| Hi. My family and I are going to have to move from our rental home at the end of June this year. I hate to spend the year not gardening at all, so it seems I'll need to use containers. I am pretty good at peppers and tomatos in large containers, and herbs. But I want to do squash and am not sure of which varieties to use. I would also like to have some very colorful flowers in containers since I won't be able to plant in ground - what do you suggest? And last question (I promise!!) how can I move a rose bush I planted two years ago? When should it be dug up, and how should I handle the transport of it to a new house? Thanks so much!! Terry |
| In selecting the squash, try a compact summer squasg such as "Sweet Gourmet Hybrid"; in winter squash look for a bush type such as "Early Acorn". Keep in mind however that the large container needed for these plants will be very heavy. Quick growing plants such as zucchini and cucumbers can be planted in mid summer as well. Nearly all annuals will do well in containers as long as they are kept well watered and fertilized just as you would grow tomatoes. Salvia, small zinnias such as "Profusion" and geraniums all do well in containers, petunias are another favorite. A nice accent is the purple fountain grass or even the ornamental sweet potato vine. Have fun with your containers! Moving a rose bush is best done when it is dormant. This might be a candidate to dig and place in a large pot in preparation for transplanting later. The plant can then be replanted from the container when you move if the weather is not too hot, or in early fall. Trim the bush back fairly hard to compensate for any roots lost in the digging process and save as many roots as you can. If you can dig it and replant in the ground the same day, that is of course best. To move it, wrap the root ball in damp newspaper or a tarp to keep it damp and protect it from sun and wind. Good luck with the move. |
