If you have a deep container, fill the bottom with packing peanuts and then top off with 8”-10” of potting soil for your plants. You’ll save on soil and will have a lighter container that can be moved around if you choose.  Consider using polymers in your containers at the time of planting to reduce the frequency of watering and overall drought stress to your plants. Make sure to mix them in at the root level of the soil and not on the surface.

You will need to fertilize plants in your containers to maximize blooms. We recommend using a slow release fertilizer incorporated at the time of planting (Osmocote), followed by a liquid feed once the plants have taken root and are actively growing.

Some of the most interesting displays are planted in a variety of containers. Some suggestions include:

• antiques
• wheelbarrows
• hollowed out driftwood
• moss baskets
• ceramic pots
• window boxes

Choose a style that best suits your situation and personality. For a large open area, use a 14” wide container or larger OR group several containers together to create a larger focal point. For smaller areas, containers that are 5”-12” wide are adequate.

Determine how much sun your container garden will receive over the course of the day and acquire plants with similar light requirements. If the location receives four hours or less of direct sun a day, think shade or part-shade loving plants. Five plus hours of sun should have you look- ing for the sun worshippers.

Containers have the bonus of being mo-bile. Use them as a way to spruce up an area of your garden that has temporarily lost it’s luster. Just move your containers around your garden throughout the season to add a pop of color where you need it most.