Outdoor Container Planters Need Late Summer Care
Care Now Will Provide Showy Fall Potted Containers
1. They need constant watering. However, even if you haven't done that, promise yourself that you will water them every day unless it rains. They will love the attention and you'll soon see a great change for the better.
2. Now is the time to fertilize them and continue light feedings every week until frost. It is best not to fertilize during the hottest time of the day, however.
3. You may have to torture your plants to make them beautiful again. If petunias, or other plants have become spindly and leggy, break or cut them off to just a few inches. Be sure you dead head - remove dead flowers - as often as possible for best flowering plants. [Fertilize and water plants after breaking them off to ensure new and healthy growth.]
4. Pick your flowers for inside display. Even very simple flowers such as marigolds and petunias can be combined with leaves from other flowers/plants for striking and unusual bouquets. Use very small vases or containers or very large unusual containers for that special creation.
5. Potted planters can usually be moved quite easily. Perhaps it's time to change locations and place a more showy planter on the front step. My favorites change throughout the summer as the different plants grow and bloom.
6. If something just isn't right, make a visit to the plant store. Often you will find great bargains this time of year and even those planted late summer can provide a lovely fall show. Pull out anything dead or that aren't doing well. Other plants in the pot may grow and spread for a more beautiful pot.
Remember to take a few minutes each day, or as often as you can, to take a look at your handi-work. You took the time, money and effort to plant so reap your own rewards. You may see some changes you'd like to make next year or maybe you feel everything is just right. Sometimes the extravagant plant turns out to be a winner and sometimes it's the left-over limp thing that you bought for almost nothing that turned out to be the show of your planter garden! Enjoy!
Published by JUNEANN REED
Juneann, now retired, worked as a professional non-profit fund raiser for 16 years. She also worked in an adult care center directing activities for seniors and during her husband's accute illness was presi... View profile
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- Are your plant containers giving you a beautiful show - or do they need some help?
- You may need to be brutal with potted plants during late summer to keep them from being spindly.
- Continue to water and fertilize container gardens until frost.