If you are considering putting a planter in your patio or backyard, you may want to consider planting native plants. Using this type of planter not only makes a beautiful display, but it also attracts wildlife to your garden. Birds and butterflies can be attracted to flowers such as lilies and sunflowers.
Watering
Native plants in containers are a great way to bring nature into the urban setting. They are not only inexpensive, but are also easy to care for. The key is to get the right mix of soil. You may need to add some compost tea or liquid seaweed to enhance the nutrient content of the soil.
If you’re growing natives, you’ll want to water them the right way. Watering deeply and slowly is best. This will encourage healthy root systems. It will also ensure the moisture reaches the deepest part of the root system.
Using a container with a built-in reservoir will resolve many of these issues. In addition, you will have an easy time checking the plants’ moisture level.
You can use your finger to check the moisture of the soil in a container. Generally, you’ll want to water a plant when the soil feels dry at the bottom. Some people suggest using a moisture meter.
There are numerous things you can do to water your containers, but there are two main ways to do the same. First, is by applying the water to the soil. This will ensure the water gets to the entire root system. Another technique involves double potting. This will help insulate the soil around the roots.
Other methods include using water soluble fertilizers. A controlled release fertilizer is usually the best choice. However, there are some plants that do better with a more slow-release fertilizer.
You can also use a water hose to give your plants a refreshing sprinkle. This will not only help to hydrate your plants, but will cool the environment as well.
If you’re new to native plants in containers, you may be wondering what is the best way to care for them. These tips should help you decide.
Soil
If you’re looking to create a container garden with native plants, you’ll need the right soil. Unlike most annuals, natives can thrive for multiple seasons in a pot, and they can be grown in a variety of soil types.
You will need a container large enough to accommodate the roots of your plant when they’re fully grown. You can use anything from a wooden barrel to a wire basket. But keep in mind that a plastic or ceramic pot will not provide the best soil conditions.
To get the best results, you’ll want to choose a potting medium that is light in weight and fluffy. This will allow for air to pass through, allowing the roots to grow and breathe. Also, a good quality potting mix will have a water retention capacity.
Most garden centers offer a potting medium containing perlite or vermiculite. These are great for containers because they retain water and keep the roots from rotting. However, be sure to select a lighter-weight potting medium than one containing sand.
While a well-draining soil mix is important, you should also consider adding a layer of compost to your containers. Not only will it help to improve the moisture levels in your soil, but you can also adjust the acidity level.
It’s also a good idea to use containers with drainage holes. Plants in a container with no draining holes will become clogged with water and may not grow properly. A solution is to drill multiple holes in the bottom of your pot.
When you’re looking to add color and interest to your container, try planting flowering trees and shrubs. They can be found in a variety of colors, and they are easy to care for.
Pruning
Planting native plants in containers can add a touch of color to your yard. These can also attract wildlife, birds, and bees. Native container gardening can also be an easy, inexpensive way to enhance your outdoor space.
Pruning can help prevent damage caused by insects, disease, and decay. It can also improve the shape and size of your plant. There are a few guidelines you should follow when pruning.
First, remove any dead or dying branches. Large branches can weaken a plant, so avoid trimming large branches unless the root structure is in good condition. You can also trim upper limbs to maintain the proper height and balance of the plant.
Also, cut away old, dried, or overlapping shoots. This will promote healthy branch structures.
If you’re growing a container plant, keep the soil well-drained. Mulch or peat moss is a good way to hold moisture. Adding a bit of organic tonic or fish emulsion as a mild fertilizer can boost the growth of some plants.
The late dormant season is the best time to prune. Cutting back a plant can change its shape and reduce its reliance on sugars for energy. But it can also interfere with the movement of plant energy. So, it is best to prune in stages.
The classic method of pruning is to slide the plant out of the pot, turn it over, and then replace it in the pot with fresh soil. However, this can be difficult with larger houseplants.
In addition to this, you can remove water sprouts. They form when the plant does not receive enough sunlight. To prevent new sprouts, move the plant to a more shaded location.
Attracting bees, birds, and butterflies
If you want to attract bees, birds, and butterflies to your yard, you should consider a pollinator garden. This will provide them with food and water throughout the season. Besides providing them with nutrients, a pollinator garden will also limit the use of synthetic chemicals.
The first step to a pollinator friendly garden is to choose native plants. These species are highly beneficial to the health of insects and birds. Moreover, they offer diversity and habitat. For this reason, they are essential to any wildlife garden.
The next most important thing you should do is to provide water and nutrients. You can do this by installing shallow dishes of water or bird baths in your yard.
Another way to provide a pollinator garden is to grow fruit bearing plants. Fruit-bearing plants will supply the bees, birds, and butterflies with nectar and food throughout the growing season.
Many butterflies and bees like brightly colored flowers. To attract more, you can plant larger groups of flowers. In addition, you can intersperse the blooms with vegetables to increase pollination.
To get started, plant a pollinator-friendly garden that includes nectar-rich and pollen-rich plants. You can do this by planting a succession of plants that will bloom throughout the growing season.
You can also attract hummingbirds and other birds to your garden by planting native plants in containers. Some plants that attract these creatures include the blueberry bush and serviceberry.
You can also plant herbs that attract butterflies. These herbs are also magnets for egg-laying females. Including herbs such as lavender and rosemary in your garden can help attract honey bees.
In addition to attracting bees, birds, and butterflies, these plants will also provide a great deal of habitat for wildlife. Using these plants to make your yard a “pollinator paradise” will ensure that you are enjoying a beautiful landscape.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They also make great containers. In fact, they are native to North America and can be grown in Mexico, Australia and Europe.
During the summer, sunflowers produce large, bright yellow flower heads. They are sun lovers and love full-sun, hot weather. If you can find a sunny spot in your garden, you are on your way to a successful sunflower plant.
Sunflowers will grow up to 10 feet in height. Larger varieties can send their roots down as deep as four feet. However, smaller varieties only need six inches of growing space to thrive.
They are very attractive to birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. The flowers and seed pods are also edible. For a treat, try blanching the seeds for three minutes and then adding them to a garlic butter sauce.
The best time to plant sunflowers is during the month of June. They need full sun and water. Some varieties can grow up to a foot a week.
If you want to attract wildlife to your garden, you may consider a taller variety. Giant sunflowers are attractive to many birds and butterflies. You can also find dwarf sunflowers that only grow a few feet in height.
One of the best ways to protect your newly planted seeds is by using a cloche. A cloche will help prevent birds and squirrels from digging up your seeds.
Another way to protect your sunflowers from hungry birds is to place them in a mesh waste basket. Seeds are an important food source for wild animals. Birds and squirrels will eat sunflower seeds if they notice them.
As with all plants, you should always keep your sunflowers well-watered. They need at least an inch of water a week. It is also important to remember to use mulch to hold in the moisture. This will prevent the grass from growing around the roots.