Things You'll Need:
- Basic gardening tools...small spade, etc.
- Plastic gloves (if desired)
- Flowers/ Plants/Planter
- Potting Soil and Drainage Material
- Garbage bag for trash
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Step 1
Decide on the type, size, style, and material of the planter/pot/urn you want. Base this decision on your deck, patio, or porch --- the style and color of other furniture or of the area itself and available sun and space. Terrific pots and planters are available in the garden areas of discount stores. Buying them at the end of the season is your best bet for getting a great deal, but good deals are always available. (Remember - the bigger the pot, the more flowers/plants and expense.) Before making any purchases, decide on your budget for this project and stick to it. After purchasing your pot/planter/urn, measure it across the top and cut out the shape on a piece of cardboard. You will use this as a template when buying flowers and plants. Take this template on your shopping expedition to the garden shop or nursery.
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Step 2
Decide on the colors and style of flowers for the planter. Again, the garden section of discount stores has a wonderful selection. Watch the newspaper for sales. Read the informational inserts in each pot so you'll know if the plant can survive in your area, in the spot you have chosen, and with your gardening style (e.g., Will it have enough sun? Does it need daily watering? Will it survive in the temperature extremes of your area?). Since all the plants and flowers will be together, choose plants that physically complement each other's leaves, flowers, and colors, and that require approximately the same care, climate, and sun. Obviously, pot sizes affect price, so purchase in bulk packages when you can and look for buys on hanging plants. Plants in hanging pots can be divided for use in planters.
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Step 3
Place your cardboard template in the bottom of your shopping cart and use it to decide which plants and flowers you'll need, the size of each plant, and approximately what their placement will be in your planter. Remember to allow for growth. Suggestion: a "spike" plant in the middle of the planter is usually a sure bet - doesn't require much care and provides a good starting point from which to design the rest of your planter. Geraniums, pansies, impatiens, trailing ivy, asparagus ferns, and begonias work well together, although there are many other combinations that work equally well. If you have questions, ask at the store or go online.
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Step 4
Plant the planter. For drainage, fill the bottom of the planter with stones, pieces of broken pots, styrofoam peanuts (NOTE: newer styrofoam peanuts are made to disintegrate when wet --- please wet the peanuts you intend to use to test whether they keep their shape when wet) or any other suitable material that you have around the house. Fill the planter 2/3 of the way up with potting soil, place your plants and flowers in the configuration you want, and then pack the potting soil around the plants and flowers.
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Step 5
Water as needed and enjoy! (Save your cardboard template for your next planting season...)
Comments
tesora said
on 10/16/2009 Planters are also great options for people that do not have yards. You can create a mini garden in a planter and enjoy a bit of nature on your patio or balcony.