I'm always asked about the best tips and tricks to planting wonderful containers. Here are some I have learned over the years. Be sure to share your tips!
Use a coffee filter to cover the hole at base of container.
Use premium potting soil already fortified with wetting agents (soil moist or calsine clay) and timed released fertilizer (osmocote). Tamp soil down until it is firm.
Consider using a Thriller (height), Filler (mid section) and Spiller (trailing over the edge). Thriller is generally installed first and does not HAVE to be in the center but could be positioned on the back to create a one sided display. Thriller is typically a #1 (or one gallon) container.
Back fill potting soil until Spillers (many times 4-inch pots) can comfortably rest 2 inches below rim of container. If Fillers are 4-inch pots place them in now or continue to pack soil around installed plants.
Arrange smallest pack annuals as Filler or Spiller and back fill one last time. Push soil medium down around the rim to ensure that soil will not spill over the edge when watering. The goal is to have soil level 1 to 2 inches below the lip of the container to facilitate watering.
Water in with an organic fertilizer. Water deeply to fully wet dry soil. Watering is suggested every three days or so (weather depending) When watering, fill up container until water almost spills over the edge, let it drain down. Fill up the container a second time and let the water drain down. Fill up the container a third time and let the water drain down one last time. This ensures that moisture is getting all the way to the bottom of the container. This not only encourages longer roots on the plants, which helps them develop more drought tolerance, but also ensures that you watering chores will be lesser.
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