Category — Winter container gardening

Container Gardening – Ideal During Winter

Green vegetation and colorful blossoms add color to the surroundings. However during the winter months, the landscape appears drab and depressing which is a grouse that most people have, besides complaints of freezing temperatures. Probably, any color appearing during November through February would be due to holiday displays. Winter container gardening is a beautiful way to spruce up the front of the house, the patio or deck with colorful displays of plants and flowers.

Container gardening in the ordinary sense is very easy and convenient, because any type of container will serve the purpose. Winter container gardening on the other hand needs to be approached differently. The container must be frost proof. Selection of the right type of container is of paramount importance. Ceramic or terracotta pots are not the best choice for winter gardening, as they tend to crumble in extremely cold climates. Metal, wood or resin containers with the customary drainage hole are ideal for winter container gardening.

The next step is to add the soil into the container. Due to dry winter conditions, extra moisture is essential for the plant growth. A soil mix containing sphagnum moss and peat may be used in winter container gardening. Experts recommend mixing polymer granules to retain water in the soil. The container is ready for planting once it is filled with soil. Plant nurseries usually stock seasonal plants for sale. A visit to the local nursery may provide plants like ornamental cabbage that can be grown in winter. Variegated sage is a beautiful plant, so also ornamental chard. Pansies are sturdy plants and have the ability to bounce back after a freezing winter. Pansies can add more color and variety to the display. A little imagination can go a long way in getting a beautiful winter garden display. Ornamental cabbage can be the focal point of the display with ivy gracefully trailing over the sides of the container. Smaller plants may be planted around the ornamental cabbage with pansies to add a splash of color.

Winter container gardening is worth the effort for the pleasing effect it has on the landscape. Since the container is portable, it can be used as holiday table decorations or generally add color to an otherwise drab scene, reminding all that spring is not far away. Winter gardening is not a difficult task if one wishes to add the warmth of color to the cold winter months.

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