Keep your container plants looking their best

Tips to keep container plants looking their best 

Whether your gardening space is large or small, sunny or shady, these beautiful well-grown container gardens let you have color where you want it.

Once you get your potted plants and hanging baskets home and set up, there are some things you need to do to keep your container plants looking their best. At the top of the list is to water diligently. Plants in containers dry out quickly so it's important to check the moisture daily. An easy way to do this is to stick your finger into the soil all the way to the second knuckle. If the tip of your finger feels dry it's time to water. If you're still not sure, buy a simple moisture meter and use it to determine if your pots need water. Morning is the best time to water and water the soil, not the leaves. Give it a good soaking, enough so the water runs through. Second, fertilize regularly.

Nutrients get absorbed by plants and washed out of the soil when you water so it's important to feed your plants with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20, every two weeks. With regular feeding, your blooming plants will go strong all summer long.

Third, keep up with deadheading. As flowers start to fade, pinch or cut off the flower stem just above the first set of full leaves. This will encourage new blooms to form. Given a little time and attention, your containers will look fresh and beautiful all season long.