Caring for your outdoor planters doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you have hanging plants or multiple containers. I have some very simple steps you can take to get the best blooms all summer and into fall.
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At the time of writing this post Fall is already knocking at our door. How did that even happen? I guess time really does fly by when you’re having fun…or you’re just so busy that it feels like yesterday when we started this crazy adventure and yet the season is already winding down.
That doesn’t change me wanting to share my secrets of how well my plants did all season long.
But I have to admit – and this is the first time I’ve ever said it…I’m actually glad it’s time for colder weather…what you say? You crazy? You used to be the girl still going to the beach till the very last possible warmth was left.
You’ve never been a fan of the cold…Meghan what are you thinking?
When it comes to outdoor planters you have to consider a few things.
- First, is location. Do the flowers like sun or are they shade loving?
- Do you have enough space for growth in your outdoor planters?
- Make certain there is plenty of drainage in your outdoor planters. If the container you’re using only has 1 small hole then you can either add some holes (if your outdoor planters are plastic) or you can add some bulky filler beneath the soil.
- Are you watering enough? Below you’ll find the watering schedule I use, and I promise that if you follow it your outdoor planters will have the best, brightest blooms until frost starts nipping at your nose.
Outdoor planters
I cannot tell you how many times I have guests, friends and family asking what I’m doing to keep our outdoor planters looking so beautiful. All around the resort you’ll find hanging plants, combination containers and single flowers featured in pots.
It hasn’t always come naturally. I must admit that my very first hanging plant I received for a Mother’s Day gift…17 years ago now…whaaaaa? Was a beautiful begonia that I promptly murdered in about 1 week. I didn’t follow my awesome watering schedule…or probably even watered at all. Makes me want to cry just thinking about the horror that poor plant endured. #kiddingnotkidding
Below is a spring picture of the resort’s Motel Room #7.
And this one is mid-summer. Incredible difference in growth!
And these were not expensive hanging pots. In fact, I purchased this one at the huge plant sale from our local market that happens every spring in tiny towns across Northern Michigan. I spent $12 on the plant you see above. I bought a similar one at the local greenhouse for $45. While the more expensive hanger was big and beautiful from the start, it did not take long for my little friend here to catch up.
Ivy geraniums are great for hanging outdoor planters. They love partial sun/shade but can handle either. Too much shade though and you won’t have as many blooms. These were also bought at our local plant sale…these were $7…unbelievable I know! Just proves you can have gorgeous plants on a budget!
Another awesome tip for outdoor planters.
If you happen to come across a moving sale and spot some hardy hostas planted next their garage, ask if you can dig some up. Yeah…I did that! No shame in my gardening game…haha!
This was right at the height of mosquito season, but I was not going to let that get in my way. And a lot of benadryl cream later (for me, not the hostas!) you have some awesome plants that will return year after year, with the possibility of moving them wherever you want.
Want to keep up with all our resort and gardening shenanigans? Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for even more photos.
Remember, your best garden tool is what you learned from the previous year! Cheers!
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Bee-aye-you-tee-full flowers! Hope to make it up very early in 2016. Miss all of you. CC .
Thanks Tony! Miss you too – seems like yesterday you were here and we were just getting started. Now there’s almost a whole season under our belt. See you next spring when I’m starting all over again on the flowers 🙂