If you live in areas the have freezing temperatures during the winter months, annuals would probably be the better choice for your container growing flowers. You can plant your flowers close together in order to give your container a full look. You can plant a container garden in early spring because if there is a threat of frost you can bring the containers inside for protection. Some of the annual flowers that are suited for container growing that enjoys the sun include lantana, marigold, petunia, and salvia. Those that love the shade or tolerate the shade include begonias, flowering tobacco, impatiens, and caladiums.
Your flower design ideas regarding your containers should convey your color scheme or mood. Arrange the plants you are going to transplant into containers together in groupings to see how you like them. For instance follow a color theme of flowers that are all the same color for that monochrome look; pastel or soft colored flowers can be effective in a gentle light, shade or in morning sun; the bold vivid colors look best in the bright sun and they will not looked washed out. A formal look entails a single large plant or a container filled with varieties of the same plant. The informal look mixes together flower colors and heights. You can also coordinate your containers or the flowers within the container with the house color or trim color for that custom look. You can also coordinate your flowers to blend with the bold color of a container to make a statement.
To plant a
container garden of flowers all you really need are some good pots, some soil and good locations. Once you have planted your garden you may find you have more control over diseases, garden pests, and watering than you do with a traditional garden. Place the container you are going to use in the area that has the best sun requirements for the flowers you want to plant. You need to select the plants or flowers that are suited for your sunlight conditions where ever you place the containers. Be sure the containers have a drainage hole and place some gravel or small stones in to fill the bottom inch or two; now fill the remaining space with your potting soil, potting mix, or compost to about 2 inches from the top, this will leave you enough room for planting the flowers and adjusting the soil.
Now you can dig a hole for each plant that is going into that container and make sure it is as big as the pot the flowers came in. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and loosen the roots if they are curling around the bottom. Place each flower into its hole, adjust it so the top of the root ball is level with the soil then firm up the soil around it and add more soil as needed. To encourage root production and more flowers you can pinch off any of the existing flowers that are behind the flower head located at the top of the stem. Water the flowers to make the soil damp or wet, but not muddy and water again when the top inch of soil feels dry.
In order to achieve success you will need a little routine container care. Water as needed just to keep the soil moist. How often you need to water will depend on your weather and the size of the plants compared to your containers. If you want to keep your flowers blooming all summer long you will want to fertilize regularly. Always follow label directions of the fertilizer.
Container grown plants also benefit from a top dressing of quality compost occasionally. Groom your plants often by deadheading which is removing promptly any faded flowers. Clip off any broken stems or discolored foliage. Always keep an eye out for disease or pest problems; it they are caught early they will be easier to control. Following some of these tips will help make your efforts seem less of a chore while
container growing.
