Flower containers are a great way to add colour and life to any outdoor space.
Whether you have a small balcony or a large patio, a well-placed container can make all the difference.
However, growing flowers in containers can be tricky, and there are several common mistakes people make when growing flower containers, which can lead to disappointing outcomes.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes gardeners make when growing flower containers and how to avoid them.
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Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Container Size
Many gardening enthusiasts make the mistake of selecting containers that are too small or too large, both of which can harm the growth and health of your flowers.
Opting for a container that is too small restricts the root growth and development of your plants.
As a result, the roots become cramped and can quickly become root-bound, leading to stunted growth and poor overall health.
Additionally, small containers tend to dry out more quickly, requiring frequent watering and making it challenging to maintain proper moisture levels for your flowers.
On the other hand, selecting a container that is too large may seem like a good idea to allow room for your flowers to grow, but it can also have its downsides.
Very large containers hold more soil, but they can wind up retaining excessive moisture that can lead to problems such as root rot or fungal diseases.
Besides, a large container may be challenging to move or transport, especially if you prefer to rearrange your container garden or bring it indoors during extreme weather conditions.
To choose an appropriately sized container that provides sufficient space for your flowers’ root systems to grow while still being manageable for maintenance and care, consider the mature size of the flowers you intend to plant and select a container that allows for ample root expansion.
As a general rule of thumb, the smallest container I use for a mixed flower arrangement is one with a diameter of at least 30 cm (12″) and a depth of 30 cm (12″) for optimal growth.
Mistake #2: Containers with Inadequate Drainage
Container drainage is a crucial aspect of growing flower containers successfully.
Inadequate drainage can turn your planter into a swimming pool or, at minimum, create waterlogged soil and suffocated roots which leads to root rot and, ultimately, the demise of your beautiful blooms.
When selecting pots or containers for your gardening project, check that they have drainage holes at the bottom.
Drainage holes allow excess water to escape, preventing it from pooling at the bottom and causing a multitude of problems.
If your chosen container does not have drainage holes, you can create them yourself using a hand drill.
Mistake #3: Using Poor Quality Soil
Soil is the foundation for your plants’ growth and overall health. Using low-quality soil will hinder the development of your flowers and lead to subpar results.
Poor quality soil may lack essential nutrients necessary for plant growth, leading to stunted or weak plants.
It may also have a poor texture that retains too much water or drains poorly, causing root rot or suffocation of the plant’s roots.
To avoid this mistake, invest in high-quality soil specifically formulated for container gardening.
Look for soil mixes that are lightweight, well-draining, and enriched with organic matter. These mixes provide a balanced blend of nutrients and promote optimal root growth and development.
Pro-Mix soils are easy to find, look for Pro-Mix BX or Pro-Mix HP (unsponsored). I like to supplement Pro-Mix with worm castings and some extra vermiculite and perlite.
If you prefer to make your own soil mix, ensure that it contains a combination of compost, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can also enrich the soil and enhance its fertility.
One more quick tip: Moisten the soil before planting, as it makes it much easier to hydrate the soil after the plants are placed in the container.
Related: Perlite vs Vermiculite: What are the Differences?
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Mistake #4: Being Unfamiliar with the Container’s Growing Environment
Sun exposure is a crucial factor to consider when growing flower containers.
Sometimes, gardeners make the mistake of not knowing the specific sunlight exposure of their chosen location, leading to inaccurate plant choices.
Each flower has its own unique sun tolerance levels, ranging from full sun to partial shade or full shade. Some plants thrive in direct sunlight, while others prefer a more shaded environment.
It’s important to research and understand the sunlight needs of your selected flowers before planting them in containers.
When selecting a location for your flower containers, take note of the sun patterns in your garden or outdoor space. Observe how the sunlight falls throughout the day, considering factors such as buildings, trees, or fences that may cast shadows. This will help you determine the best plant choices for your containers to receive the appropriate amount of sunlight.
Plant examples for sunny spaces include Dahlias, Euphorbia, Gazanias, Geraniums, Grasses, Lobularia, Petunias, Rudbeckia, Scaevola, Snapdragons, Verbena, and Zinnias.
Plant examples for shady growing areas include Grasses, Dragon Wing Begonias, Nonstop Begonias, Browallia, Lobelia, Scaevola, Torenia, and Vinca.
Related: Here are some blogs with plant suggestions for your specific garden space –
- How to Choose the Perfect Hanging Basket
- How to Master Your Shade Garden: A Complete Guide to Growing Annuals and Perennials in the Shade
- Begonias 101: A Complete Guide to Growing Amazing Begonias
- 10+ Amazing Annual and Perennial Flowers to Grow in Full Sun
Mistake #5: Mismatched Plant Pairings
Not only do plants have sunlight preferences, but they also have particular requirements for water, fertilizer, and wind tolerance.
In container mismatched pairings, you will find some plants thriving in a planter while others are languishing because they’re either getting too much or a specific necessity or they are getting too much.
When selecting plants for a particular location, do your best to establish that the plants you choose share similar sunlight needs, but also focus on watering habits, fertilizer requirements, and wind resistance.
Download this free chart: Plant Pairings for Containers in Sunny & Shady Growing Spaces
Mistake #6: Overcrowding the Container
It is so easy to overcrowd containers when the plants are small because the container doesn’t look full!
Incorporating as many beautiful blooms as possible in a single container at the start is tempting, but overcrowding can lead to several issues.
First, overcrowding restricts the space available for each plant to grow and thrive.
Plants need room to spread their roots and access nutrients, water, and sunlight. They compete for these vital resources when packed tightly, resulting in stunted growth and poor overall health.
Second, overcrowding can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases and pests.
When plants are cramped together, air circulation is limited, creating a humid and favourable environment for pathogens and insects to thrive. This can quickly spread throughout the container, affecting all the plants within it.
Third, overcrowding also affects the aesthetic appeal of the container.
Instead of showcasing the beauty of each individual plant, an overcrowded container may appear messy and chaotic. The plants may overshadow each other, preventing their unique colours and shapes from standing out.
To avoid this issue, consider the mature size of each plant before placing them in the container.
By giving your plants room to breathe and grow, you will ensure healthier, more vibrant, and visually pleasing flower containers.
Mistake #7: Underwatering or Overwatering the Container
Proper watering is crucial when it comes to growing flower containers successfully.
Underwatering is a common mistake.
Flower containers have a finite amount of soil and tend to dry out faster than plants in the ground, so it’s essential to monitor the moisture levels regularly.
Dry soil can leave the plants thirsty and stressed, resulting in wilting leaves, dry soil, and a lack of vibrant blooms.
On the other hand, overwatering is equally detrimental to the health of your container plants.
While it’s important to avoid dehydration, drowning your plants in excessive water can lead to root rot, fungal diseases, and poor oxygen circulation.
Overwatered plants may exhibit yellowing leaves, a foul smell emanating from the soil, or even the presence of mold or algae on the surface.
To prevent either of these mistakes, ensure proper drainage in your containers, use well-draining soil, and establish a watering schedule based on the specific needs of each plant.
To determine when to water, check the soil moisture by inserting the entire length of your index finger into the soil. If it feels dry at the tip or first knuckle, it’s time to water.
However, if it feels damp, hold off on watering for a little longer.
A small layer of mulch is also beneficial in retaining soil moisture in container plantings.
Related: How to Use Mulch in Planters and Hanging Baskets
Mistake #8: Inadequate Fertilization
Another common mistake when growing flower containers is not meeting the nutritional needs of the plants.
In container plantings there is a finite amount of soil with a limited capacity for holding extra nutrients.
As containers are watered, some nutrients drip out of the soil, reducing the amount of nourishment available to the plants, so fertilization plays a crucial role in providing the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Without adequate fertilization, container-grown flowers may suffer from nutrient deficiencies, resulting in stunted growth, pale leaves, and lackluster flowers.
Different flowers have different nutrient preferences, so it is important to choose a fertilizer that matches the needs of your plants. Some flowers may require a balanced fertilizer, while others may thrive with a higher concentration of specific nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium.
Most flower containers grow best when they receive a steady weekly or biweekly supply of nutrients throughout their growth cycle with a well-balanced fertilizer like Nature’s Source or 20-20-20.
Over-fertilization is another situation to avoid.
While it may seem like more is better, excessive fertilizer can lead to nutrient burn and damage the delicate root systems of your plants. Always follow the recommended dosage and avoid applying fertilizer directly to the leaves or flowers.
In addition to chemical fertilizers, organic alternatives can also provide nutrients to your flower containers. Compost, worm castings, and other organic materials can enrich the soil and promote long-term soil health.
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Mistake #9: Skipping Regular Trimming and Deadheading
Regular pruning and deadheading are essential tasks when growing flower containers. Neglecting these tasks can lead to an unsightly and unruly display, hindering the overall growth and health of your plants.
Pruning involves the removal of any dead, damaged, or overgrown stems, branches, or leaves from your container plants.
This process helps to promote new growth, improve the overall shape and form of the plant, and increase air circulation. By removing dead or diseased parts, you prevent the spread of diseases or pests to other healthy parts of the plant.
Deadheading, on the other hand, is the removal of spent flowers from your plants.
This practice improves the appearance of your container garden and encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Removing faded or wilted flowers, redirects the plant’s energy towards new growth and the production of fresh blossoms.
Mistake #10: Forgetting About Pest Control
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing beautiful blooms and arranging them in a visually appealing way.
Pests like aphids, snails, slugs, and spider mites can wreak havoc on your flower containers, causing damage to the plants and even killing them.
These pests can be attracted to your containers for various reasons, such as overripe fruits, damp soil, or even the scent of certain flowers.
To avoid this scenario, implement a proactive approach to pest control. Start by regularly inspecting your flower containers for any signs of pest infestation.
Look for chewed leaves, sticky substances on the plants, or the presence of small insects.
An important aspect of pest control is maintaining proper plant hygiene.
Remove any dead or decaying plant material from your containers, as it can attract pests. Also, be mindful of overwatering your plants, as excess moisture can create a breeding ground for pests.
On the prevention side, consider introducing beneficial insects and using physical barriers to protect your flower containers.
For example, you can place copper tape around the edges of your containers to deter slugs and snails or use fine mesh netting to prevent insects from reaching your plants.
You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to feed on aphids.
Related: How to Get Rid of Aphids in Your Garden
Regular Care and Attention Goes a Long Way
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, being aware of these common pitfalls will help to ensure successful and thriving blooms.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning flower containers that will bring beauty to your outdoor space!
More to Explore
- How to Keep Hanging Baskets & Flower Containers Thriving all Season
- 6+ Front Door Planter Ideas to Make Your Entrance Shine
- Top Alberta Balcony Garden Ideas
- Planter Box Design Strategies
© Sharon Wallish Murphy © Gardening with Sharon
