Planting in large planters is easy with the right steps, helping you create stunning displays for your plants!
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to successfully plant large planters:
1. Choose Your Planter
- Select a large planter: Consider the size and material that best suits your plants and aesthetic preferences. Think about outdoor large planters if your plants will reside outside.
2. Ensure Proper Drainage
- Check for drainage holes: Make sure your planter has at least one drainage hole to prevent waterlogging. If it doesn't, you can drill holes yourself (carefully and appropriately for the planter material). Good drainage is crucial for healthy plants.
3. Add Pot Filler
- Use pot filler: Instead of filling the entire planter with soil, which can be heavy and expensive, use a lightweight pot filler to take up space. Options include:
- Recycled plastic bottles
- Packing peanuts
- Gravel
- Chunks of Styrofoam
4. Create a Barrier
- Place landscape fabric over the filler: This barrier prevents the potting soil from sifting down into the filler layer, maintaining proper drainage and preventing root rot. Cut the fabric slightly larger than the planter's diameter and press it down over the filler.
5. Add Potting Soil
- Put in your potting soil: Use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for containers. Avoid using garden soil, as it can compact and hinder drainage. Fill the planter with enough potting soil to accommodate your plant's root ball.
6. Place the Plant
- Carefully place the plant: Gently remove the plant from its nursery container and loosen any circling roots. Position the plant in the center of the planter, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Fill in with more soil: Add more potting soil around the plant, gently firming it as you go. Leave about an inch or two of space between the soil surface and the rim of the planter for watering.
7. Water Thoroughly
- Water deeply: After planting, water the planter thoroughly until water drains out of the drainage holes. This helps settle the soil and ensures the roots are well-hydrated.
8. Add Mulch (Optional)
- Apply mulch: A layer of mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
9. Ongoing Care
- Watering: Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your plants according to their specific needs, using a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted to the appropriate strength.
- Deadheading: Remove any dead or faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Pruning: Prune your plants as needed to maintain their shape and size.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful and thriving container gardens using large planters.
