Tips for planting flowers in containers and pots from the experts at Wilson Bros Gardens (2023)

FAQs

How many plants should you put in a container? ›

Generally, using three or four plants in 10 to 12-inch planters, four to six plants in 14 to 16-inch planters and six to eight plants in 16 to 20-inch planters will fill out containers nicely while allowing room for the plants to grow without excessive crowding.

Pine cones, wood chips, leaves, and sticks can all be used but will break down over time—a sustainable choice for seasonal planters who repot regularly.

The most fundamental part of container gardening is—surprise—picking the right container! In general, the more space you can offer your plants' roots, the better they will grow. Most vegetables need at least 12 inches of soil to grow well, but larger vegetables will require more space.

A few more tips on containers. Early in spring when your plants are smaller and the temperatures are lower you may only have to water every 3 or 4 days. As the plants get larger and the mercury creeps higher be prepared to water every day, with small pots or water “pigs” you might even have to water twice a day.

Watering container plants.

Pots absorb heat, which can stress plant roots, and the soil in them dries out much faster than soil in the ground. Container plants generally need to be watered daily. During really hot weather, you may need to even water twice a day, especially smaller containers.

Watering potted plants once a day or even twice daily may be necessary, especially if the weather turns hot and windy or your outdoor containers are located in full sunlight. Watch closely, and check moisture levels often.

Perlite is a soil amendment that improves drainage and encourages root growth. It can also help keep the soil from getting compacted in a container. Some potting soil already includes perlite, but it can be purchased separately and then mixed into soil.

Place one large pot at the center and then add smaller plants around the outside to adorn and decorate. This will draw the eye to the focal point, but also offer a lot of beauty in the surrounding pots as well. For a more informal look you can add an odd number of pots into a cluster group.

Layer rocks at the Bottom of Your Pot

Placing rocks or gravel at the bottom of your pot is a common practice to create some separation between your plant's soil and any excess water.

What to put down before planting flowers? ›

Add 2-3 inches of compost and work it into the top layer of soil, if possible. Work the soil when it is moist, but not wet. Do not allow compost to come into contact with plant stems. Top dress with another layer of compost to keep down weeds and preserve moisture.

To keep larger planters (24 inches or more) easy to move, try filling them with lightweight, bulky items like capped empty water bottles or milk jugs. They take up space without adding weight. Plus, this is better than sending that plastic to the landfill!

Just line the bottom of your planter with newspaper or brown paper grocery bags. The paper will allow the water to drain while keeping the dirt from falling out. Also the paper will retain moisture, so less frequent watering needed.

Improve water retention.

"The pebble barrier stops the evaporation of water from the soil," the expert explains. "They are a great way to absorb excess water in a container, but also to release water when the pot is drying out. This combined with a top dressing is a natural way to aid your plant's water consumption."

Four important aspects to consider are container material, size, color, and drainage. By choosing the proper container, you protect the plant from stress that results from the container drying out too quickly, restricted root growth, or roots sitting in water and developing root rot.

To reduce the risk of harmful chemicals in your water, allow your tap water to sit out for at least 24 hours before using it to water your plants. This allows the chlorine to dissipate.

During spring and summer in Southern California, she suggests drip watering three times a week for 18 minutes, then adjusting from there if the soil is too wet or dry. Don't know how to tell? Stick your finger in the soil. If it's consistently moist 2 inches down, your plants are fine.

Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.

Wondering when to water flowers? The best time to water flowers is in the morning between the hours of 6-10 a.m. The cooler weather reduces evaporation and helps the water stay where you need it – with the plant.

Can you overwater flowers in pots? ›

Too much water will literally drown your plants. That's because roots do need oxygen, or they will rot and die. Even with good drainage, keeping the soil constantly wet can make it hard for air to reach the roots.

Top watering can help flush excess salts and mineral deposits to the bottom of the pot and eventually out of the drainage holes. Constantly bottom watering will keep these salts and minerals in the potting mix, so top watering can help keep the root system of your plants healthier.

At the time of day even if there is a lot of moisture it can be absorbed by the sun but during the night time, watering allows the water that is sprinkled to stay for an extended period as there is no sun to absorb the moisture. This will surely result in fungi and bacteria.

1. Watering Plants At Night Isn't Needed: Although the idea has been around for years, most plants don't need extra care by watering them at night. There are a few exceptions, but 99% of your plants, indoors and out should only be watered during the day.

As a general rule, pots and containers should be fed at least once a week from spring until the autumn. At the start of its growth, Gro-Sure All Purpose Plant Food is ideal (unless your plant is acid loving in which case use Westland Ericaceous High Performance Liquid Plant Food.

Adding compost or garden soil can be beneficial

Most gardeners make potting soil by combining perlite or vemiculite with peat or sphagnum moss. Two other organic materials that you could add to your potting mix are leaf mold and compost, which offer a wide spectrum of nutrients.

The Best Vegetables for Containers

Potatoes, chard, lettuce, cherry and bush tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, summer squash, Asian greens, pole beans. And don't forget herbs! Here are the minimum soil depths for healthy growth. Keep in mind that you can get by with less depth if you use a self-watering planter.

Food-grade buckets, grower's pots, and plastic dishpans are all good to use as cheap gardening containers for growing plants. Just remember to add drainage holes. Containers can often be found at yard sales, thrift stores, and other secondhand vendors.

Sow seeds.

It's best to add 2-3 seeds to each pot, in case one doesn't sprout. Use the crease of the seed packet or place seeds in a creased piece of paper to help direct the seeds where you want them to go.