Each spring, I always look forward to the 4-H camp planning meeting. With 20 counties involved, we meet in a central location. The drive home typically takes me past a few garden centers, where usually I surrender to my excitement of purchasing flowers for my outdoor containers. This year, camp is canceled, because K-State Research & Extension’s number one priority is keeping our participants healthy. I can all but assume that my next essential trip out of town, I will no longer be able to contain myself and purchase quite the selection of plants to enjoy. It is a bonus this year because the plants won’t suffer during camp season while I’m gone!
With just a little bit of thought and planning for your containers, you can increase your home’s curb appeal, and enjoy some color this spring and summer.
Containers
Bigger containers provide healthier environments for plants because the larger soil volume supports better plant growth. It will also help retain more moisture for less watering, and will be less likely to fall over on windy days. Choosing a container depends on your taste. Things to consider are drainage holes and portability, if you will need to move it indoors during late spring freezes or winter. If your container lacks drainage holes, it is best to plant in a smaller inexpensive pot that does drain, and set it in the planter on top of a little gravel.
Potting Mix
Soilless potting mix is typically the easiest to purchase. It is made of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Making your own potting mix can save you money too. Blend together, by volume not weight, 1/3 garden compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 vermiculite, all of which can be found readily available at garden centers. For extra larger containers, fill the bottom with “filler” to take up some space. Don’t use items that would break down over time. Milk jugs, non-biodegradable “packing peanuts” or aluminum cans work well. Before putting anything in the container, it is best to put a piece of screen, shards of old pottery, larger rocks or a coffee filter over the holes to keep your mix from washing out.
Design Principles
A single accent piece with the same type of plant and color can be the simplest and easiest look. For a more dramatic look, use the rule of three. Choose plants that satisfy three requirements: a tall focal point, filler plants and cascading leaves or blooms. (Thriller, Fillers and Spillers) Using multiple containers, the rule of three also applies, however all containers might not need flowers depending on their shape and design.
A color scheme is also an important decision. A harmonious design uses one color or similar colors. By selecting colors opposite on the color wheel, you can have a bolder color scheme.
Remember to factor in where you want to set your container and select plants for full sun, partial sun/shade or full shade. Full sun is considered six or more hours per day. Partial shade would receive sun for two to five hours. Dense shade, means no direct sunlight. Remember that the morning sun is less intense than the afternoon sun and plants can tolerate different levels of sunlight, depending on the time of day. Always look at the plant tag for recommended hours of sunlight.
Plant Selection
K-State Research and Extension has many resources available to help you make the best decisions for your region of Kansas. Prairie Star Annual Flowers and Prairie Bloom Perennial Flowers are two publications that include varieties that have been tested with proven success in K-State bedding plant research trials across the state. Another publication, Growing Flowers in Pots also includes plants for height, filler and cascading plants.
More Information
A great video listed below from Kansas Healthy Yards, includes 10 Tips of Selecting Plants when you are at the garden center.
