Learning Objectives

Notes

15.1
To examine advantages of using container gardens. (CCT)

Have students create a list of the factors to consider when making a container garden. These might include:

• Available space (apartment or condominium gardener).
• Type of plants desired and growing habits.
• Portability
• Transportable gardens (move to different yard locations).
• A herb selection to move indoors when autumn arrives.

15.2
To identify the different types of containers and the suitability for different situations and locations.

Have students plan and build or adapt different styles and types of containers, and list the possible uses and limitations of each type.

Window boxes, wall planters and hanging baskets are popular planting containers.

The size of the plant and the size of the container used need to be considered when planting is done. If possible have students build and finish a wooden planter as part of their class assignment. Students could also adapt a variety of other suitable containers for small gardening projects. Check the Internet for ideas and plans.

15.3
To make informed decisions for the selection of soil mixture and maintenance of the container.

Have students prepare a variety of potting mixes and mulches for container plants. The watering and feeding requirements vary according to plant varieties and the exposure of the container to sunlight.

Have the students review the safety requirements for handling, mixing and applying fertilizers.

15.4
To make selections of annuals for containers.

Have the students research nursery catalogues and gardening books to prepare a list of annuals suitable for their climate zone growing conditions. Points to consider include:

• Size when mature
• Colour combinations
• Variety of upright or hanging plants
• Similarity of growing requirements (soil mix, fertilizer, etc.) for containers that have a mix of varieties in the same pot
• Light requirements of plants locating containers
• Placement of containers for lighting conditions.

15.5
To make selections of perennials for container gardens. (CCT)

This provides opportunities to grow flowering shrubs or dwarf conifers that will not usually grow in Saskatchewan’s climate zones. Potted trees can be moved outdoors in frost-free weather and returned indoors in the fall.

Different types and colours of grasses make good container plants. Students can collect varieties of wild native grasses that can be gathered from roadsides or open prairie.

Remember that wild prairie lilies should be left where they are found because the plants are very fragile. It is illegal to remove them from their habitat. With the same note of caution the prairie crocus does not survive transplanting in the majority of cases.

Some varieties of conifers can be trimmed to resemble Bonsai without the commitment of many years that true Bonsai requires.

Some fruit trees can be grown successfully as container plants. It should be noted that most of the seeds recovered from fruit do not produce exactly the same type of fruit due to pollination variables. Varieties grown as container plants may not be winter hardy in Saskatchewan. Imported fruit trees including citrus, apple, cherry, peach, and fig are fairly successful in pots. Domestic varieties of blueberry and cranberry are also candidates for containers.

15.6
To demonstrate practical skills involved in planning a container garden. (IL, TL)

Students can produce a sketch of a container garden with accompanying text including a plant list to describe the intended effect of the matured container garden.

15.7
To choose bulbs that are suitable for container gardens.

Different varieties of bulb-generated flowers bloom at different times throughout the year, so bulbs could be used for project work at any time. Research the origins of different:

• types of bulbs.
• seasons of growth.
• forcing bulbs for out of season blooming.
• propagation of bulbs. (IL)

Have students select a variety of bulbs that might be grown together for a floral display, then plant and care for the selection keeping a journal of the development. After bulbs have flowered and foliage has died back, the bulb can be salvaged and planted outside in the spring or kept until next year with proper storage conditions maintained.

15.8
To complete a project that involves the soil preparation, plant selection and growth of a container garden. (IL)

Have each student select an annual or a perennial plant as a project and complete a journal of the growth of the plant reflecting the plant development throughout the class. Photographs would be a way to document the growth.