skip to main content

Container Gardening

watering, feeding, etc. in the cold months.

10 years ago

Asked this before and was referred to the tree forum. Since it applies to trees in containers, thought this would be the proper forum. Oh well, here goes ....
I have a number of Japanese maples in 5 gallon containers. Have fed (Foliage Pro) and watered them using advice from this forum and they've thrived.
I seem to have read that the feeding should cease in fall so I stopped the Foliage Pro recently. And have moved them to the north side of the house and will be packing leaves against the sides of the containers (whenever the leaves decide to start falling!

But what about watering? Should they be kept out of the rain? If there is no rain for a week or so, should they be watered?
As always, all suggestions are appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

maple_grove_gw
10 years ago
What soil mix are you using? As you may know, one of the main advantages of a well-drained mix is that it is hard to overwater, regardless of the time of year. If you're in something like 5:1:1 or gritty mix, you'll have no problem with rain over the winter. You should check that they don't get too dry though and apply water every once and a while (usually every couple of weeks during winter for me - I overwinter in my garage where there's no water applied naturally). Also, I wouldn't cut out feeding altogether...you can use 1/8th recommended dose of FP once a month or so.

I hope that helps!

Alex
Related Professionals
Middle Island Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Redondo Beach Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Danvers Landscape Contractors · Davis Landscape Contractors · Fort Wayne Landscape Contractors · Franklin Landscape Contractors · Merced Landscape Contractors · Parkland Landscape Contractors · Pompano Beach Landscape Contractors · Palos Heights Landscape Contractors · Maplewood Solar Energy Systems · Western Springs Solar Energy Systems · Lees Summit Window Contractors · Lincolnwood Fence Contractors · Wilson Fence Contractors

Related Stories

HOME TECH To Feed and Protect: Care for Your Pet From Afar With New Devices

You might miss the nuzzles, but your dog or cat won't miss food, water or monitoring with these high-tech feeders and cameras

FEEL-GOOD HOME Simple Pleasures: 10 Ideas for a Buy-Less Month

By Laura Gaskill

Save money without feeling pinched by taking advantage of free resources and your own ingenuity

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Native Flowers That Feed Native Bees

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

These perennials offer superfood to hundreds of bees and are gorgeous in their own right

GARDENING GUIDES Spring Citrus Care Reaps Months of Sweet Rewards

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to tend citrus trees in spring and ways to preserve their delicious fruit

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Cold-Hardy Succulents for Cool-Season Interest

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

These attractive plants shrug off colder temperatures, and many can be brought inside in containers in extra-chilly climates

ARCHITECTURE 15 Smart Design Choices for Cold Climates

By Laura Gaskill

Keep your home safe and comfortable in winter by choosing the right home features and systems

LIFE Houzz Call: How Are You Handling the Record-Breaking Cold?

By Mary Jo Bowling

Share your tales, strategies and photos for everything polar vortex

FEEL-GOOD HOME Simple Pleasures: Get Cozy on a Cold Day

By Laura Gaskill

Some things are best when the weather is bad. Heat up some cocoa and join the discussion

Sponsored

More Discussions

How do I save my snake plant

5

Yellow leaves: to remove or not?

5

Combine 5-1-1 And Gritty Mix?

3

How to prune dracaena

0

Gashed caused on ponytail palm. Is it a goner?

9