Selection and Preparation of Containers, Preparation of the Growing Medium and Land Preparation

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Selection and Preparation of Containers,

Preparation of the Growing Medium and Land Preparation

 

Identification and Selection of Appropriate Containers for Planting Crops

Some Guidelines when choosing your container are:

  • Choose containers that are easy and safe to handle
    – Edges should be smooth
    – Replace containers before they deteriorate
    – Use stable containers. They should rest
    securely on their base
  • Choose containers that are easy to clean
  • Make sure your container is durable so they do not fall apart when you
    try to move them
  • Use containers of made with suitable materials
    – Corrosion e.g. metal containers corrode because of water and fertilizers
    – Weight e.g. wood becomes heavy when wet and eventually rot
    – Cost e.g. concrete may initially be expensive but it will last longer.
    – Heat e.g. black containers and bags cause heat to build up
  • Only use containers that had Non- toxic materials in them or which contained edible materials. E.g. Food grade containers.

 

 

  • Ensure Containers are the suitable size for the crop.
    – 10cm- shallow rooted crops e.g. Lettuce
    – 45cm- Deep rooted crops e.g. Melongene
    – 19 liter/5 gallon-bulky crops e.g. Legumes
  • Ensure containers have adequate drainage
    – Porous container e.g. clay pots (cooler)
    – Non- Porous e.g. plastic pots (less watering)
    – Drainage e.g. plastic containers need adequate
    drainage holes as they are not porous

 

Video – Selection and Preparation of Containers

https://www.facebook.com/103936031246037/videos/vb.103936031246037/898393213953008/?type=2&theater

 

 

Information courtesy the Extension Training and Information Services (ETIS) Division

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries


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