outdoors
MARCH GARDENER
YA R D G O O D S
TERRA-COTTA LOOK-ALIKES
They may not be the real thing, butyou may find these
alternatives to terra-cotta just as attractive— and useful.
M OLDED FOAM
Lightweight and inexpensive,
foam can be shaped with
intricate detail. You often have
to drill the drainage hole
yourself. Shop for similar
pots at plantcontainers.com.
DYED CO N CR ETE
Well-made concrete pots are
nearly frostproof. They're
heavy, too, which makes them
hard to move, but also less
likely to topple. Available
from vanliews.com.
FIBERG LA SS
Light and strong, fiberglass is
generally more expensive than
plastic but takes a finish that’s
more like terra-cotta. Although
durable, storage during winter
weather is preferred. Shop for
similar pots at homedepot.com.
PLA STIC
Plastic pot makers have
recently become much better
at imitating terra-cotta. Prices
vary widely with finish and
quality, but nearly all are
weatherproof. Shop for similar
pots at plantcontainers.com.
A N N O U N CIN G T H E N EW
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THIS MONTH
IN THE GARDEN
Cut back the old growth of ornamental
grasses before they sprout new growth.
Tie the plant with a bungee cord, belt, or
twine before cutting it off two or three
inches above the soil line.
It’s time to plant potatoes. Choose
certified seed pieces from a local garden
center—two or three is plenty for a small
garden. Plant the pieces 5 inches deep
and 10 inches apart.
Even though nights are still chilly, you can
fill pots with annual color to brighten your
doorstep. Plant osteospermum, dianthus,
snapdragons, and primroses,
show n,
now;
feed and deadhead regularly.
5 4
MARCH 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTOS: (GRASS) KRITSADA; (ALL OTHERS) PETE KRUMHARDT
