If your container plants are drying out constantly in June then it's time to make some changes. The joyful task of watering plant filled pots can quickly become a time consuming chore and an exhausting one too, if you are having to drag heavy cans and hoses around.
Fortunately, there are numerous methods and watering products available for planters. Particularly important when container gardening for beginners, these are all designed to make life easier, but which actually work and which are those favored by leading professionals.
Here we share the tried and trusted tricks and buys that really work to water plants in June, and will help you free up valuable time this summer.
Choose Pot Materials Wisely
If you are experimenting with container gardening ideas you will be well aware of the various materials on offer, but different pot materials have varying characteristics, with some proving a smarter choice for sunny spots.
‘Consider thicker, heavier pots that are glazed,' says landscape designer and founder of Relish Gardens, Claire Lidell Hanna. 'Metal containers have been quite popular because they're affordable and modern looking, but they have terrible thermal regulation and when they're matte black, they just transfer all that midday heat right into the soil’.
She continues, ‘glazed ceramic pots with thick walls are more expensive and difficult to move, but they help keep the soil temperature more stable. While the pot may get quite hot in the sun, its mass retains more of that heat and water won't evaporate through them as readily.’
Pot size and shape play their part in conserving moisture too, as Claire adds, ‘bigger pots dry out less quickly. Consider one very large pot instead of three smaller ones.’
Find a good selection of glazed planters at Lowe's, including this chic Pinecone Planter.
Tailor Your Compost
Before embarking on any planter box idea there are a few steps you can take to help your soil retain moisture.
‘Using soil that has more water retention attributes is very helpful to maintain a more consistent moisture level,’ says plant expert Katie Sunderlage. ‘Potting soil with added vermiculite and organic matter will help to maintain moisture levels for longer periods of time.’ Find vermiculite, a natural soil additive, available in varying quantities at Amazon.
It’s also a common container gardening mistake to plant straight into dry soil, as this will stress plants and hinder roots from establishing. Always fill pots with a fresh, sealed bag of compost as this will have preserved the moisture content and kept water retaining granules in top condition.
If you do wish to use an already open bag of soil, be sure to soak the compost before planting. Dried out potting mix can become hydrophobic – i.e. the surface will repel water – so give it a good, slow soak before using. We find these garden Tubtrugs from Walmart ideal for this task.
Claire also adds, 'when planting, ensure your container soil is broken up all the way to the bottom. Don't just dig out the top half, plant, and leave the bottom half of the pot compacted and non-porous.'
Add Water Storage Above Or Below The Soil
Ensure container plants never dry out by incorporating a water store. Whether it's above or below soil surface is a matter of personal preference and there are plenty of options, from water globes, water spikes to a traditional garden olla. Many professionals have their firm favorites.
'Ollas are an old method of bringing water directly to the soil via unglazed clay or terracotta,' says Claire. 'There are various designs and sizes. I like the classic olla shape with a lid, they hold a lot of water and keep a low profile in a container.
'Good for plants that need consistent moisture, you'll need to plan ahead to ensure you have enough space to bury your olla properly up to the neck. Place the olla in the center of the pot and plant closely around it.'
You can find classic terracotta ollas at Amazon.
Self watering spikes from Amazon, where an upturned bottle of water is attached and inserted into a planter, and globe spikes also from Amazon (featuring either a glass or plastic receptacle with stem) are handy and check-at-a-glance alternatives.
Invest In An Automated Drip System
Take the stress and effort out of watering containers by setting up a simple timer and pot irrigation system. Surprising easy and inexpensive to do it can make a huge difference to long term plant health, crops and dazzling floral displays.
'For irrigation, if you have access to a hose spigot, a simple hose bib timer running drip lines directly into your planters is worth every penny.' says landscape architect Kevin Lenhart. 'They're straightforward to set up, flexible if you move or change containers over time, and take the daily decision-making out of the equation entirely.'
Annie Morton, gardening expert and Hoselink brand ambassador suggests, 'a weeper hose threaded through a window box or a long planter is a brilliant way to drip water straight to the roots, slowly seeping along and reaching every plant evenly. Set on an automatic timer, your containers water themselves even while you're away on summer vacation.
Amazon sell the Rainpoint Programmable Sprinkler Timer which can work in conjunction with a Amazon's drip irrigation system.
Once you have discovered the best techniques for keeping your planters hydrated, its worth knowing when to water a garden to optimise results. Keep on top of the latest container garden trends and you'll be all set for a stylish summer outside.
If you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, why not sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox?
