Another approach is to use white plastic as shade cover and/or mulch cover.
Note how Earthboxes and Earthtainers use plastic as a mulch cover to conserve moisture and reflect heat. I have also wrapped larger containers with white plastic for the summer. As an example, you could make a white plastic skirt over the top of smaller containers with the tomato stalk poking out the center. Make sure there is still aeration around your container.
I prefer to use heavy duty compactor bags to make these white skirts and mulch covers.
Now if you want aesthetics you could build screens around groups of containers to shield south and west sun. I made three-panel screens from wood fencing and hinges that stand about 2 feet tall. You can make a group of containers look like a raised bed from a distance.
Hope this helps,
Rick
|