4-H Mother’s Day Flower Pots - University of Kentucky4-H Mother’s Day Flower Pots Carrie Barnett, Committee Chair Lyon County Extension Master Gardeners. Collaboration & Cost Reduction

4-H Mother’s Day Flower Pots

Carrie Barnett, Committee Chair

Lyon County Extension Master Gardeners

Collaboration & Cost Reduction

•4-H

•Akridge Farm Supply

•Local Nurseries

•Girl Scouts

•LCEMGA

•Participants pay half, $10

Decisions…

Combination Flower Pots

vs

Herbs

Getting Organized!

Preparation

• Prepare flyer and advertise

• Select plants and purchase

• Buy supplies: • Soil• Pots• Ribbon• Cardstock• Wire• Etc.

After School Snacks

General Presentation

Designing your Container Garden• Container design basics

• Something tall

• Something fluffy

• Something trailing

• Something tall = 1 Basil or 1 Rosemary

• Something fluffy = 2 flowering plants

• Something trailing = 2 other herb plants

SUN OR SHADE?Consider your pot’s location.

• FULL SUN: In the garden or on a deck.

• PART SUN/SHADE: Located where it gets sun part of the time and shade part of the time.

• SHADE: On a porch or under a large tree.

• This information is very important when selecting the plants for your pot - you will find it on each plant tag.

COLOR, TEXTURE & SIZE• Bright colors stand out. Cool colors are more soothing.

• Use different leaf & flower textures for visual interest.

• Various plant sizes give a layered look. Check the tags to see how big the plants will eventually get.

SOIL & FERTILIZER• The soil mixture used

today already comes with fertilizer in it.

• In addition, you will be adding a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in the bottom of each pot.

• This will ensure the plants are fed over a period of several months.

PLANT PROPERLY• After choosing your plants and

filling your pots with soil, you must make sure you add the plants properly.

• Do not plant them any deeper than what they were in the original containers.

• Planting them too deep will stunt their growth. Planting them too shallow causes the plant to fall over because not enough roots are in the soil.

• Firm the soil around the plant with your hands.

WATERING• Watering correctly is very important. When you get your pot home, water it until it runs out of the bottom of the pot.

• Check the pot every few days by sticking your finger into the soil to a depth of 2”. If dry, then soak it again.

• If the pot is in full sun it may require more water than if it is placed in the shade.

DEADHEADING

• Deadheading means to remove any dead or dying blossoms.

• Pinch or cut them off to keep your plants looking fresh, and to encourage new growth.

COLOR WHEELComplementary/contrasting– two colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel

Analogous – two or three colors that are next to one another on the color wheel

Monochromatic – different shades of the same color

Polychromatic – includes many different colors (be sure to use a blending color such as silver or gray)

What do herbs prefer?

• Less “fussy” than trees, roses, vegetables

• Herbs are unique like people• Most prefer sun and well-drained soil

• Some prefer shade and moist soil

• All need fertilizer

• All prefer some shade from hottest sun of day

• Group herbs with similar preferences together

Where can herbs be grown?• Herb garden

• Amongst other plants

• Underfoot

• Ground covers

• Herb dry walls

• In Containers

Herb Pot Examples

Herbal “Sniff Testing”

• Leaves of herbs will be passed out

• Rub each leaf, then give it a “sniff”

Breakout – 3 Rotating Groups

•Select Plants and Plant

•Make Bows

•Make Mother’s Day Cards

Select Ribbon and Make Bows

Mother’s Day Cards

Selecting Flowers for Combination Flower Pots

Fillers, Thrillers, and Spillers!

Herb Plant Selections

Making Combination Flower Pots

Making Herb Pots

Beautiful Flower Pots!