The Gardeningetc guide on how to plant flowers in pots (2023)

When learning to plant flowers in pots, success depends on following a few important guidelines. First, it's important to balance the size of a container with the size of the plants once they are fully grown. You also have to make sure that no plants grow too big to overwhelm the others. Checking the plant labels will help with your selection as they will tell you the height and extent that the plant will grow.

ForeverGarden ideas for containersYou also need to choose plants that prefer similar growing conditions. How will they all grow together under the same soil and sun conditions? If the plants do not require any special mixtures, e.g. For example, for succulents that need soil with extra drainage properties, an all-purpose compost will usually suffice. You can add water retaining gel to retain moisture in hot weather if desired.

Whether you want a beautiful mix of flowers for a cottage garden or a more modern look for a modern patio, our step-by-step instructions will show you how to plant potted flowers and create beautiful arrangements you'll love.

How to plant flowers in pots: simple tips

• Your plant selection will determine how often you need to water your container. But it's important to remember that plants grown in containers will always require a little more water than those in themgarden bordersand beds.
• Think about choosing the right oneGarden planter ideasto work with the desired area. Neutral or gray tones are ideal for modern homes, while terracotta best suits traditional views. If using wooden containers, line them with plastic first to prevent rotting.
• Drainage is key when learning how to plant flowers in pots. It's important that any containers you use have drainage holes in the bottom. If you're using salvaged containers like boxes or metal pots, an electric drill is the easiest way to add the holes. A layer of clay and/or gravel at the base improves the drainage properties of the soil.

Container 1: beautiful garden planter

You will need:

• Lobélia 'Cambridge Blue'
• Rosa Terrasse 'Lovely Bride'
• white bacopa
• Lobélia 'Cambridge Blue'
• mixed nemesis
• Terracotta-Copper(opens in new tab)
• pots
• Choose(opens in new tab)
• composed(opens in new tab)

Step 1: Prepare your pan

Choose a large vase big enough to hold a rose and a few smaller plants around the edge. We went for a traditional look with a terracotta vase that would go with the classicIdeas for the country house garden. Cover the bottom with some pots for drainage - we'll use some broken Styrofoam trays to line our pot.

Step 2: Add gravel for drainage

The plants we select thrive best in well-drained soil. Pots help with drainage and sprinkle a layer of gravel on top. Add enough to cover the bottom and some of the pots.

Step 3: Add soil for your plants

Then you need to fill the pot about ¾ full with good, peat-free, all-purpose soil. Then make a hole in the center of the pot with your hands and compact the soil outwards well to keep it in place. This is where the central rose is placed.

Step 4: Position your central rose

Make sure the hole is deep enough for the patio rose. Then carefully remove the patio from the pot, leaving only the pot in the hole. Now you can plant around to have enough space at the end. But without fear of being scratched by the thorns of the rose! Build and firm the soil around the pot, ready to plant annuals around the rim.

Step 5: Place your plants around the edges of the pot

Plant the lobelia close to the sides of the pot. Distribute the Nemesia evenly around the pot. Sprinkle with white bacopa to curl the edges. Fill in the remaining gaps with additional Nemesis.

Step 6: Secure the plants with soil

Pack additional compost around each plant, making sure the root ball is fully submerged in the soil. Firm the compost around the plants. A tight fit is great. The plants at the rim will eventually grow and spread over the edge of the pot.

Step 7: Replace Your Rose

Then remove the rose vase from the center hole. Make sure the soil doesn't crumble. Gently lower the rose into position. Secure it in place and add some more soil to make sure it's planted properly.

Step 8: Finish pouring

When you are satisfied that all the plants are firmly in place, give the finished container a good water with the rose-headed watering can. When learning to plant flowers in pots, it is important to water the container regularly and never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Keep cutting throughout the season and some plants will give you a second burst of blooms. If any perennials you've used get too tall, lift and divide them to increase your plant collection and avoid overcrowding. They can be planted in a separate pot or you can find a permanent home for them in a well-chosen spot on a ledge.

If you want to learnhow to grow rosesTo help you add more stunning options to your vases, our expert guide has lots of tips.

Tray 2: modern succulent cup

You will need:

• Large copper bowl (or similar design)
• Electric drill(opens in new tab)
• 3 x different sedums for spreading and threshing
• 3 x different Sempervivum to be proud of and bloom later in the season
• Horticultural fine grit to cover the dress
• Mixture of succulent pots(opens in new tab)or mix your own using 50% topsoil, 40% compost and 10% gravel
• artist brush

Step 1: Prepare your pan

Place your copper bowl upside down on a stable surface. Be sure to wear safety goggles for this part of the project.

Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the copper bowl. These are essential when learning to plant flowers in pots, but especially with succulents that need good drainage.

If you don't have a copper bowl, you can use any large, shallow bowl to achieve a similar look with succulents. Keep it contemporary if you plan on using this vase as a focal point in your homeModern garden ideas.

Step 2: Plan your arrangement

Before adding anything to the pot, keep the succulents in their plastic pots and arrange them in the bowl. This will ensure you get the balance you want between the different leaf shapes and tones before you plant them.

Step 3: Add gravel and soil

Then you need to cover the drain holes with a layer of gravel to prevent the compost from spilling out. Then add specially formulated composthow to grow succulents. Alternatively, you can use your own mix, which is a 6:1 mix of compost and horticultural grain.

Step 4: Position your succulents in place

For the next step on how to plant flowers in pots, place each succulent in its position, still in the plastic pot, and make a deep notch in the compost forming the planting hole for each plant. Then take the succulents out of their pots one by one and place them in the planting hole. Do this carefully so as not to disturb the clump.

Step 5: Fine-grain finish

Solidify the compost around each succulent, making sure the soil doesn't cover the neck of the plant. Then sprinkle a top layer of fine sand on the surface of the compost. Make sure there is a layer of sand underneath each succulent that builds up around the plant's neck. This will prevent the leaves from coming into contact with damp soil, which can cause rot.

Step 6: Cast Your Screen

Water your arrangement well with a narrow watering can. This way you can avoid the leaves. Use a brush to brush any drips and excess sand off the leaves.

When you're done with your container, be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight as succulent leaves can get sunburned. We think it would work great on a garden table as a centerpiece for youOutdoor dining ideas.

When it comes towatering plants, it's just as easy to overwater as it is to submerge, so allow your container to dry out between waterings. Check the soil regularly as the time between waterings is shorter in hot weather. If the leaves look wilted, they're not getting enough water, while translucent leaves indicate overwatering.

Don't forget there are more tips onhow to care for succulentsin our guide.