The popularity of container gardening has exploded. As we live in a world of limited time and space for gardens, container gardens seem to be a practical fit. Residents of apartments, long term care facilities or houses with small lots can still enjoy gardening. Poor soil or no place to put plants in the ground is no longer an excuse for not enjoying plants.

Building a container garden is really quite simple. However, they tend to need a bit more attention than a garden in the ground. Careful attention needs to be paid to the potting media, watering and fertilizing.

Garden soil is great for growing things in the ground but when using containers, the soil needs to be changed. Container soils need to be well aerated and well drained but yet still be able to retain moisture. This is why a soil substitute, or potting mix (media), is often used. These mixes may contain soil (called a soil mix) or no soil at all (called a soilless mix) and may also contain other ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. You can also your own mix by using one part soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. The same potting media can be used from year to year if the plants in the containers were healthy during the growing season with no major disease issues.

What about the contain itself? Containers come in many different styles and sizes. Containers can be made from clay, plastic, ceramic or wood. I have even seen used cattle supplement lick containers used and they actually work quite well. The only essential thing is that the container must have drain holes in the bottom.

As for the size of container, it depends on the type of plants to be planted. Small plants can be grown in fairly small, shallow containers while larger plants will need more space. Most annual flowers and small vegetables do best in 12 inch pots. Larger vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers will require a 16-24 inch container.

When choosing plants – most of the standard varieties of vegetables will grow well in containers. However, there are some cultivars bred specifically for small spaces. Lettuce, spinach, radish and onion are all early season vegetables that can be easily grown in containers. For the more warm season vegetables – sweet, hot and banana peppers do well in large containers. Tomatoes, dwarf varieties such as Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim or Tumbling Tom, are a good choice. If you like a small vine tomato, consider Mountain Belle (cherry), Mountain Glory or Sunmaster.

We have a very useful publication titled “Growing Vegetables in Containers.” It gives complete information on planting, care, fertilization, and variety selection. Visit www.southwind.ksu.edu to download.

As we are just beginning of the growing season, I want to share my office rotation schedule in case you have questions that you would like to visit about in person: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Erie office; Tuesday – Iola office; Thursday – Fort Scott office. However, I can always be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Love horses? Then this project is for you! You will have the opportunity to learn, handle, care for and ride horses. Members may own or lease a horse, but must manage the horse 75% of the time, whether owned or leased.

Horseless horse members do not own or lease a horse. 4-H members participate by learning about horses and can participate in judging contests, quiz bowl, hippology, and give presentations. Horseless horse members may volunteer to assist with horse shows and trail rides.

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the horse project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Things to Learn/Do in the Project

Age 7-9

• Practice safety and proper use of equipment around horses

• Identify horse body parts

• Learn the breeds of horses

Age 10-13

• Learn about grooming

• Learn how to bridle and saddle a horse

• Learn how to judge and give oral reasons

Age 14 and Older

• How to detect unsoundness in horses

• Learn to identify and treat equine diseases

• Learn about ethics and competition

Horseless Horse

• Learn basic coat colors, breeds and anatomy

• Study horse health, unsoundness and blemishes

• Visit a stable or farm

• Participate in judging, quiz bowls, hippology and public presentation contests

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair. There are other local and state shows available to youth as well.

The horse project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project or the workshop, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.