Plant an Outdoor Container to Last all summer
Last year, I was featured in the August 2024 issue of Southern Living magazine to showcase tough but pretty container plants that can handle the summer heat of the South. Today, I’m sharing my best tips from that article with y’all! Let’s make sure your outdoor containers stay lush and beautiful all summer long!
Make it stand out
Instead of using a boxwood or another bush, I love using containers to anchor a space or garden bed. The trick? Pick three pots—small, medium, and large—in the same shape and material for a cohesive look.
Before you Plant—Know Your Last Frost Date
Before you dive into planting an outdoor container, find out your area’s average last frost date. This is the date when freezing temperatures are least likely to occur. I like to use the Farmers Almanac for this. Just go here and enter your zipcode to find out when the frost-free date is for your specific area.
Keep in mind, it’s just an average—so have frost cloth or other protective materials on hand, just in case Mother Nature throws a curveball! Once this date passes, you’re in the clear for most planting.
Traditionally, the planting rule is don’t plant before Good Friday! But with Easter falling so late this year, the Farmer’s Almanac is saying the end of March is the prime planting time here in South Georgia. Be sure to double-check your area to find your perfect planting date!
Kimberly Queen Fern Care
I absolutely love using Kimberly Queen ferns in my full-sun containers—they’re the only ferns tough enough to handle that blazing Southern sun! They add gorgeous, lush coverage and create the perfect backdrop for any blooms you want to stuff-n-shove alongside them. Here are my top tips for growing Kimberly Queen ferns like a pro:
Plan Ahead for Fern Success
When it comes to planting outdoor ferns, timing is everything! I always recommend planting ‘Kimberly Queen’ ferns as soon as possible after your last frost date. These versatile beauties can handle both full sun and full shade, but they need time to acclimate before the summer heat kicks in. Wait too long, and they might struggle to thrive.
Quench Their Thirst
Keeping your ferns happy means keeping their soil moist to the touch. I water mine several times a day if needed, especially if they’re in smaller containers. In the summer, a small pot becomes a crockpot for plants, so make sure they stay hydrated! For indoor ferns in pots without drainage, I’ve got a clever trick: I sprinkle a few ice cubes on the soil. It hydrates the plant without the mess of overflowing water!
Feed Your Fronds
Don’t forget to fertilize! I like to call it ‘go-go juice’ because it gives my plants the boost they need. During hot weather, I feed my ferns every 4-6 weeks—it’s a bit aggressive, but it works wonders. For an extra boost, I mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts with 1 gallon of water to keep them healthy, green, and lush all the way until the first frost.
With these tips, your ferns will be the star of your garden or home!
Remember the Three Ts!
Every container needs something Tall, something Thick and something Trailing! Try to plant in a triangle shape for the best effect!
If you’re New to container gardening, here are my best QUICK tips
New to container gardening? Here are my best tips to get you started:
Pick the Right Container: Make sure it has adequate drainage holes to keep your plants happy. Check out these pretty containers that are perfect for outdoor spaces!
Use Quality Soil: Skip the garden soil and go for a high-quality potting mix.
Remember the Three T’s: Plant something Tall, something Thick, and something Trailing for a balanced look.
Water Wisely: Containers dry out faster, so check the soil often and water when it gets dry.
Feed Your Plants: Use a slow-release fertilizer to keep them thriving all season long. The best fertilizer for containers, in my opinion, is Nelson’s Color Star fertilizer. Here is a video of how I fertilize my containers.
Have fun with your containers, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Happy planting, y’all!
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