GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — With early-season lawn chores in the rear-view mirror, many of us are filling our pots with flowers and color to accentuate the front porch. And while anyone can plant a pot, there are things you can do to help them thrive and be the best they can be.
Here are some Dos.
Fill the pot with soil, not filler - Using plastic bottles or Styrofoam to fill a big pot won’t do you any favors. Your plants will grow and bloom much better if you fill the whole pot with soil.
Go big - A bigger pot can hold more soil and give more resources to your plant. It will dry out less quickly and give your plant roots room to grow.
Use quality soil - When it comes to what kind of soil you use, pick a good one. Don’t use topsoil.
Skip the rocks - Rocks at the bottom of a pot do not improve drainage. That’s a myth. Again, good-quality potting soil will provide good drainage. Also... make sure your container has drainage holes on the bottom.
Fertilize regularly - Especially after heavy rains, give your plants some food to keep them looking and blooming their best. Every few weeks is a good rule of thumb.
Check the moisture level every day! - Pots dry out much faster than garden beds, especially terra cotta pots. On the hottest of days, you may have to water twice.
Use mulch - A couple of inches of mulch will retain moisture and keep your plants hydrated.
Follow these tips and your plants will look professional and healthy.
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