2022 SB Container Glog

This year I will be doing all container plants after letting my garden fall under to the Bermuda grass. Maybe I will get in there and go all scorched earth but for now I will do what I can on my patio. Seed sowed Feb 11, as of yesterday all except one had germinated. Those were some 5 year old banana peppers I was trying to get rid of, not sure if they will germ., but no harm if not. I have plenty other spares to take it’s place.

The plan is to harden off in the next couple of weeks and have everything outside by mid March. Wish me luck!

 

[thoroughburro]

Container crew, represent!

I’m looking forward to planting in the ground sometime, but it’s hard to give up the versatility, portability, and control over media of containers. Also, most importantly, I rent and can’t just tear up the lawn for a lovely vegetable garden!

What container sizes are you using? Have you decided on your media?

 

[SB42178]

Container crew, represent!

I’m looking forward to planting in the ground sometime, but it’s hard to give up the versatility, portability, and control over media of containers. Also, most importantly, I rent and can’t just tear up the lawn for a lovely vegetable garden!

What container sizes are you using? Have you decided on your media?

I have (12) 3 gallon fabric pots and (10) 5 gallon fabric pots. This is really all new to me as I have used a raised bed for the last 5 years at my current house. I know that I will have to water daily in the heat of the summer, but I don’t really mind that.

I was going back and forth between buying potting mix and making my own. There is so much info out there, so I’m trying to figure out what’s best for me.

 

[rgreenberg2000]

I'll be all containers, too... Four half wine barrels, and some 14" pots.

Good luck!

R

 

[PaulG]

@SB42178 - Good luck this season. The Red Savina is
a real classic. I'm growing one myself, so it will be fun
to see how yours compares.

When I first started growing in containers, I needed a
lot of soil, so I used 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat, and 1/3
horticultural pumice. The compost came from my yard,
and the other two bought in bulk at a landscape supply
company. Was less expensive than trying to buy potting
mix. I still use Fox Farms when I transplant from double
cups to 2-liter and #2NC containers. I recycle all my
potting soil, and amend the containers outside with
various additives. The soil in the big containers is now
10 ears old, and growing strong. The 18-20 gallon con-
tainers are basically like growing in the ground, they are
so deep.

 

[SB42178]

Could I sub perlite for the pumice? Not sure where I could find that..

 

[PaulG]

Could I sub perlite for the pumice? Not sure where I could find that..

Yes. I would actually have preferred perlite, but
they didn't have it in bulk at the supply place.
The pumice worked well, and last year when I
retired some damaged containers, even the soil
at the bottom broke apart easily due to the pumice.

If using perlite, try to find big bags of the chunky size
rather than the small stuff the garden stores sell.

 

[SB42178]

February 24 update; still waiting on last germination of banana peppers. Most have developed at least first set of true leaves. Will start some 1/4 strength dynagrow next weekend.

 

[PaulG]

Those are rocking' right along, @SB42178!
Will you have to transplant before plant-out?
Don't know when that is in your area.

 

[SB42178]

Those are rocking' right along, @SB42178!
Will you have to transplant before plant-out?
Don't know when that is in your area.

I should be putting them out in March, no transplanting again. I kinda had a snafu when starting and lost about 4 weeks, so they will be going out small….NEVER try to cut cost on your seed starting mix, it will not end well.

 

[SB42178]

Another week on the books. There is a cool front coming through this week, but plans are to start hardening off the larger ones next weekend.

 

[SB42178]

Moving day for the larger seedlings. Weather is forecasted to be beautiful and warm for the next 10 days. Will use this opportunity to harden off and plant up.

 

[SB42178]

Potting up the half that were set out last week, bringing out a few more to harden off. Another 2 weeks should have everything in pots. Going to have to get some stakes and twine before they get too big.

 

[ahayastani]

Going to have to get some stakes and twine before they get too big.

I have made it part of my routine to add stakes when I transplant the plantlets to their final grow bag. It often happens that I don't have sufficient time when the plants need me most, so I try to get the typical jobs done before they're needed.

 

[SB42178]

I have made it part of my routine to add stakes when I transplant the plantlets to their final grow bag. It often happens that I don't have sufficient time when the plants need me most, so I try to get the typical jobs done before they're needed.

Yeah I forgot to buy them yesterday. I have a surplus of cages that go in ground but they are too large for the fabric pots.

 

[SB42178]

Yeah I forgot to buy them yesterday. I have a surplus of cages that go in ground but they are too large for the fabric pots.

Trying to improvise and see how this goes.

 

[SB42178]

I’ve got all plants in pots, staked, mulched and watered in. Had high winds this past week so some of them are beat up. Nothing to do now but monitor and maintain, cross my fingers and hope for the best!

 

[SB42178]

Anyone know what could be the issue with these leaves?

 

[SB42178]

Week 3 since outdoor transplant… no fatalities, but some serious high winds tore up some leaves. Been picking off some flowers, will probably stop in about 2 weeks and let them go. Thanks for the view!

 

[SB42178]

Does this look like Broad mite damage?