Pot planting can add color to landscapes

I think many of us could use a little extra color in our lives and an easy way to do so is to add a splash of color into our landscapes. An easy way to do this is by planting in pots.

Pots are durable, decorative, affordable and simple to maintain. They are a great way for novice flower grower's, like myself, to experiment with the "thrill, fill, and spill" technique and even help advanced gardeners to accent their existing landscaping.

There are many types of pots available, varying in cost, weight, size, and color. If you don't want to spend lots of money, think of ways to use containers you may already have; watering cans, old wheel barrels, and cattle mineral tubs all may be used. The important thing is to have drainage holes and to think about portability if they will need to be moved during the winter months.

For that "wow factor" we all want, choose plants from the Prairie Star list. These are annuals that do well in research trials by displaying good bloom and growth in our Kansas conditions with little maintenance and care. The list can be found at www.prairiestarflowers.com.

There are a few basic design principles to follow when planting in pots. It's recommended to have a tall focal point (thrill), filler plants (fill), and those that cascade over the side (spill).

As for color, there are a couple options. You can have. harmonious colors which are plants of the same color but with varying shades. Or contrasting colors like purple and yellow --those on the opposite side of the color wheel. Peat, vermiculite, and perlite or other soilless potting mixes are recommended to fill your pot. Nutrients should be added in prior to planting if not included in the mix.

Container gardens should be fertilized frequently with small amounts since they are watered regularly and have limited growing space.

Slow-release granular products with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ration of 3:1:2 are good. In general, fertilizers with 8-20 percent Nitrogen produce the most blooms. Fertilizers high in phosphorus should be avoided.

The location depends on the plants you choose. Many of the Prairie Stars like full sun, which will mean more frequent waterings. Also the wind will play part in your watering schedule.

So why not add a little more color in your life? Many of our area greenhouse and garden centers carry the Prarie Star collection and would love to help you.

For sample planting diagrams see the K-State Research and Extension "Growing Flowers in Pots" publication. It can be found at www.ksre.ksu.edu and searching for the title, or picked up in the Extension Office.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.