Ohio Mixed-Container Performance Trials By Monica Kmetz-Gonzalez, Dr. Claudio Pasian, and Dr. Peter Konjoian Department of Horticulture and Crop Science The Ohio State University 2003 marked the first year for the container performance trials at the Ohio State University, Columbus Campus. The main focus of the trials was to compare cultivars grown in combination plantings versus the same cultivars grown in single cultivar 'monoculture containers. No pruning or deadheading was performed. Between June 2 and 6, 2003, three or four plants per cultivar were planted in 12" diameter plastic containers for the monoculture evaluations. During the same period, 16" diameter plastic containers were used for the combinations according to the designs provided by the participating companies. There were two replications for monocultures and three for combination containers. The substrate was MetroMix 360 with Coir. Designs (number of plants per species/cultivar in a combination container) were provided by four companies that participated in the trial: Ball Floraplant, Bodger Botanicals, Ecke Ranch-Flower Fields, and Proven Winners. The companies submitted 9, 10, 10, and 6 combinations, respectively (see Tables 1 through 4). All containers were located in a full-sun, secured gravel area adjacent to our Department greenhouses in Columbus. All containers were irrigated as needed using a timer controlled, drip irrigation system. Fertilizers were distributed via a portable Dosatron. Initial fertilization: 600 ppm N of Greencare 17-5-17. For the first month: one week intervals alternating 200 ppm N Greencare 17-5-17 or Scotts 20-10-20, and then at two week intervals for the remainder of the trial season. The weather at the beginning of the trial was cool and wet followed by two weeks of oppressive heat and dry conditions. The remainder of the summer was cooler than normal with above average rainfall (based on Central Ohio conditions). In this issue we present only the pictures. Photos of the combinations were taken on July 11 or August 8 (depending when they reached "peak". Monoculture photos were taken on August 1; Oglevee geraniums photos only were taken on September 19. Please, keep in mind that someplants were not at peak at the time the photos were taken. Some plants never reached peak due to diseases. Ball Floraplant Bodger Botanicals Ecke Ranch Flower Fields Proven Winners Oglevee Single Cultivar Containers Evaluation results will be presented in a future issue.