PLANTING CONTAINERS

Choose an adequately sized, attractive container. Whatever the material, it must have one or more drainage holes.

Place a piece of broken clay pot or a small rock over each drain hole to allow for drainage but prevent soil loss. No additional gravel or rock is needed at the bottom of the container.

Fill the container 3/4 full with Premium Potting Mix, tamping the mix gently but firmly to remove large air spaces as you are filling the container. Add loose mix to the top of the container.

Remove your new plants from their plastic pots and carefully loosen the rootball with your hands or score with a knife. This encourages new root growth into the surrounding medium; plants establish more quickly. Ask our staff if you have any questions about this important step.

Place new plants into the light, loose mix, just covering the roots while leaving the stem(s) completely above ground. Gently firm the mix around the roots.

Apply Osmocote 14-14-14 Slow Release Fertilizer to the surface, which will slowly feed for about 3 months. Follow package directions.

Water your new container thoroughly and deeply, adding potting mix if settling occurs. Take care not to bury the stems. Thereafter, water when the container needs it: that is’ when the soil has dried out in the top inch or two. Please note the amount and frequency of watering will vary with the size and type of container, time of year, sun/shade exposure and plant selection.

Emery Says

For more and healthier blooms, remove old, faded flowers to encourage new blooms throughout the season.

Trim or pinch back plants if they have become too large or leggy. New, more compact growth and/or more flower buds will soon fill in.

You may supplement with occasional feedings of Miracle-Gro for even more blooms!