A long time ago (2010-2016) when Burley was thriving, Pam designed 3 beautiful large 16"d x 11.5"h gardening containers. Each container was themed for a specific use, the perfect all in one container garden.
While looking for some files, we came across her guides and original drawings of the containers she had envisioned. We have scanned her drawings and transcribed them on here so everyone can make their own container gardens at home.
Create A Salad Garden Container:
A convenient container garden filled with salad vegetables is easy to grow. Burley's large stoneware containers (discontinued) have been designed to hold the right depth of soil for successful growing & maintaining of salad vegetables with the convenience of being on a patio or close to the kitchen door. (We suggest trying to find a container around the same size given above or make your own elevated wooden planter boxes).
Pick ripe veggies, crisp lettuces and herbs for healthful salads with homegrown freshness all summer long!
CHOOSE THE PROPER INGREDIENTS FOR THIS CONTAINER:
- Place approximately 2 inches of stones in the bottom of the pot for drainage.
- Fill the container to the top with a "grower's mix" potting soil available at your local garden center.
- Choose plants that will fill the pot nicely without over crowding the growth of the others.
- Lettuces can be started early and seeded directly, as well as radishes.
- Once the seedlings are 5" or 6" high, the rest of the plants can be added to the pot, after all chances of frost have passed.
- This container will easily hold 6 to 7 varieties to maturity.
Plant Suggestions:
- Dwarf Bush Tomatoes or Bush Cherry Tomatoes
- Bush Cucumbers
- Green Onions or Chives
- Parsley
- Dill
- Mesclun Mix Greens or Leaf Lettuce
- Radishes
- Dwarf Bell Pepper
Planting:
Plant large and tall growing plants in the center, such as Bell pepper, Dill, and Tomatoes, arranged in a triangle with at least 6" apart. Plant Lettuces, Radish, Cucumbers, Parsley, Onions or Chives, around the edge of the pot leaving at least 6" apart for growth. Cucumbers will cascade over the edge as they grow.
Growing:
- Once planted, tuck loose sphagnum moss around the base of plants as a mulch to hold moisture in the soil and keep roots cool in the hot sun.
- Place container in a full sun location, or at least 6 hours of full sun a day.
- Water as needed. Check soil moisture daily so plants do not dry out. This is especially important when plants are young and have not developed a strong, deep root system yet.
- Feed plants once every two weeks with an organic fertilizer while getting established. Follow package directions. Cut back to once a month feedings mid-season to allow for a slower growth.
- Stake heavy plants such as tomatoes as needed. Trim out dead leaves or remove insects to promote healthy growth. If started from seeds, thin out leaf lettuce to just a few plants to be able to bush out.
- Harvest mature vegetables as ready. Pinch single leaves of lettuce leaving the main plants to continue to grow. Pinch Mesclun leaves while young and tender. Cut herb leaves or pinch top growth to promote bushy growth.
- Protect container from frost by covering to continue enjoying your produce until a killing freeze.
- Place container in a garage or shed for winter protection.