Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/21/2004

Question
I live in an apartment on a beautiful golf course, facing due west in Fort Worth - and travel 2-3 days/week.  Big challenge - what can I put in windowboxes/containers/baskets that has any chance of suriving west sun in Texas, and my being away a couple of days/week?  Last week, for the benefit of company, I planted a bogenvia in a container, and marigolds in a window box, knowing full well they might night be there when I got back from a 3 day trip on Thursday.  Having soaked them before I left, they were still slightly moist and looked good, but I am very worried about long term prosects - especially since none of my neighbors have plants on their patios for me to compare.  What do you recommend, how often to water, fertilize, etc... Any way to automatically water (w/o a facet nearby)?

I appreciate any guidance you can give me.

Answer
Rick,
Here are some options:
1. Geraniums and Verbena like heat and don't mind going dry.  Both do well in Texas, and could be combined in boxes.

2. There are potting soils available that have "watering crystals" in the soil that absorbs water and then releases it slowly as plants need it.  You should be able to find it at your local garden center.

3. There is a product called "watering genius" that runs on batteries and pumps water to boxes from a bucket.  See it at www.gardeners.com  (Gardeners Supply Co.)  

I wouldn't use all three in that using the soil and watering device would create a too-moist condition for geraniums and verbena.  But the soil with the plants, or other plants with the soil and the watering device would work well.  

all the best,
C.L. Fornari