Planting Using Planters

The container you use can be anything that holds soil and provides good drainage. When selecting a container, choose something to fit the setting and that will accent the plant’s beauty and color. Generally the size of the containers should be double of the size of the root ball of the plant you intend to plant into. Containers can be made of different materials, cedar wood planter, bamboo, log wood. Generally cedar and cedar log wood are stronger than the bamboo and will last longer than bamboo planter. We strongly recommend you use liner in the bamboo planter.

Planting

The most important part of planting (other than starting with healthy, robust plants) is to start with a good potting soil. Fill the container with potting soil, allowing room for plants to be set with planting level 1 inch below lip of pot (to make watering possible). Mix an organic fertilizer into the soil or a time release fertilizer. Set plants, still in their pots into the container to see if you like the arrangement. When satisfied, begin planting. Work from the center of the container out to the edge. As you plant, rough up the roots, set the plant and firm into place with additional soil. The trick to planting colorful containers is to over-plant a little to achieve a profusion of color. Plant close, but allow some room for growth.

Maintenance

Containers need more attention than bed plantings. Attention to watering, especially, as weather becomes warmer and pots become full is essential to keeping planters colorful and healthy. Frequency of watering is dependant on the size of container, plant species and weather conditions. It’s a good idea to check containers daily for watering needs. Some will need water daily, others every few days.

Because plants are placed closer in containers and compete for available resources, fertilizing adequately is also very important. Beginning a month after planting: fertilize with a water soluble fertilizer, apply as directed by the manual..

Frequent grooming of plants will keep containers looking good all season. Remove any yellow, diseased or dead leaves. Removing spent blossoms will encourage more flowering and keep the plants attractive.