| Container Water-Garden |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-508 |
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Q: I'd like to make a water container garden for my patio. What is the best kind of container to use? A: (Jessie Mack Burns, DIY Gardening expert) There are several types of containers on the market -- the main consideration is that whatever you choose, it's watertight.
Water-Garden Containers - Whiskey barrels (figure A) and lightweight plastic liners are ideal for this type of project.
- You can get a fitted liner (figure B) or a plastic sheet that you can just lay in the barrel. You'll also need bricks in order to create different heights within the container (figure C) -- they're flat and easy to stack.
- If you wish to use a terra-cotta pot (figure D) as a water-garden container, you'll need to seal the inside of the pot and the drainage hole in the bottom. Otherwise all your work will be for nothing -- the water will leak out!
- Spray an acrylic sealer evenly throughout the inside of the pot (figure E).
- Seal the hole in the bottom of the pot with plumber's seal (figure F). Tape over the hole, then fill with the sealer, overlapping the edges of the tape for added security. Allow it to dry for 24 hours, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Selecting Aquatic Plants
Now for the fun part -- the plants! Most large garden centers have a section devoted to water gardens, and you can find a wide variety of plants to choose from. Here are the ones we used for this garden: - Taro. This is a marginal plant, one that can be grown in the ground or in water (figure G).
- Water lily. A very popular plant, the water lily (figure H) has large leaves and colorful blooms; some varieties bloom only at night.
- Water lettuce and water hyacinth. These plants (figure I) float on top of the water with their roots hanging down. They can both be divided very easily -- the lettuce produces lots of babies, and the hyacinth is made up of numerous bulbs that can be broken apart.
- Tip: If you want to get rid of any water lettuce or hyacinths, don't just throw them into a body of water. They can become invasive and create problems. Instead, place them in a bag and throw the bag in the garbage.
- Variegated horsetail. This tall, slender plant adds height to the garden (figure J). You may have to weight it down with rocks or gravel until the pot becomes submerged in the water.
Planting Suggestions
Here's how to start creating the garden: - First fill the container about two-thirds full of water, and add bricks to the bottom to create different levels. By adding water before you place the plants, you avoid stirring up the soil in the pots quite so much.
- Start adding plants, submerging the pots (figure K) and holding them until the soil begins to soak up the water. The pots should be underwater, but plenty of sunlight should still be able to get to the roots of the plants.
- Experiment with the heights of the plants until you have decided on an arrangement that suits you. Be aware that plants must become acclimated to their new surroundings before they spread out and turn their leaves to the sun.
- If you wish, you can add fish to your water garden -- they'll help control the mosquito population. Be very careful of adding using chemicals in the water, though, if you do have fish -- many chemicals are highly toxic to aquatic animals.
RESOURCES :
Beginning Hydroponics: Soilless Gardening: A Beginner's Guide
Model: 0894717413
Author: Richard E. Nicholls
May 1990
Running Press
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215-877-1733
Fax: 800-453-2884
Email: support@runningpress.com
Traditional Gardening
posted by the Internet edition of Traditional Gardening.
Web site: www.traditionalgardening.com/Spring97/knot.htm
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