Container Gardening from the Ground Up

Growing flowers, trees and vegetables in various containers enables many urbanites to create their own little gardens. A window box, hanging basket or even a small water garden are viable alternatives or additions to a (somewhat boring) houseplant collection. This tape provides a brief overview of the subject, and does a pretty able job of getting across the most important information. Unfortunately, the program really needed more in-depth suggestions about selecting plants, and the critical importance of ascertaining light and water requirements for each. Too, on-screen titles listing the plants shown in the containers (with botanic and common names) would have been welcome. On the plus side, however, the program gives strong emphasis to recycling and using recycled materials for projects, and the tips on natural pest control are good. For the committed do-it-yourselfer, there's even instruction on making your own concrete containers. Similar material covered in Successful Gardening Techniques with Brian Minter (VL-6/96) would make a better choice. This one's optional. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)