Blog Post

The sun is shining, the weather is warming, and the annuals at the garden supply store are blooming! It's potted plant season, which means it's time to beautify your front porch, windowsills, private courtyard, and everywhere in between. Caring for potted plants does require some know-how. Unlike their in-ground cousins, these delicate beauties rely on you for light, food, drainage, and everything else they need to survive. Let's take a look at how to help potted plants thrive!

1) Plan Ahead

Take a look around your indoor and outdoor spaces and decide where you'd like to add some color or greenery. Create a checklist of the places and whether you'd like a large or small plant, if the area is shaded or in the sun, or any special colors or styles of plant you'd like. When you go to the garden store, you'll know exactly what you're looking for.

2) Acclimate Your Plants

Some plants need a while to become adjusted to their new environment. It may be a good idea to leave them in their original pot for a week or so, so they can get used to the temperature and lighting of their new space before having their roots disturbed. 

3) Drain Properly

Watering plants can be tricky business. Some like a little, some like a lot, but what none of them needs is too much! Too much water can cause roots to rot due to lack of oxygen. Make sure all your pots have adequate drainage holes. If they do not, use a screwdriver or knife to cut through the bottom of the planter and add them. A small or medium sized pot requires at least a 1/2 inch drainage hole, while larger pots could use a one inch hole. Make sure water has a chance to drain completely away from the pot.

4) Let In the Light

Plants are just as finicky about their sun as they are about their water. If you are choosing plants for a space like the unique private courtyard or sunroom in your Cornerstone home, be sure they like full sunlight only part of the day, so they can enjoy the cool shade with you in the evenings. 

5) Keep the Plant Tag

As tempting as it is to toss away that little tag along with the old plastic pot - don't! That little piece of plastic or paper contains valuable information to help you take care of your plant according to its specific needs. It can be easy to forget that potted plants need individual attention, plus, the tag isn't that noticeable.

6) Pack In the Potting Soil

Some people opt to use fillers like packing peanuts or plastic milk jugs to take up space in large pots to make them lighter and easier to move. While that may be ok for plants with short roots, it's better to err on the side of more potting soil. You know your plant will get all the water and nutrients it needs without drying out too quickly.

7) Participate in Historic Garden Week of Virginia!

The 2021 Historic Garden Week of Virginia is April 17-24 and will feature 25 tours of private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sights across the state. The event, sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia, offers a special opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy beautiful gardens in a safe manner. The Club will create over 1,000 spectacular floral arrangements to enhance tour properties. You're sure to return home with ideas to turn your own outdoor space into a floral destination!

No weed pulling for you in a Cornerstone Home community! Enjoy your time creating your container garden, enjoy Historic Garden Week and live life to the fullest! It’s what we do! Our homeowners love the low maintenance lifestyle and you will too!  

Visit one of our welcoming 55+ communities, take a stroll, and admire the front porch gardens.