Seasonal containers are some of our favorite ways to bring the joy of gardening to all kinds of spaces! From a welcoming front entry to a tropical splash by the pool, our seasonal containers provide a mood-boosting surprise from every angle!
In order to keep your seasonal container looking its best, there are some simple tasks to perform throughout the growing season.
The most important thing for keeping your seasonal container looking lush and lovely is regular watering. Check the soil to determine if watering is needed, the top two inches can dry out without causing any harm, but it should start to feel damp. Your plants can often tell you that they need a drink just by looking at them. Wilting leaves and stems are a clear sign that things are too dry.
The size of a container and its location can have a major impact on how frequently it needs watering. Smaller containers dry out faster than large ones, and containers in direct sun will need more frequent watering than those in the shade. If potting soil gets too dry for too long, it can become difficult to soak up water, letting it all run out of the bottom of the container. If this happens, water slowly a few times through the day to help the potting soil soak up water and fill in the container edges to be sure it actually gets the water you are adding to the roots of your plants!
When we install your seasonal container, we include time-release fertilizer as well as fast-acting water-soluble fertilizer to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to flourish. It's a good idea to supplement your container with a water-soluble fertilizer every week or so during the summer as nutrients can be lost from the soil through frequent watering. Also, regular fertilizing encourages your plants to create more gorgeous flowers and foliage! Be sure to follow the directions on the package for optimal results.
It may seem counterintuitive, but regular pinching promotes fuller growth and more flowering! By removing spent flower heads and seedpods, the plant responds with more flowers. In the case of most trailing plants, pinching controls growth and promotes side shoots, creating a fuller look. Pinching is also appropriate for any damaged or sad-looking foliage to improve the overall appearance of a container. When a container features a large leafed plant such as elephant ear, banana plant, or canna lily as the thriller, it is wise to pinch out a few leaves every month or so to create space for new leaves to come up.
A final step that can help promote balanced growth in some containers is to rotate them throughout the season. By rotating 90 or 180 degrees a few times a season, you can prevent leaning in taller plants and uneven growth in shorter ones. If rotating your pot is not an option, don't worry! You may be able to utilize pinching mentioned above to help control leaning and rapid growth on the sunnier side.
By following these simple steps for maintaining your containers, you can be sure to enjoy optimum beauty and color all season long! For our monthly maintenance clients, we make a point to detail your containers during our visits to ensure they look their best.
