Growing Flowers Successfully in Containers, Easy & Fun!

Growing flowers in containers is great for those who have limited space or are not ready to start a full blown garden. It also adds beauty to your home and you can extend your plants life by bringing it inside when temperatures get to cold. Growing in containers is fun and easy!

1. Choose the Right Container

• Size: Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the flower’s root system. A container that’s too small can stunt growth, while one that’s too large will be unnecessary. 
• Material: Containers come in various materials (plastic, ceramic, terracotta, etc.). Plastic holds water better, while terracotta allows for more air circulation. There are also grow bags that are great for storing, affordable, but will not last long. Really you can use any container that has holes at the bottom.
• Drainage: Your container must have holes at the bottom for excess water to drain. Many plastic pots do not have already made holes in the bottom, so make sure you make the hole before filling the pot with soil. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, water will accumulate at the bottom and causing root rot.

2. Use High-Quality Potting Mix

• You can use garden soil, but it can become compacted in containers. Using a good-quality potting mix that is well-draining will benefit your plants. If I am filling a large pot I will use some dirt from my garden at the bottom half and potting mix to fill the rest of the pot. This makes it more affordable.  
• I also like to add some worm casting to my soil to give it extra nutrient that many potting soils are lacking. Worm castings can be found at any big box store by the fertilizers.

3. Provide Proper Sunlight

• Different flowers have different sunlight requirements. Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial or full shade. Place your containers in areas that meet the needs of your flowers.
• If you have a large container you might want to turn it occasionally for evening sunlight on all sides. This will provide equal growth on all sides, but is not necessary.

4. Water Consistently but Don’t Overwater

• Plants in containers tend to dry out more quickly than those in the ground. Water regularly but check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering. If you are unsure if you need to water you can stick your finger into the first inch or two of the soil. If it is dry it is time to water. 
• In the peak heat of the summer you will mostliked need to water everyday.

5. Feed Your Flowers THE KEY

• Plants growing in pots do not have the access to the nutrient in the ground, so you will need to fertilizer more often. 
• I add worm casting in the spring when I first plant and then fertilizer ever 3-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer.

6. Planting your Container

• When planting your plants in your container use proper spacing. Remember that just because you are planting a small plant it will surely grow! You will want to leave your plants enough space to grow.
• If you plant your plant closer together than suggested just make sure to fertilize more frequently so your plants have the nutrient they need.

Growing flowers in containers is so fun. There are so many container options that are great for all spaces and needs. I even have a layout of a sweet pea container garden HERE. I also grow a fairy garden with my daughters every year, more about that HERE. As always

Grow flowers to heal your soul,

Beth