Packed with planting and design ideas that will transform even the humblest of pots into a flower festival. Doug Jimerson, Editor in Chief, Garden Escape, www garden.com Who better to turn to for everything you need to know about container culture than a guy who has 'been there, done that' for a careerful of years? Joseph F. Williamson, Former Garden Editor and Managing Editor, Sunset Magazine While historical reports of container gardening go back thousands of years, over the last half-century, this unique form of husbandry has blossomed into a pastime enjoyed by hobbyists worldwide. Millions have discovered the immense satisfaction to be found in growing something beautiful, in creating interesting combinations of plants, experimenting with new plants, and getting to know plants more intimately than they ever could with plants in the ground. Written by leading gardening journalist Bill Marken and the experts of the National Gardening Association, Container Gardening For Dummies is the ultimate guide to cultivating charming gardens in everything from a redwood window box to a hanging basket to an old pair of cowboy boots. It fills you in on how to: Grow almost anything in a container Make greens flourish on roofs, balconies, and windowsills Create a one-of-a-kind garden using classic and offbeat containers Use the best fertilizing and watering techniques for your climate Grow exotic and low-maintenance cacti and succulents Prevent insects, pests, and diseases from invading your containers Featuring clear, concise, step-by-step instructions and sixteen pages of stunning color photos, Container Gardening For Dummies covers all the bases, including: Opportunities and limitations of different climates Ready-made versus homemade soil mixes, starting plants from seeds, and other fundamentals Choosing, planting and caring for flowers, ferns, succulents, fruits, and vegetables Expressing your sense of style with color, form, texture, proportion, and other design elements Adding special effects to your container garden Container Gardening For Dummies is a fun, informative guide for inexperienced city slickers and savvy country cousins alike.