A Winter Container Garden

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CONTAINER PLANTING TIPS

In the course of my experiments with winter container gardening, I've picked up some general knowledge that I would like to pass on.

Pots: Almost anything will do, from plastic milk containers to redwood planters, as long as they're big enough and have drainage holes in the bottom. However, I prefer plastic pots that are squared off at the bottom to allow the plant roots to spread. These are also lighter than clay pots (you may be moving them a lot), and they do a better job of reducing evaporation. Containers 8" to 11 " in diameter-which can be purchased from most garden supply stores for about $1.25 to $2.00 - proved to be adequate for all the types of produce I've grown so far.

Soil: I use regular potting soil, which costs about $3.00 for 40 pounds and can be used over and over again as long as a good fertilizer is applied at regular intervals. Each 11 " pot for broccoli needs about 20 pounds of soil. The other plants can be grown in smaller containers. (You could also, of course, mix your own potting medium . . . recipes can be found in many garden books.)

Watering: When outside in the summer, container-grown plants generally need water at least once a day. I don't use saucers outdoors, but they're essential indoors to protect your floors. In winter, a soaking every week or so is usually enough . . . but do check your plants more often than that. If they feel dry, douse them. Mature vegetables tend to get thirsty, and they won't suffer if they have "wet feet."

Fertilizing: Generally speaking, you will have to feed your pot-grown vegetables more often than you would garden plants, because the frequent watering washes away the nutrients. If you use a fertilizer that must be scratched into the dirt, be careful not to damage your plants' roots. If they become exposed, sprinkle the fertilizer over the surface and then cover it with more potting soil. Feeding should be done every week or biweekly while the plants are outside, but it can be discontinued during the winter.

Sunlight: Leafy crops need at least six hours of sunlight in the summer, and flowering plants should have two or three hours more. If one location isn't bright enough, simply move the pots to follow the sun. Once they're mature and indoors, though, this factor isn't as critical. They'll pretty much make do with what's available until you're ready to harvest.

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