Simple Guidance To Planting Annual Flower Containers

Last Updated: December 18, 2019

Time to Plant Annual Flower Containers

It’s that time again! The long, bleak winter is over and spring is in full bloom. The temperature is rising finally! I’ve made my homage to one nursery and have enough to start planting in. Every year, we set out a lot of planters on our deck. We range from scorching full sun to partial sun and partial shade to shade. Harry says it’s enough, but who’s he kidding?! I still need wave petunias, impatiens and lots of marigolds! Second trip to favorite nursery took care the other flowers I needed! Still need marigolds….

Been doing this for several years, so let me give you some simple guidance to planting the containers for the different conditions.

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Flower Heaven!

Anyway, first thing is to separate my babies into shade and sun plants. I’ve done this enough that I end up with almost the same planters every year. I know what does good and what doesn’t. Saves me a lot of money not getting the wrong plants for our deck. These guys have been healthy and produce tons of blooms so yeah, I do them the same pretty much every year. I can guarantee yours will too with these pairings as long as you water them every day. Yes, these guys are a lot of work, but well worth it in my eyes!

 Sun Loving Annuals

• Petunias
• Verbena
• Coleus
• Marigolds
• Moss Roses
• Salvia
• Zinnias
• Begonias
• Geraniums
• Cosmos

 Shade Loving Annuals

• Impatiens
• Lobelia
• Pansies
• Snapdragons
• Sweet Potato Vines
• Fushia
• Polka Dot Plants
• Violas
• Forget Me Nots

We set out the blocks of wood to set the pots on. If you put them directly on the deck, it kinda bakes them when the sun is strong. Keep drip pans under the containers because these guys need all the moisture the can get! Any excess water will be absorbed up through the roots. We usually leave 1/2 of the soil from last year and fill the containers back up with miracle grow potting soil. 

Gently remove the annuals from the packs. My rule of thumb is a tall one, on or two running type and bushy also. Pick several for a pot then adjust the placement so they are juuuust right and plant them in! Took three days to plant  all of mine and get them placed perfectly. My little helpers are ever-present to give moral supports and soak up that delightful spring sunshine. First sunburn of the year on my back!

 

So Many Flower Pots

The deck wraps around the porch therefore giving me a lot of room for many pots. It’s beautiful! Color every where you look. Pots decorated with marble dangle plant pokes and wire winged bugs. Grouping them makes it easier to water although it takes a long time no matter where they sit! Unless it rains, these babies have to be watered every day or they will wilt. I prefer to do it in the early in the morning when it’s still cooler. Harry says evening watering is better. I don’t think it matters as long as you water them. They will let you know if you aren’t giving them enough water by drooping like they are dying.

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Several More Planters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I try to mix in some whimsical plant dangles and hangers. There is also a flat marble sun catcher tucked in to top it all off. Check them out at my Etsy Shop

The majority of my planters are grouped none the less are the stand alone ones. Because they don’t have anything else to detract  from their beauty. Either way they are all certainly beautiful.

 

Not too bad. The hose stretched out long enough to reach all the plants, so much easier than carrying watering cans! The spray nozzle showers each baby wonderfully! The deck certainly is awesome!

What kind of planter do you like? Do you plant in your own like I do?  Please leave a comment below and tell us what beauties you have!

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