Impatiens

Everyone has some shade - don't they?  It may be a porch, balcony or a big area under a tree or the north side of the home.  If you do, you are going to love impatiens.

I grow my impatiens in containers so the nematodes won't get them.  I guess this is the one real problem with this flower.  The root knot nematodes find them when planted in the ground.  These microscopic round worms cause the roots to swell and then the plants decline.

Planting impatiens in containers solves the nematode problem plus I can set the containers where ever I need them.  This is one creative idea I learned from the theme parks.  Container gardens are mobile.   As needed they can be moved about or when they start to look bad they can be replaced. 

Starting an impatiens planting is easy and inexpensive.  If you have a container and the soil you can create an attractive planting for about $4.00.   I like to start mine in 12 to 20 inch shallow containers.  The root systems don't need a lot of room.  There is one impatiens set in the middle and 3 around the sides.

Go ahead and use just one color if you wish or mix several together.   These can be very colorful containers.  Most likely you are not going to be able to stop at one container and that is OK too. I like to make clusters of 3 or more containers to really get attention.

Now here are few tips.  Keep the soil moist.  Check it daily.  There is nothing sadder than a wilted pot of impatiens.  Then add a slow release fertilizer to the container.  This saves you lots of time by avoiding  those weekly feedings.   One application of a slow release fertilizer can feed the plants for up to nine months depending on the product selected.

I am adding lots of impatiens to my shady sites -- how about you?

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_gardening_blog/2007/06/everyone_should.html

Tags: impatiens, container garden, care