It’s July!!! It’s time to kick up the care for your summer flowers so they are still looking beautiful in August. I want to share my 3 tips for great summer flowers.
Flowers aren’t hard to care for but it does take just a bit to keep them looking nice all summer long. Follow my 3 tips and you’ll have great summer flowers!
1. Watering
Water is critical to healthy flowers. The question I’m asked the most is how much water should I give my summer flower planters. I wish I had the magic answer, but I don’t! There is no one size fits all answer to this question. Flower pots vary in size, shape, placement (sun/shade), and summer temperatures can vary, these factors will affect how much water is needed. Only you will know how much water to give your planters by watching the surface of the soil. If the surface is dry give them a thorough watering. When I say thorough, I mean sprinkling is not going to cut it, the plants need a good soaking.
Soak don’t sprinkle, please remember that!
It’s important to let the surface dry before watering because over watering can be as bad as under watering. Watering too often will cause the roots to rot.
My favorite way to water is with Dramm Rain Wand with Shutoff
2. Fertilizer
Treating your flowers with a little extra love when you water means using water-soluble fertilizer. Add Jacks Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer
I recommend picking one day per week to fertilize and stick to it! You can alternate use between the two fertilizers to make your flowers extra happy!
Here’s what a flower that needs fertilizer can look like.
This million bells hanging basket doesn’t look bad, but it doesn’t look great. See the yellowing on the leaves. The plant is surviving but it’s not thriving! Fertilizing once a week will make a huge difference! Follow the directions on the label for best results.
When I fertilize planters I use this fancy Watering Can
If you missed out on why this is my favorite, check out this spring blog post
3. Trimming
You need to trim your flowers to keep them from getting leggy and allow plants to get full and bushy. Leggy plants are my biggest pet peeve! Leggy plants are ugly. Trimming will also keep your summer flowers blooming all summer long. This is all you need to do it, no fancy tools required, my favorite scissors, Corona Floral Scissors
My favorite method of trimming is what I call the “ponytail method” –
Gather your flowers like a ponytail and then cut. This works well with almost any type of flower, especially petunias. Don’t be afraid to do this! Your flowers will thank you, especially when August rolls around and your flowers are still looking fresh and great!
Here are two more of my must haves for summer planters-
Not the best at watering or going on vacation then add Soil Moist to your pots.
Add these crystals to your pots and they will help absorb water and keep your pots moist for longer lengths of time. A little goes a long way!
Remember these Potrisers Invisible Pot Feet I talked about them in this spring blog post.
These are a must!!! This simple product solves two problems when you have planters around your home. By placing Potrisers under your pots you are increasing the drainage which is critical to healthy flowers and you are eliminating the chances of your planters leaving stains on your surfaces. They come in several different sizes and are quick and easy to use.
Follow these 3 tips and you will be reward with great summer flowers like the picture below, so simple!
Wishing you a summer filled with beautiful flowers-
