Thanks for the tip on soaking the beads first, I've used them in the past and they did raise the soil.
I tried to cut back on my containers...really I did. At least I don't have quite as many as last year. My husband just laughs at me and we have a botanical garden fair this weekend so I can't promise myself that I won't buy more plants to put in my containers...
Dh laughed at me also. Going to garage sale. Seen one I circled -town wide sale. Flower containers + plants. But I seen one he circled has donuts.pies,and all kinds of baked goods. And he on a Diet.
Hi AAnightowl, those beads are called water beads and I use them for my indoor plants. They are good alternative to soil as they keep the plants hydrated for a long period of time. I tend to go out a lot and forget to water them and I don't have to worry about them dying. They also look good as a centerpiece decor. They are also cheap and they come in various colors. moderator's note: removed website link, see point 1.1 of usage rules
Santa did bring me some self watering inserts.They will hold a gallon of water.Did learn this year. Some better potting soil has fish stuff in it. Coons love it. Found containers upside down plants and soil on ground. Rescued plants-sprayed soil with kitter control.And DH put out coon traps.
I am not sure how many I will use this summer ...being in a new home and no grass or landscaping at all. I will use my large ones for sure. I love container gardening...you can put color in just about any area you don't have a flower bed. Plus I always find plants that I really love and don't have room for and the container works fine...
I have always loved growing annuals and sometimes tomatoes in containers. I use to have dozens of them, but I have scaled back quite a bit. A new hobby I picked up is growing baby shrubs in containers and either planting them in the Fall or giving them to a friend.
