Small Space Gardening

CONTAINERS

You can fill your available space with loads of plants by using containers. Select pots wisely as well, in accordance with plant needs. Unglazed clay is great
for plants that like to dry out completely

between watering. Painted or glazed clay pots are ideal for varieties that do not like their roots too dry. Cement pots are good for succulents and cacti that don’t like soggy soil but find unglazed clay too drying. Always watch your plants, however, to see if they have too much drainage or not enough. If so, a container switch may be in order.

Looking to be economical? Recycle yogurt and other containers by drilling a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Get creative:

wrap the container in old fabric or used wrapping paper (leaving your drainage holes free). Old wooden boxes also make good planters. If a container has drainage, it can be upcycled or repurposed.

Remember to leave a half an inch from the top of the container for mulch: gravel, perlite, or vermiculite. This way, when you water, soil will not splash outside the pot.

What should you plant? Take a trip to your local nursery and ask for their guidance – let them know how much sunlight the space gets, and whether or not you plan to irrigate the containers. Finally, don’t shy away from big plants. One or two large plants in a small space, with smaller plants in their shade canopies, can make an area feel lush and larger.

GO VERTICAL

You can purchase vertical plant pockets to hang on a wall. Search “garden-wall grow bags” on the internet. Or make

your own vertical planting space: flip used, untreated pallets on their side and fit them with boards to make planting slots. Plant vines in a container and train them up a patio cover or along a fence to create the illusion of an expansive green haven.

Once a month during hotter times, fill a bucket with a weak application of liquid fertilizer solution and water, just enough to submerge a pot to its rim. Soak your potted plant until it stops bubbling. This practice ensures that air and dry pockets will not be stressing your pot-bound babies. Most of all—have fun!

PLANT BEAUTIFUL ORCHIDS

From contemporary to rustic containers, you can arrange orchids in recycled bowls, Mason jars, fish bowls, or whatever glass or vase you have available at home. Cymbidiums are an easy-to-grow orchid varietal in San Diego and along the coast in California. Most Cymbidiums begin blooming in January and require a well-draining potting mix of orchid bark. They like to be crowded in pots and are easy to split and share.

The country’s first floral delivery service (FTD) matches meanings to each orchid color. A yellow-colored orchid, for example, conveys friendship and a new beginning. Pink orchids symbolize joy, grace and femininity. White orchids convey innocence, elegance and pureness. Orange-colored orchids symbolize boldness, pride and enthusiasm. Lastly, a purple-colored orchid symbolizes admiration, royalty or a sign of respect.

Orchid displays can be found in many public gardens throughout the United States, including the San Diego Zoo. The Los Angeles Times rated The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show together with the U.K.’s famed Chelsea Flower Show as the most prestigious international flower shows for orchids. Closer to home, the San Diego Botanic Garden will host the “World ofOrchids” from May 4–27, 2024. These are wonderful opportunities to experience a variety of orchids and even take one or two

home with you.

Article source: Master Gardener Association of San Diego County