Sharon has participated in weekly radio chats for over 10 years to share simple and practical gardening tips with her zone 3-4 listening audience of central Alberta, however, the garden practices and information she shares is applicable to gardens of all climates.
Efficient water use is one of the practices in creating sustainable gardens.
Join this conversation with Sharon hosted by Jackie Rae of 840 CFCW AM as they informally chat about strategies to make planters water efficient.
The transcript is below:
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Introduction
Jackie Rae:
Happy Wednesday. This is Gardening with Sharon, and it’s all brought to you by Proven Winners, Canada’s number one plant brand.
And, Sharon, my question to you is because I do a lot of planters, and you always say we need water efficient planters.
Sharon:
Right. I think whether we’re going to have a cooler, wetter summer, or a hot, dry summer, or a summer in the middle of all that; I think to have very water efficient planters is just a good thing.
And when you think about it, planters are just basically miniature gardens.
Tips for Creating Water Efficient Planters
1. Use Planters Large Enough to Support Plant Growth
So number one tip is one of the most common mistakes people make is using containers that just aren’t big enough to hold enough soil and water to support plant growth.
So I feel that planters that measure 12 inches (30 cm) or more across the top do a good job holding water.
2. Use Soil with Compost to Maximize Water Holding Capacity
The second thing is soil quality is huge. Don’t skimp on soil because discount potting soil just doesn’t have the blends that planters need.
I personally love potting mixes that have some kind of compost in them. And if you can’t find a composted mix or anything, you can add your own.
So if you put in 10 to 20% of soil volume with organic compost, worm castings, or a combination of the above, that will really help hold water.
Compost is amazing. That organic matter is amazing at holding water.
3. Choose Drought Resistant Annuals
And then use drought resistant annuals with high colour power and keep those colour combinations simple to maximize that impact.
And I have a list on my social media that lists upright growing and trailing annuals that are good for this type of container.
I’m gonna just highlight a couple: Geraniums are amazing. Salvia is really good, and then there’s things like wire vine (Meuhlenbeckia) or Lotus vine. Those things are really good for, just being water efficient.
Related: Planter Box Design Strategies
4. Top Up the Planter Soil with Mulch
And then, what I love to do is I love to add a layer of mulch on the top of my pots. And even if it’s just 1 inch (2.5 cm), an inch and a half (3.8 cm), it just helps to reduce the water evaporation from the top of those containers.
Related: How to Use Mulch in Planters and Hanging Baskets
5.Check Hydration Regularly and Water Thoroughly
And my 5th thing is water containers thoroughly when the soil gets dry.
Check them daily, every 2 days, and then just give them a nice good drink of water when they’re thirsty.
Jackie Rae:
And you are everywhere.
Sharon:
I am on Instagram and Facebook, and Gardening with Sharon is also the name of my website!
Are You Introducing Water Efficient Planters to Your Garden?
Incorporating water-efficient planters into your gardening routine is a simple yet impactful way to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and support a more sustainable environment. Whether you’re working with a small balcony or a large backyard, choosing the right planter materials, integrating smart watering systems, and selecting drought-tolerant plants can make a big difference! For more gardening tips, check out my other blogs or sign up for the newsletter!
More to Explore
- How to Keep Hanging Baskets & Flower Containers Thriving all Season
- A Complete Guide to Creating Show-Stopping Containers
- 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Flower Containers
- 6+ Front Door Planter Ideas to Make Your Entrance Shine [+ Downloadable Charts]
- The Secret to Growing Great Strawberries in Planters and Hanging Baskets
© Sharon Wallish Murphy © Gardening with Sharon
