This year I've decided to go with container gardening. Mainly because we're hoping to move, and I want to take most of the pots with me.
Has anyone ever tried growing gourd or loofa in containers? If so, how did it go?
Nichole
Gourd or Loofa in containers?
No matter. I will find out for myself, as I put the loofa sprouts in pots this weekend. Wish me luck!
Nichole
Good luck Nichole! Then, hopefully you can let us learn from you. Did you use a large container? or containers? pod
Pod - So far I've got six loofa in two 5 gallon black pots. I haven't put the gourds in pots yet . . . ran out of pots! That's what happens when I do nothing but container gardening . . . I'll get more 5 gallons tomorrow during lunch. Then I'm putting the black pots inside bigger containers, to protect from the heat a little. It's all a big experiment, so we'll see! Nichole
Yes, I was going to suggest either sinking the pots in ground or insulating them from the heat. The black plastic will fry the roots in this climate.
They will also need a lot of watering. I keep lots of plants in pots because our soil is so poor and when I improve it and water, the tree roots take over.
The rain we've had for the last week has helped alot, too. I'm also thinking of getting some type of peat moss to put on top of the soil and around the pots to help with water retention.
I wanted pots this year only because we might be buying a mobile home (waiting to hear if we get it), and I didn't want to leave anything behind (who can wait to start seeds, really?).
Hi Nichole
The largest gourds I've ever grown grew in whiskey half-barrels on a trellis. Last year I found a penguin gourd in one of the barrels, about 20" tall. I've never had luck getting them to grow - other than in containers. Good luck!
I tried to grow luffa in a container but didn't have any luck. They bloomed but never produced. Growing in the ground is the best.
Nichole ~ you mentioned peat moss for mulch. I think mulching the potted plants is a good idea. I much prefer sphagnum moss or spanish moss for a mulch. The peat moss always fools me into thinking it needs more water than it really does. I also use pine straw which is common here. pod
I've also been thinking of getting the (forgive the technical term - I haven't had coffee yet) wood chip thingies. Anything that will protect the soil from the sun we get here . . .
Grrr. Ants are in one of the pots. I'll have to run up to the store later and get something for them.
Ohhh man ~ I hate it when the ants move in. Fire ants? What's your poison?
They don't look like fire ants. I'm not sure what my poison will be . . . something that will evict the unwanted tenants, but not harm the vines. I'll have to research, I guess. I'll let you know what I figure out . . .
Have you had lots of rain lately? They tend to go up out of the wet and into pots. I am hesitant to put much poison on top of soil but on plants with established root systems, I have lifted them out of the pot and sprinkled poison in pot. I have also spread it under the pot to discourage them. Hope you don't find out the hard way if they are fire ants. Good luck.
We did have those storms the other day. Now, when you said you have lifted the plants out of the pot and sprinkled poison in there, what did you use? Also, do you think it would work to sprinkle the stuff in the drain tray instead, since I don't think the plants are established enough to hold the soil together while I lift it out? I'm thinking of elevating the pots when I put them where they are going to "live" - putting them on a cinder block with a drain tray - I think that might help a little . . . would be easier to spray for ants underneath . . .
I am embarassed to say ~ although I know it was a granule ant poison, I don't know the name. I wondered about removing the soil on those new plants. Your best bet would be to sprinkle a little in the drain tray and maybe a little around on the ground where the pots sit. I have never used a spray.
May I suggest trying a new thread about ants in container plants and see who may have some better ideas? Worth a try... pod
Well, upon closer inspection, there are some baby dipper gourds!
I'll wait and see, but it looks like the dipper gourds at least can be planted in containers - I'll be more certain if they get past 15". The vines are about 4-6', planted 2-3 vines in 2 5-gallon pots. I'll post pictures of the vines themselves, once the babies get a bit bigger.
(there are more than what I have posted . . . but I had to pick a few!)
All right! You grow girl!
When you said you had to pick a few I assume you mean photos? Not gourds?
You're right - I did mean photos!