Useful Tips and Tricks for Thriving Outdoor Pots and Planters

Once you get the hang of gardening, you find yourself racking up more and more pots and planters. Keeping plants in containers alive and kicking doesn’t require the same care process as raising plants that are growing directly in the ground. Some outdoor planters are portable, so if your plants are struggling, you can move them to a different location before it’s too late. You can grow plants that aren’t suitable to grow in the soil garden, such as Euonymus, Pittosporum tenuifolium, Hosta, Pennisetum setaceum, and Buddleia ‘Buzz’, to name a few. 

You can use outdoor pots and plants to add colour to your patio, terrace, or border. The pots and planters require a little bit of TLC when not in use. Stack them upside down in a safe place, so they don’t get broken or damaged. Eliminate the soil and the residue and give the pots and planters a good rinse. If you want your outdoor pots and planters to always look fabulous, keep in mind these tips and tricks. As the temperatures start to climb, make your garden flourish. 

Select White or Light-Coloured Containers 

Soaring temperatures will often catch you by surprise. While some plants can withstand the heat wave without losing vigour, others can’t handle the stress of extreme heat. Too much sun is no good. If you choose a dark, metal container, you expose yourself to the risk of destroying your garden. This is why it’s a good idea to select white or light-coloured containers because they have the ability to reflect light. They’re not particularly striking, but the pots and planters can help create a feeling of freshness.

As far as materials are concerned, terra-cotta and glazed earthenware look great. It’s just that they can be heavy. These days, you can find eco-friendly containers. With so many options available, it’s so much easier to choose sustainable gardening products. Look for containers made from recycled plastic. If it’s biodegradable, that’s a bonus. Make sure the pots and platers have good drainage. Water should drain freely, so air is available for the roots. You can line the bottom of the pots and planters with lava rocks (or something similar) to enable excess water to drain. 

Use Nutrient-Rich Soil for Optimal Growth 

Soil supports plant growth by providing anchorage, oxygen, water, temperature modification, and nutrients. You must ensure a nutrient-rich environment to make sure your plants start to thrive. You do want bigger, healthier flowers, don’t you? Soil that is rich in organic matter tends to be darker. Don’t simply look for the word organic on the package. Take a close look at the ingredient list, as many products have harmful ingredients in the mix. It’s recommended to amend the soil with roughly 20-25% finished compost to improve its tilth. This helps in terms of moisture retention, not to mention that it reduces soil compaction. 

Water Your Garden Pots and Planters on A Regular Basis

If you want to get the most from your potted plants, care for them properly. Keep’em watered. Watering is one of the most important jobs you can do. The roots of the plants are in a restricted area, meaning that they can access water from a limited space. If you don’t water regularly, the plants become stressed, and this makes room for pests and diseases. Keep in mind that the roots need a balance of air and water to grow well. They don’t thrive if the roots are in wet compost. Make sure you don’t overdo it. 

Check the surface of the soil by touching it with your finger. If it’s dry to the touch, it’s necessary to water the plants. It’s not a good idea to water at night. Morning watering is preferable because the plants have time to dry before the sun goes down. The foliage won’t stay wet all night, so it doesn’t create a breeding ground for disease. If you want to water less frequently, use big planters on wheels. If you notice after a couple of months that the planter you’ve chosen is too big, move back down a size. 

Check For Evidence of Pests Once or Twice a Week 

Pest attacks are more common outdoors in the garden. Even the most experienced gardener can fall victim to an attack. As you can imagine, it’s important to check for evidence of posts once or twice a week. Check the leaves, growing points, and stems. The question now is: What should you be looking for? Mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies, among other things. It’s important to identify the pests before taking action so that you don’t do more harm than good. As a rule, attacks aren’t fatal to the plants. But if you don’t solve the problem on time, you won’t be able to repair the damage. 

If Your Plants Look Tired, Overgrown, Or Bushy, Get Pruning 

Even if your plants still bloom regularly, they look tired, overgrown, or bushy. If you’re curious to know what you can do to make them look fresh and cheerful again, get your pruning gear. If you have any leggy stems, prune them back to about a node. Pruning keeps your pots and planters looking neat and tidy, encourages new growth, and keeps the plants growing more compact. In other words, you can enjoy your garden for many years to come. Make sure to use sharp scissors if you don’t have garden shears. Finally, yet importantly, make sure to prepare for winter. Many types of pots and planters will freeze in the wintertime. Bring the outdoors inside. You should bring the plants inside, but not in the garage or basement. Just so you know, the transition will be more of a shock, so don’t wait too long to get it done. Bring the plants indoors in small batches. Repot them into bigger containers before moving the plants inside. Winter is the perfect time to tend to your pots and planters. Make sure water isn’t trapped inside their pores, as it can lead to cracking and frost damage.