{"id":19860,"date":"2021-09-03T10:00:41","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T14:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crescentgarden.com\/?p=19860"},"modified":"2023-05-24T19:40:47","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T23:40:47","slug":"how-to-create-a-high-impact-summer-foodscape-container-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crescentgarden.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-high-impact-summer-foodscape-container-garden-by-brie-arthur\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a High-Impact Summer Foodscape Container Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before you\u00a0begin\u00a0planting, here\u00a0are\u00a0a few important tips to keep in mind for a successful\u00a0container gardening\u00a0experience!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Location<\/h2>\n

Full sun is best for\u00a0traditional vegetables, which means 4-6+\u00a0hours\u00a0of direct light.\u00a0This exposure\u00a0will ensure that you will have ample harvests\u00a0from fruiting varieties such as eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes\u00a0all summer long.\u00a0If\u00a0you\u00a0happen to\u00a0garden in more shade,\u00a0however,\u00a0have no fear! Leafy greens like\u00a0kale, lettuce, and spinach\u00a0thrive in less direct sunlight.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another key to success is to\u00a0position\u00a0your container\u00a0garden\u00a0near a water source. No matter what you are growing, you will have to water through the heat of the summer.\u00a0And keep in mind,\u00a0container combinations get thirsty.\u00a0The\u00a0<\/span>Crescent Garden\u00a0TruDrop\u00a0One<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>TruDrop\u00a0Flex<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are great for making sure your garden is getting plenty of water,\u00a0thanks to their self-watering technology\u00a0that will help keep your foodscape combination hydrated!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also be sure to\u00a0place\u00a0your pot in\u00a0a convenient spot for harvesting. One of my favorite areas to display foodscape containers is right outside my kitchen door. This is a spot that I walk past regularly, have a hose adjacent\u00a0to, receives southern exposure,\u00a0and is easy to harvest from.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types Of Containers<\/h2>\n

The Crescent Garden\u00a0container line offers a wide variety of\u00a0styles, sizes,\u00a0and colors that are guaranteed to make your foodscape combination look great all\u00a0season!\u00a0The\u00a0<\/span>Madison<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is one of my long-time favorite planters because I can grow so many different plants together for dynamic combinations.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite being over a decade old,\u00a0my\u00a0<\/span>Juno<\/span><\/a>\u00a0pot looks brand new! This year I planted my 5-year-old Key Lime tree into it, and I expect a huge harvest later this summer.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>Mod Low Square<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is another fantastic Crescent Garden pot. This design is extra efficient through the heat of the summer because it has the\u00a0built in\u00a0TruDrop\u00a0One system, an innovative self-watering capacity to reduce my need to irrigate!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My all-time favorite planter\u00a0for container gardening\u00a0is the\u00a0<\/span>Nest<\/span><\/a>, which also features the self-watering\u00a0TruDrop\u00a0system. This raised bed is perfect from growing foodscape combinations\u00a0year-round!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Soil & Mulch<\/h2>\n

Traditional potting soil works well for foodscape containers. My recommendation is to use the soil you are experienced with.\u00a0\u00a0After planting,\u00a0be sure to mulch your pot with your choice of top dressing.\u00a0 This will help maintain moisture and eliminate any soil splash during heavy rainstorms.\u00a0 I use triple shred hardwood mulch most often, but also recommend pea gravel,\u00a0Permatill\u00a0(to deter squirrels and chipmunks), and even well washed shells.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Creating the right container potting mix can deter your animal friends from getting into your new plants.<\/p><\/div>\n

Fertilizer<\/h2>\n

As an organic gardener, I recommend natural fertilizers which will lead you to long-term\u00a0success. One of the main things to avoid with fertilizer is using a ratio that is too\u00a0strong,\u00a0\u00a0which\u00a0can lead to the plants growing excessively and then succumbing to insect\u00a0infestations.\u00a0The\u00a0Espoma\u00a0line of fertilizers, such as\u00a0GardenTone,\u00a0work great for containers when first planted.\u00a0I\u00a0also\u00a0apply\u00a0fish emulsion\u00a0or liquid kelp to all my containers\u00a0once a month\u00a0between\u00a0May\u00a0and\u00a0September\u00a0to ensure all the plants get the nutrients\u00a0they need to thrive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Insect Control<\/h2>\n

Insect\u00a0infestations\u00a0are usually much lower when growing in containers. However, if you have a sudden outbreak\u00a0of aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs, insecticidal soap is\u00a0the easiest and safest remedy. And you can even make your own!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

INGREDIENTS:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Soap:\u202f<\/span><\/b>Pure Castille soap has fatty acids and dissolves in water<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Water:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Tap or distilled depending on your water quality<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Bottle:\u202f<\/span><\/b> 1\u00a0quart of water per 1 tablespoon of soap<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    HOW TO:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Step 1: fill 1-quart spray bottle up with warm water<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of soap<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Step 3: Screw on the lid and shake to mix well<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      VARIATIONS:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar will help with powdery mildew<\/span><\/li>\n
      • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil will allow the spray stick longer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Caterpillars can also commonly cause damage to your favorite summer veggie plants. The easiest and safest way to control problem caterpillars such as cabbage worms and tomato hornworms is applying\u00a0<\/span>Bacillus\u00a0thuringeiensis<\/span><\/i> (BT). This bacterium is rated as organic and is safe to apply\u00a0on\u00a0food crops.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Watering and Maintenance<\/h2>\n

        There is no \u201cone size fits all\u201d rule to watering. My best advice is simple: if a plant is wilting water it! Also, stick your finger in the soil to check\u00a0the\u00a0moisture content.\u00a0The great thing about growing in Crescent\u00a0Garden\u00a0TruDrop\u00a0self-watering pots is that your irrigation needs are considerably lower.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Remember that plants grow fast, and some will benefit from trimming through-out the season. My rule of thumb is, if a plant gets ugly, remove and replace it!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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        Enjoy renewing and replacing as needed.<\/p><\/div>\n

        Warm Season Foodscape Combinations<\/h2>\n