Expert: Mike Mascio - 3/14/2007

Question
I live in Indiana, and I have horribly brown thumbs. I try very hard every year but somehow manage to lose which ever plant is in my possession. My latest victim was a palm tree. However, this year, I would really like to have a wave petunia in a hanging basket on my front porch. The porch receives evening sun. I have read some of the answers you have given to others regarding petunias, but I would like to know if these will do ok on my porch or if I should go with something else. Also, if you could give me some general tips on taking care of it so that it will survive, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,
Michelle

Answer
Michelle, petunias need at least 8 hours of sunlight per day. Any less will adversely affect blooming. Wave petunias are ideal for containers or hanging baskets. They are a national AAS winner and come in a variety of colors.

The key to container gardening is fertile soil and proper watering. You must use a fertile potting soil composed of organic materials. Miracle Gro and several other companies sell products made specifically for containers.

Be careful not to overwater. This is the primary cause of poor results with container-grown plants. I always recommend limiting watering to only when the top three inches of the soil dry out. Otherwise, the roots become waterlogged and cannot take in nutrients and oxygen.

Also be sure to use a container that is at least 6"-8" deep. The deeper, the better. The container should have a drainage hole to prevent soil saturation.

To help retain moisture, mulch the soil with some straw or shredded leaves. And finally, never fertilize more than once every 10 days, and only use 1/2 the recommended solution per gallon of water. Excess fertilizer can burn the roots, especially in container plants.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike