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How to Plant the Perfect Summer Containers
Containers come in all shapes and sizes - even the hanging kind!
Words ABBY BYRD Photos SAVINA VALLACQUA
S ummer is here! Now is the time to put the finishing touches on your outdoor entertaining spaces for those upcoming summer barbecues. There is often a lot of hesitation when people start to put together the perfect summer container for their front porch or back patio. Many have the unwarranted fear of not doing it right. Here’s a tip - if YOU like it, it’s a great container! There are a handful of questions you can ask yourself to stack the deck in your favor in terms of plant success and visual appeal. 1. What container are you using? Containers come in all shapes, sizes, and materials and some may have excellent drainage, while others hold water. If you choose a container without drainage holes, be sure to either add them, or add a layer of small rocks so that the soil is not staying wet. A well-drained container, though, should always be your first choice. The size of your container may determine the scale of your plants, as well. For example, if you are planting a very large, tall container, choosing large, vigorous plants would be appropriate, whereas those same plants may look out of proportion in a small, miniature container. 2. Where is it going? The amount of direct sunlight is the biggest factor in determining which plants to choose. Annuals labeled for “sun” typically means they require at least 6 hours of direct
36 VINTAGEKC SUMMER 2018
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