Question: Thursday, April 27, 2000
My containers last year did not grow well. They were always drying out and when I watered the mawter just ran through. This year I purchased container soil with pater retension crystals. Do the containers have to have a drain hole? What do I put in the bottom of the pot. For containers on a bakers rack how deep should they be to grow ivy geraniums etc.?
Answer:
Container plants should never be allowed to dry out. Stand the container on a saucer and water thoroughly until water exits through the drainage hole. After thirty minutes throw away any remaining water in the saucer; the plant will have absorbed all it requires. Water retention crystals will extend the period of time between waterings. If you need to prevent the soil from washing out place some broken crocks or gravel at the bottom of the container. Ivy geraniums will grow in a depth of 3-4 in. minimum.
Groundskeeper@marksgarden.com
