The Ohio State University Learning Gardens Mixed Containers Cultivar Trial 2004 Part I Monica Kmetz-González, Dr. Claudio Pasian and Dr. Peter Konjoian OSU Department of Horticulture & Crop Science INTRODUCTION This was the second year we conducted Container Trials here at The Ohio State University, Columbus Campus. Mixed Combinations and Monocultures (single cultivars per pot) were evaluated. Combination recipes were provided by the participating companies. We also designed "OSU Custom Combinations" which utilized plant material from all participating companies. Individual cultivar components were grown in the monoculture containers as well. Plants were evaluated on a monthly basis in July, August , and September by the Trials Leader and Trials Coordinator. Consumer Preference evaluations were also conducted monthly by our seven member team of Master Gardeners. Results presented in this report are from those Consumer Preference evaluations. ***** PHOTOS of all Containers can be accessed via the RESULT TABLES ***** GENERAL INFORMATION   Transplanting: Dates: May 18 - June 2, 2004 Container size:12" pot for Single Cultivar (Monocultures); 16" pot for Combination plantings Media: MetroMix 360 with Coconut Coir. Preventative drench: Plugs were treated with a Plantshield drench just prior to transplanting Replications: 2 reps/Monocultures; 3 reps/Combination plantings Location: full-sun location in secured gravel area just west of our Columbus Departmental greenhouses Cultural Practices: Watered as needed via drip irrigation system. Fertilization via Dosatron. Fertilization immediately after transplant and at one week intervals for the first 6 weeks with 200 PPM N 20-10-20. Fertilization then reduced to 2 week intervals for remainder of trial period. Geraniums were fertilized with a 17-5-17 fertilizer at a rate of 300 PPM N once a month. Weather Conditions: The first weeks of the growing season were wet with lower-than-normal temperatures, so plants were slow to start. Intermittent periods of high heat and humidity kicked the plants into gear. Overall, it was a season of lower-than-normal temperatures and above-average rainfall. Pest and Disease Problems: Pests: None of mention. Diseases: Some powdery mildew, mainly on Verbena. Fertility Problems: Iron deficiency on some Calibrachoas. Evaluation Dates: The Consumer Preference Evaluations, the results of which are presented here, were performed on July 27, August 17, and September 28. Overall appearance and aesthetics of the containers were rated on a personal preference basis. Evaluation Criteria: Ratings were based on a 1 - 5 scale: 1 = poor/not acceptable, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent. RESULTS Results presented are the average "Consumer Preference" ratings per month in July, August, and September, with an Overall Season Average. Tables 1 thru 3 are ranked by Container Code Number. Table 4 is ranked alphabetically by Crop. TABLE 1. Consumer Preference Evaluation of Combination Containers - Company: Bodger Botanical TABLE 2. . Consumer Preference Evaluation of Combination Containers - Company: Ecke Ranch TABLE 3. Consumer Preference Evaluation of Custom Combination Containers - Company: Ohio State University TABLE 4. Consumer Preference Evaluation of Monoculture Containers - Companies: Bodger Botancial. Ecke Ranch, and Fischer. TOP Cultivars in MONOCULTURE Containers: The best performing monocultures with an overall season average in the range of 4.76 to 4.01 (on a 5 point scale) were: Scaveola ‘Fan Dancer', Lavender ‘Serenity', Pentas ‘Bismarck Pink', Pentas, ‘Lava Pink', Ipomoea ‘Sweet Caroline Bronze', Lantana ‘Morning Glow Vanilla', and Scaevola ‘White Fan'. Also performing very well with ratings in the 3.94 to 3.83 range were: Petunia ‘Trumpet Burgundy', Lantana ‘Morning Glow Pink/Yellow', Diascia ‘Miracle Red', Angelonia ‘Carita White', Pentas ‘Lava Cerise', Coleus ‘Trailing Plum', and Ivy Geranium ‘Holiday Purple'. *** Take a look at our Container Trial area: PHOTO 1 ,   PHOTO 2 *** Acknowledgments: We would like to acknowledge the following companies for participating in the trial: Plant Sponsors: Bodger Botanical: http://www.michells.com/Bodger/bodger.htm Ecke Ranch: http://www.eckeranch.com Fischer: http://www.fischerusa.com We would like to acknowledge the following companies for their generous donations to this trial project: Plant Donors: Baker's Acres (Chris Baker)http://www.bakersacresgreenhouse.com Possum Run Greenhouses (Justin Marotta) http://www.possumrungreenhouse.com/ Supply Donors: Dillen Products (Containers) http://www.dillen.com/ Dramm Corporation (irrigation supplies) http://www.dramm.com/html/main.isx The Scotts Company (potting media) http://www.scotts.com/ Bioworks (Plantshield) http://www.bioworksbiocontrol.com/plantshieldhc/plantshieldhc.html We would also like to acknowledge our extremely talented and dedicated Annuals Team of Master Gardeners - Caye Aiello, Joyce Gravlee, Kathy Krantz, Ken Kotch, Mary Straney, Juliet Taylor, and Bev Vogeley - who assisted in all phases of this trial. Pictures of the mixed containers were taken by Jodi Miller.