I would like my planter lighter and not have to use all the potting mix at once. Any ideas?
Fillers can be used in the bottom 1/3 of large containers.
Some suggestions are packing peanuts or styrofoam chunks, crushed soda cans, or plastic milk jugs.
Garden centers also carry round inserts that will fit into the bottom 1/3 of the pot, this keeps the soil level higher.
Can the coco liner be used without the pot, as long as there is a molded frame holding it?
As long as you have some type of framework to hold the liner and support the weight of soil, the plants and watering.
Can I grow a Cherokee Brave Dogwood in an 85 gallon container in 10036 in mostly shade?
A Cherokee Chief Dogwood is hardy in zones 5-9.
This tree reaches a mature size of 15 to 20 feet tall and a width of 20 to 25 feet wide.
A dwarf Dogwood variety may be a better choice for planting in a container.
Depending on the size of tree that you start with, an 85 gallon container is likely too large to start out with.
Here are some links with more information.
http://www.tnstate.edu/faculty/ablalock/documents/The%20Art%20of%20Growing%20Dogwoods%20in%20Containers.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/how-to-grow-container-trees.htm
Which size container will I need in gallons for trees 15-20 and 6-10 feet high?
We leave for the winter and I have a pot that I want to keep. Thinking about leaving in on deck and it will get rain, but don't want it to rot. Planning on leaving it on the deck. The plants are pretty protected from cold, but could have light frost..if there's a lot of rain will it rot the liner?
Coconut liners actually drain very well so they will not hold water. Perhaps a neighbor can check in on the pots of plants for you.
How do you provide bottom heat?
Placing a seed tray on top of the refrigerator is a good way to provide bottom heat. Gardening stores and online retailers also sell heating pads intended for germinating seeds.
Would you please discuss air pots and the "felt" pots now available for outside use, patio use, etc? They sound good, but I wonder about the details and any hints for using them.
Here are a few good articles on air pruning pots and felt pots:
http://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Chapters/air-pruning.htm
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/containers-more.shtml
They are especially good for plants that will be moved from the container to a new location eventually, because the roots will be more ready to start growing in their new environment. Felt pots can also be good if you want your plants or garden equipment to be more portable, since they'll be less heavy than traditional containers.
A few details I would mention: These pots will allow the soil to dry out more quickly, so they might be better for plants that like dry conditions or that you will definitely water regularly, and less good for plants that like more water, or that will be in a dry climate or in hot, bright sun.
Also, if the pot material is dark in color, it can cause the soil to heat up and damage the roots, so the dark colors are better for use in shade.