Year-Round Container Gardening Tips for Beginners

Container gardening can offer many rewards for the apartment dweller. The aesthetics that plants provide as well as their usefulness in filtering indoor air make them nice additions in any small space. Plants need water, fertilizer, regular cleaning and pruning to stay healthy; therefore, it’s important you make sure your maintenance schedule is regulated throughout the year.

Water Plants on a Regular Basis

Plants should be watered on a regular basis or usually twice a week. Typically, if you stick your index finger in the soil and it’s dry, it’s time to give your plant a thorough watering. Be careful not to let your soil form into a dry crust as this will cut off air circulation to the roots of the plants. While plants usually need more watering during the spring, summer and fall, they require less water during the winter months when they’re generally dormant.

Make sure your plants are in containers that provide drainage and water from the bottom as well as the top. Place pots on a layer of aquarium gravel to assist in drainage. Also, mist plants for optimum moisture. For hanging plants, place shower caps on the bottoms of containers to catch excess water, then remove the caps once the water is fully drained. Make sure the water is room temperature as water that is too cold will cause white spots to form on the leaves of some plants.

Wash the Leaves of Plants to Keep them Pest-Free

Wash the leaves of plants throughout the year on a monthly basis with one tablespoon of mild dish soap in a pint of warm water. Use a soft cloth to do the chore. If you find small white fragments between the leaves, for instance, this can be a sign of infestation and the affected area should be swabbed with alcohol. If you suspect a bug problem, place the plant in an isolated area away from other plants until the problem is resolved.

Feed Plants with Fertilizer on a Monthly Basis

Plants should be fertilized throughout the year on a monthly basis except in the months of December and January when they are in a state of dormancy. Also, fertilization can be withheld for about a month after buying new plants as they’re usually adequately fertilized. Use a water soluble fertilizer such as one containing fish and kelp as this kind of plant food will not burn the leaves of plants. If your plant’s leaves are yellow-green, lack of fertilization is usually the cause.

Prune Plants throughout the Year for Healthy Growth

Prune your plants to promote the healthy compact growth of foliage. Remove any wilted leaves or faded blossoms as well. Maintain a weekly schedule to keep your plants looking their best.

Take Cuttings for New Growth

For propagation purposes, take cuttings from pruned plants to encourage new plant growth Use a mix of one-half peat moss and one-half sand as the rooting medium. Place the potted cuttings in an aquarium for a couple weeks to supply them with the required moisture in order to grow.

By following the above information, you can enjoy a container garden in your apartment that will thrive year-round. Keep the above tips in mind for notable results.