Why Use Plant Containers?

Now that we are in the middle of our summer season, why is container gardening becoming so popular. If your soil is poor, unsuitable for gardening or needs just too much amending, this reason alone is enough to start planting in garden pots and containers. You can control the soil, particular light and heat requirements too by placing the planters where you want them.

Large Garden Pots for Bulbs

There are so many choices in planters and containers, however, for bulbs on the patio or deck, be sure to select ones that are at least 16 inches in diameter for impressive color. How deep the pots and garden planters are depends on the size and type of bulb you wish to plant. Oh yes, be sure they have drainage holes in them as well.

Bulbs in Containers for the Fall

Bulbs are such fun, they are always a surprise when they come up – you plant them so far in advance that we forget what to expect. Plant your bulbs in garden planters and containers in the Fall for Spring and of course in the Spring for Fall viewing.

Sunshine in a Pot

The Pacino Cola creates a wonderful abundance of brilliant 5-6 inch flowers with golden yellow petals and dark centers. These dwarf plants can be grown in a garden pot, containers, or of course in the garden. They are perfect for cutting for indoor arrangements too.

Water Planters in the Morning

Watering during the early morning on calm days is the best way to use water – there is less evaporation. During the day the water does evaporate and reduces the chance of disease and attracting insects. Water deep before the heat of the day.

Plant Container Hedge

Garden plant containers and pots showcase plants and do enhance an area’s aesthetic appearance. A beautiful hedge can be created which includes many planters suitably spaced containing boxwood topiaries. They look wonderful along a driveway or against a privacy fence.

Rain Barrels & Garden Planters

Yes, they do go together. Collect rainwater to give a drink to those plant pots and containers during summer dry spells. The water is pure and you are doing a great service to the environment as well. Many municipalities have rain barrels to sell at a good price – reduces the amount of water they have to process in the treatment plant.

Drought Tolerant Plants

Grey or silver foliaged plants will reflect light and generally do not need as much water and have a greater tolerance for dryness. Look for plants with thin or small leaves – they have smaller surface from which to lose moisture. Don’t forget succulents, they look wonderful in your garden planters and containers.

Why Container Gardening?

If you are limited on time and of course space, container gardening may be the way for you to go. We need to take advantage of all the great plants that we can grow in garden planters and containers. Garden Centers now have large plants ready for your pots and arrangements that you can repot into your lovely garden containers for your own unique look.

Promote Shapely New Growth

When summer peaks and our garden containers are looking full and lush, it is time to think about cutting back the plants a little. Verbena and lantana, for example, benefit from regular pinching throughout the summer. Cut back to a joint or node that has a side branch emerging to promote new growth.

Another Beautiful Garden Planter

This one looks spectacular and is easy to create. Start with your Purple Grass or Sedge in the middle and place a red Verbena on either side. Then alternate with (2)Yellow and (2) Purple Calibrachoa, ending with one Sweet Potato Vine. Make sure to have a large pot or container, they will grow!

Hot Weather Tolerant Container Plant

The Lantana is a wonderful garden planter and container plant. It loves hot hot weather, the blooms are colorful and the butterflies just love them. The trailing lantana is excellent in planters and pots. Treat as annual in cool climates.

Reminder – Container Watering Rules

We can never remind ourselves too often to water those garden pots and planters. The hot dry weather can do havoc in such a short time. Be sure your planters have drainage holes, only water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, water until you see water seeping out of the drainage holes and do not let the container sit in standing water.

Out of Space in Your Garden

Think about container gardening if you are running out of space in your small garden – start filling up your garden planters and pots with shade plants which can be dramatic and exciting. Think about texture, variety and color repetition with your new shade garden containers.

Keeping Them Beautiful

Planters and containers dry out more quickly and need frequent watering. A little mulch or stones on the top of the soil slows down the evaporation of moisture from the soil. Pinch back the growing leggy stems to maintain attractive shape and keep plants bushy. Of course deadheading will allow flowering plants to bloom faster.

Mandevilla – What a Garden Plant

This is one of the most beautiful vines with huge vivid pink or yellow blooms and bright green leaves. The Mandevilla is perfect for large garden planters and pots. Be sure to use time release fertilizer in the potting soil and you will have blooms all season long. Cut back to over winter and then fertilize again when ready to place outside in the Spring.