If you are a beginner at planting flowers in pots, there are a number of things to keep in mind. For starters, you need to choose a pot that will allow the plant to grow freely. Secondly, you need to choose plants that will tolerate poor soil and low sunlight. Finally, you need to ensure that you water the plants regularly.

Dahlias

There are many reasons to grow dahlias in your garden. For starters, they can be grown in containers, making them easy to move from place to place. However, they need proper care in order to produce. The first step is to learn more about these flowering plants.

If you’re a beginner, you can enroll in a class about dahlias. These classes are sponsored by the Ohio State University Extension Office and are taught by Master Gardeners.

They will teach you how to plant and care for the various kinds. You’ll also learn about pest control and winter storage. Whether you’re planting in the ground or in a container, there are a few basic rules you should follow.

First, you’ll need to choose a good location for the plant. In most regions, dahlias do best in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. Also, they thrive in morning light.

Once you’ve chosen your spot, dig a hole that’s about 6 inches deep. Next, sprinkle a little fertilizer around the soil. Do this gently, and remember that dahlias grow best in well-drained soil.

After planting, be sure to stake your dahlias. Stakes can be wood or plastic. Some gardeners even add a thick layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and cold. This also makes it easier to remove weeds.

Another good idea is to spritz your plants with fish emulsion. This will help them stay fresh and vibrant for a longer period of time.

Depending on the variety, the blooming period of dahlias will vary. Most varieties begin blooming two months after planting. It may take a couple of years for them to reach their full potential.

Calibrachoas

Calibrachoas are an easy plant to grow. They are a great addition to hanging baskets, containers and patio plants. You can get these plants in a variety of colors, such as yellow, orange, pink, purple, and white.

The best time to plant them is after the last frost has passed. However, they can also be started early in the spring. For this, you can buy them as plug plants.

A good way to prepare the soil for growing them is to mix equal parts of multi-purpose compost and soil-based John Innes compost. This helps improve the quality of the soil and prevents the soil from becoming too soggy. It also gives you a chance to add extra compost or soil as you need it.

Once your calibrachoas have sprouted, it’s a good idea to fertilize them. You can use water-soluble, acidic fertilizer. Make sure you use a fertilizer that’s appropriate for outdoor planters.

You can feed them weekly during the growing season. You can also use a slow-release plant food. These will give your calibrachoas the energy they need to bloom.

Calibrachoas are an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. These plants are easy to care for, are self-cleaning and do not require deadheading.

Whether you’re growing them from seed or starting them from a plant, it’s important to choose a site that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Otherwise, your plant will not flower.

In addition to sunlight, you need to ensure that the soil is properly drained. When the soil is too wet, it can rot the roots. Likewise, if the soil is too dry, it will become woody.

Aquilegias

If you’re looking for a flowering shrub to grow in the garden, Aquilegias are ideal. They’re relatively easy to look after, and they can be grown in a wide variety of locations. Some varieties prefer full sun, while others are more suited to dappled shade.

To establish an Aquilegia plant, you’ll need to prepare the soil and remove any weeds or large stones. You’ll also need to add coarse sand to the compost. Make sure to water the soil thoroughly before planting.

Before you plant an Aquilegia, you’ll need to cut back half of the leaves. This will encourage the next flush of foliage. It will also prevent the plant from self-seeding.

Once the plant has been established, you’ll only need to water it during dry spells. Generally, they do well in a moist medium. In addition, you can apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. Using humus is another good way to keep the soil moistured.

Ideally, you should plant Aquilegias in the late summer or early autumn. Depending on the region, some aquilegia varieties prefer full sun, while others are suited to dappled shade. For this reason, you may want to plant more than one variety to achieve a variety of colours.

Many Aquilegia varieties are self-seeding. However, if you’re growing a different variety than the parent, you may want to cut down the seed heads before they disperse. Alternatively, you can let them ripen and allow nature to take its course.

Although they’re easy to care for, you may wish to protect your Aquilegias from pests. These include beetles and leaf miners. Leaf miners tunnel through the leaves, and can damage entire plants. Fortunately, you can usually prevent this from happening by cutting back the foliage before it grows.

Geraniums

If you are a beginner to Geraniums, there are a few things you need to know. The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the proper soil. There are a number of different types of soil that will work best for Geraniums, including clay, light sand, and loam. Once you have the proper soil, you will need to fertilize it. You can apply a granular slow-release fertiliser to your Geraniums every two weeks, and use liquid fertilizers as needed.

It is also important to water your Geraniums regularly. They can easily die if the soil is dry. Water the plants enough to cover the roots, but not so much that they overflow.

You should also keep an eye on your Geraniums for signs of damage. Some common signs include yellowing of the leaves, wilting flowers, and brown lesions. When these symptoms appear, treat the plant with a fungicide.

Geraniums can be purchased from local nurseries, but it is also possible to grow them from seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil or into containers. Plants can also be propagated from stem cuttings.

Geraniums are an ideal bedding plant. They are compact and grow well in hanging baskets. Depending on the type, they can grow up to 3 feet tall. Garden Geraniums are good for summer flowering, but can also be used in potted displays.

You should also remember to prune your Geraniums regularly. This will help maintain their shape and ensure they have the space they need for growth. Pruning is necessary to maintain the health of your Geraniums, and also helps the plant to get the right amount of sun and water.

Sunflower ‘Mongolian Giant’

The Sunflower ‘Mongolian Giant’ is one of the tallest varieties of sunflowers on the market. It is also very easy to grow and provides a good source of edible petals. If you’re new to growing giant sunflowers, there are a few steps you’ll want to take to make sure your plants are growing successfully.

First, you’ll need to plant your giant sunflowers in the right spot. This will ensure that they’re exposed to plenty of sunlight. Make sure the soil is well drained, but not dry. You’ll also need to water them consistently. A moist area is more likely to produce taller sunflowers.

You can use liquid flower fertilizer products to promote growth, but they require frequent applications. Some giant sunflower growers prefer to use organic slow-release fertilizer.

Another option is to mulch around the plants. This helps retain moisture and even out the temperature. However, this can cause damage to the plant. When you’re planting a giant sunflower, you’ll want to space the seeds at least 18 inches apart.

In addition, you may need to weed the plants, as sunflowers can be very sensitive to weeds in the early stages of development. For instance, older sunflower varieties tend to topple over in wet conditions. Using staking structures can help prevent this.

Depending on your climate, giant sunflowers can be planted in the spring or the fall. They should be planted as soon as the threat of a frost has passed.

One of the benefits of giant sunflowers is that they’re drought-tolerant. However, they may need more water during heat waves. Use a moisture meter to measure how much water you need.