RCG has now turned green, and colour is popping up around Renfrew, thanks to the neighbourhood’s flowers pots, flower beds, and gardens. Those snowy cold days are behind us, and we are excited to see the plants growing in the sunshine. Everything is bright and sunny. But how do we keep our plants looking fresh and vibrant over the summer months? Everyone probably has their own manual on what to do to keep their plants healthy but if you are looking for some suggestions, here are our three recommendations.
Our first recommendation is to deadhead regularly. Our deadheading ritual starts with the transplanting of plants. Deadheading the flowers at this stage, even if they are really nice flowers, allows the plant to use its energy to help the roots get settled in its new pot/garden which will produce a healthier flowering plant. During the growing season we continually deadhead to encourage flowering and stop the seed production. Although some perennials will only bloom once, deadheading the perennial flowers will keep your garden looking fresh and vibrant.
Our second recommendation is using the 4Rs to fertilize: Right source, Right rate, Right time, Right place. Although the 4Rs come from the farm practice of nutrient stewardship, the 4Rs can be used for fertilizing a planter garden and flowerpots. The right type of nutrient at the right rate, i.e. fertilizer for all purposes, blooming plants, ferns, cactus, succulent etc., organic or synthetic. The right time – do you need to fertilize when you transplant or when the plant is blooming or just a regular fertilizing schedule. Finally, the right place – is the application above or below ground, near the plant or on the plant, and is the application a liquid, solid or slow release.
We like the 4Rs as it makes you stop and think about what nutrients you are feeding your plants and what your plants really need.
Our last recommendation, if everything fails, you can always use artificial flowers. Worry free. No watering, fertilizing, or deadheading and the plants always look good. We do love those artificial topiary balls… and you cannot go wrong using fake plants for your favourite pots or garden ornaments that are just a bit too small to grow anything in.
June, a bright and sunny month that makes you think that this year your garden or flowerpots will be the best ever.
Happy gardening!
Smiling Gardeners
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