PLANTING AND MAINTAINING:

You may already know the process of grouping plants in pots or containers, but I’ll do a quick review, in case there’s something I can offer that you may not have considered.

Prepare the pots: If the pots are new, remove any labels or potentially toxic substances stuck to the pot. Check for at least one good size drainage hole. If the new pot is glazed inside, line the pot with gardener’s cloth (a porous, usually black fabric) that will help maintain the proper pH balance in the soil and roots. If the pot has been used before, rinse it down. Be sure the drain hole(s) is clear.

Filling the pots: You’ll need potting soil—loose soil that will allow water to drain. There is a debate among gardeners as to putting pebbles in the bottom of the pot to aid in drainage. If the pot is quite large, some gardeners advise filling the bottom third of the pot with packing peanuts to lighten the pot. (I’ve done this and found no ill effects—pot and plants did well.)

Watering and fertilizing: Depending on the amount of sunshine the pot receives, water often enough so the plant’s roots are never too wet or too dry. Fertilize each time you water.

Deadheading: To encourage those pretty blooms, deadhead the plants—that is remove the dead blossoms. Avoid dropping the dead blossoms around the pot.

Whatever you decide to do with your planters and the plants that fill them, have fun. You’ll surprise yourself with the original ideas you’ll come up with.