In my experience, to have a successful planter or pot, there’s a few tricks you’ll want to use.
- First, be sure your planter has a drain hole. If not, try to drill some if the planter material allows
- Add a layer of something to keep the soil from washing out (and can cut down on the amount of soil needed if the planter is large). Depending on the size of the pot (therefore weight), you can use stones, styrofoam peanuts, a layer of newspaper, etc. I’ve even used pinecones in some.
- Only use potting soil!! It’s specially blended to avoid soil compaction and retain moisture. I usually use Miracle Gro Potting Mix. If it’s the first year of using the soil, fertilization isn’t usually needed, after that be sure to fertilize on a regular basis.
- What kind of plants you add is up to you. There’s lots of resources to come up with interesting combinations. Use what you like!
On to planting… Geraniums and petunias are one of my favorite combos. It’s simple, but gives a great splash of color in this low rectangular pot that sits on my patio.
First, decide how the plants will be arranged.
It’s easiest to remove some of the soil first. Set the plants in, the pack the soil back in the plants.
Remove the plant from the pot. This is easiest done by grabbing the stem down low next to the soil and turning the plant over. Tap, twist or squeeze the container and pull gently. Be careful to get the dirt with the roots.
If the roots are root bound, squeeze the root gently to allow some of the roots to separate out. This allows the roots to come in contact with the new dirt and grow. If really root bound, physically pull the root ball apart at the bottom to get root growth started again.
Plant the root ball level with the surface of the soil. Pack the soil back in around the root ball. Be sure to get as many roots in contact with the potting soil to grow for a healthy plant. Water generously to soak the roots and push out any air spaces that will block soil and root contact.
Now time to add the petunias.
Be especially careful removing the plants. Grab low and push from the bottom. Plants in these small 6 packs can easily be pulled right out of the soil if you’re not careful.
Plants in cell packs are often quite root bound.
Give them a squeeze to open the roots up.
Finished product!
Do you have a favorite simple plant combo you keep coming back to?
Nice post! Hard to beat Geraniums and Petunias, and the bright red is so cheerful.
Thanks! I do find these planters cheerful. Every year it’s a little different color scheme. But always bright.
if you live in a warmer climate like souther california, the geraniums and petunia are of no good coz the budworms will attack and eat the buds like crazy. they lay eggs more during summer time. the cold season will be okay. BT sprays don’t work at all. got tired and spent so much money to kept trying different products.