Nowadays, nurseries and garden shops, offer such an incredible assortment of stunning, healthy plants that it is rather simple to make a container that looks appealing. The difficult aspect is maintaining their beautiful looks from spring to autumn. So here are a few tricks to help with that.

 

It starts with the pot:

Excessively damp soil from overly large containers might suffocate the roots with water and cut off oxygen. A welcome mat for plant issues is also provided by the chilly, damp soil that is frequently found in pots with too much space. Along with damping off and root or stem rot, fungi such as powdery mildew and leaf spot frequently invade plants.

Additionally, as a general guideline, you'll need a pot that is somewhat larger than half that size, or around 6-8 inches in diameter, assuming their usual development is 10–12 inches tall. A bigger container with a diameter of 24 inches would be acceptable for plants that reach a height of 24 to 36 inches.

Drainage holes in your pot must have enough bottom drainage material.

 

You need a plan first:

For many of us, a garden center has the same draw on us that a kid's candy store does. And as we all know, buying on the spur of the moment does not necessarily indicate that we've chosen wisely! Pick plants that will do well in the environment and lighting, that you have available. Additionally, choose plants that demand equal amounts of water and light if you wish to blend several types of plants in one pot. The season will be extended with summer flowering bulbs like gladiolus, canna lilies, arums, and caladiums, which will add new color and interest while earlier bloomers rest.

 

The soil is supreme:

In order for our bedding plants to flourish, as garden stewards, we must create a nutrient-rich environment.

Adding 20–25% finished compost or well-rotted manure to your soil will help it in a number of ways. Enhancing the tilth, or body structure, of the soil, lessens soil compaction and aids in moisture and nutrient retention.

The optimum container soil contains peat, perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, or another moisture-retentive element at around 20% of the total content. Additionally, it requires nutrient-dense materials like compost or manure.

The soil is improved in a number of ways by adding 20–25% finished compost or well-rotted manure. It improves the tilth, or body structure, of the soil, which aids in moisture and nutrient retention and lessens soil compaction. Additionally, it can restore the pH neutrality of soils that have lost it.

 

Quench their thirst:

When summertime comes around, containers in a sunny area need regular, perhaps daily, watering when it's hot outside.

But not every pot has to be watered at the same time. How often water is needed depends on factors including plant size, container size, and light exposure.

Deep, gradual watering promotes the development of strong, healthy root systems, which are essential for robust, healthy plants. Small, shallow roots will form just below the surface with light irrigation. The bigger roots at the bottom are thus deprived of moisture, resulting in dehydration and failure of the plant.

Water gradually, just before the water begins to emerge from the drainage holes, ensures that the whole root ball, even the deepest roots, receives a sufficient supply of water.

 

Keep them’ groomed:

Give your pots a little grooming every two weeks during the growing season. Replace any plants that have given up and deadhead spent flowers and straggly stalks.

Container gardening has the same pests and issues as ground-based crops. However, because of their small spaces and poor airflow, fungus and pests may spread quickly. Any unhealthy specimens must be removed immediately to prevent infection of the other plants. Some of the most common problems faced are:

Black spot, Botrytis Blight, Damping off, Powdery Mildew, and Rust.