How to plant ... planters!

How to plant ... planters.

I was fortunate, a few years ago, to attend "The Renegade Gardener" seminar on "How to plant your planters." Don Engebretson is amazing to listen to and of course he really knows his stuff! So here is the short of what I learned ...

Pick the pot or planter that you want to use. I have this one and two more. During the winter months these planters need to be empty and free of debris so that the pot does not crack... due to moisture still in the clay.

Use FRESH potting soil. Do not use soil that was left over from a plant that died. I had some left over from last year and purchased 2 of this size bag. They were $10.00 each on sale at Walmart. I also chose the plants that I wanted in each pot. (From Menard's outdoor garden center)

Next, I cover the hole in the bottom with a coffee filter opened and flat over the hole. Put in your dry potting soil 3/4 full and then add water to soak in. I fill it up to the top and let it soak in, going to the other planters and doing the same thing with them. By the time I am finished, I am ready to add a bit more water in the first one and start putting in my plants. 

Don is anti "spikes" as the center plant. I agree with him. He and I both like grasses and the movement that they give to the arrangement. So, my first plant in ... is the grass ('Morning Light' Maiden grass). I follow that up with the 3 other plants that I have chosen. The deep dark red plant with broad leaves (Coral Bells/ need part sun), medium white flowers with purple middles (Plum Pudding Alumroot/ shade) , and a ground cover that will have small delicate purple flowers (Bowles Vinca/ part sun). I have these pots on the Northwest side of my home so they will only get partial sun.

I fill in around the plants with potting soil and water well. (Now you only have to water the top 1/4 of the potting soil and plants, as you already soaked the 3/4 soil before! Smart trick right?!) After it is all done I add mulch to keep the soil from drying out too quickly and it keeps the weeds out. Ok, it looks prettier too! I also added this cute copper Sun to give it a bit of "bling". 

These are the other two planters that I have. The one closest, in the picture, is my middle planter and I put a different grass in this one. Just mixing it up a bit :)

Don't you just love spring ... knowing that summer is just around the corner?!

Hugs,

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