“A friend of mine was recently lamenting how stressed her container plants were looking, and she couldn't figure out what she was doing wrong—after all, she'd kept up the same routine that made her…”
Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
A friend of mine was recently lamenting how stressed her container plants were looking, and she couldn't figure out what she was doing wrong—after all, she'd kept up the same routine that made her pots look gorgeous all through spring and early summer. I had to point out that container gardening really does change with the season, and honestly, her question held the answer:She hadn't changed her routine. Sometimes we get so comfortable with what works that we forget to adjust!
Seasonal considerations for container gardening
In spring, when the days are warm, the nights are cool, and the sun isn't too intense, container plantings just thrive. But as heat, humidity, and the sun's intensity crank up in summer, we really need to shift our container-care game plan. Here are some things I've learned to think about and a few tips I always follow:
Choose the appropriate-sized containers for mature plants
If you think your containers are too small, they probably are. And if you think they're just right—check again, because chances are they're still too small! We all tend to pick pots that fit the plant as it looks in spring, without thinking about how big it'll get. Larger plants mean more roots, more water needs, and more nutritional demands. The smaller the pot, the less soil it holds, which means it dries out and heats up faster, and your plants get stressed. Trust me, don't be afraid to repot in midsummer if you think your plants have outgrown their space—I've done it plenty of times!
Once you've got larger containers, make them mobile. When those hot, drying winds kick in and the sun is relentless, you can give your plants a break by moving them to a shaded, protected spot in the garden or on the patio. I keep my large containers onwheeled trivets(with the wheels locked to keep the pots in place), or you can use a hand truck or dolly. Being able to chase the shade has been a lifesaver for my summer containers!
Stay on top of watering containers in summer
You really must stay on top of watering—I can't emphasize this enough. In the height of summer, pots often need a drink every single day. Water them deeply in the early morning, and they may need a second round in late afternoon. The catch is, more watering means more nutrients get leached from the soil, so you may need to feed more often to keep up. I've found this to be one of the trickiest balancing acts of summer container gardening!
One more thing: too many containers crammed too close together can reduce air circulation—and that's the last thing you want when the days are blazing hot. Give your plants some room to breathe. They'll thank you for it.
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