Diane's Greenhouse and Nursery, Fordyce, Nebraska - flowers, trees, shrubs, landscaping and more

Containers offer limitless gardening possibilities. Select a beautiful hanging basket, unique container, planter or simple pot for even the smallest deck or porch.

Containers in the sun all day, need more water. In the heat of summer, you may need to water daily. The larger the container the less frequently you will need to water. With natural baskets, a good rule to follow is: if it’s 75 degrees you will probably be watering once every day - thoroughly. If it’s 85 degrees or warmer you may need to water thoroughly twice a day. Once in the morning and also late afternoon or evening. Water your basket thoroughly. Use at least an Ice cream bucket full of water per basket. If a container is allowed to dry out you should do consecutive waterings to rehydrate the soil.

Fertilization and containers go hand in hand for repeated beautiful full blooms - Diane likes “Daniels” fertilizer. An easy fertilizing option is to top dress with a slow release fertilizer. You should repeat this application about mid July 5. Consider adding ½” cocoa bean mulch or mushroom compost for a top dressing. This will help hold in the moisture on hot, windy days.

Yearly Container Contest Rules:
1) Must be of entrant’s own containers
2) Must be of current year
3) Winners cannot re-enter for 2 years

Photos submitted will be judged on:
1) Originality of Design
2) Colors
3) Attractiveness of container
4) Overall look

Simply take pictures of your container or containers - when they look their best. Submit up to 8 photos by November 1.

First Place Winner - $100 Gift Certificate
Second Place Winner - $50 Gift Certificate
Third Place Winner - $25 Gift Certificate

Congrats to this year’s container contest winners!
click on the images to enlarge

1st Place Stacy Ryken – Yankton, SD
This is a fantastic combination of plants. Awesome colors and a great combination of plants. Stacy used purple scaevola, red million bells, white verbena, plus others. Way to go Stacy!

2nd Place Joan Steckelberg - Yankton, SD
Joan and James built this window box themselves. As Joan said, “the petunias runneth over all summer”. She’s right about that. Supertunias grow very fast and fill out nice-with no deadheading! Joan also used some bacopa and I see some geraniums. What a great addition to a house.

3rd Place Mardy Mackeprang - Crofton, NE
Mardy said it all, “Supertunias are a must for a sunny, hot location!” This is a stunning combination of plants. Mardy used a mix of coleus, sweet potato vine, spike, and supertunias.