either bagged cow manure (great
first by putting your finger into the soil for tomatoes) or a cured compost,
up to your knuckle. If your finger tip which are very dense and will slow
feels dry, then water. Do not let your drainage and provide natural nutrients.
container sit with water in its catch Vegetables grow very quickly so feed
basin because too much water will rot them monthly with an organic slow
plants’ roots. release food such as Espoma’s Tomato
Tone or Garden Tone. Also, as the old
To bring out the best in your plants,
you will need to feed your containers saying goes, add a Tums to your veggies
mid-season even if you use a soil so they do not give you heart burn
mixture that includes a slow-release when they get bloom end rot from a
fertilizer. The plants’ rapid growth and lack of calcium and magnesium or add
frequent watering will use up and wash a handful of lime to the container when
through essential elements, so use an planting. Finally, place tomato cages
additional slow release fertilizer mid early to support your tomatoes so that
way through the season to give your you do not to harm the roots later.
containers a boost. The plants in your Have fun with your containers – let
container are literally stranded on an your imagination go wild and you will
island away from the nutrients found be awarded with unique and beautiful
naturally in your garden, and therefore garden accents. And if you choose
need these extra supplements to thrive. to plant veggies and herbs in your
Want to grow tomatoes or containers, happy harvesting.
cucumbers on your porch? It’s easier Bob Siren is the go-to guy at Powers
than you think. First, you will need Landscape and Irrigation. Feel free to
a big container (at least ten gallons) stop by with your questions, or call him
to allow for the rapid growth rate of at (540) 890-9051
these plants. Next, use an organic
34 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SUMMER 2021
