Finally...it looks like some cooler weather is ahead, and therefore I can reasonably think that some cooler weather plants will have a chance of survival. In case you're wondering what and how to plant, you've come to the right place for some fall container inspiration. Perfect for sitting on your front porch, business storefront, patio, or somewhere you'll see them every day.
HOW TO PLANT
Look for a suitable size pot - most garden centers and nurseries sell them, as well as (dare I say) big box stores. I like them to be at least 12" in diameter, as this provides plenty of space to add a few different types of plants.
Punch out the drainage holes in the bottom - I usually do this by hitting them with a screwdriver.
Fill the pot about 2/3 - 3/4 full - if the pot is very large, either plan to fill and plant in place, or fill the bottom 1/3 with other materials that will increase drainage and make the pot lighter and easy to transport later. Examples of this are: empty soda or milk bottles, packing peanuts, crumpled newspapers, dry leaves - many items work that you would normally put in the trash or recycling.
With the remaining area open at the top, plan where your plants are going to go by setting them into the container. Your container should have at least two "layers" of plants. For example, something tall in the middle, shorter plants around it, and a plant that can cascade down the side of your pot. Once you like the layout, remove the plants from their plastic nursery pots and place into your planter. Add extra dirt as needed between plants.
Water well every 1-3 days depending on your climate. As the plants settle into their new home, you may need to add additional dirt.
*Bear in mind that there will likely be some spaces between plants - not to worry. As the plants grow, these will soon fill in and no dirt will show.
WHAT TO PLANT
Aster
Begonia
Chrysanthemum (Mums!)
Coleus
Crossandra
Echinacea
Globe Amaranth
Golden Rod
Helenium
Lantana
Marigold
Mexican Bush Sage
Ornamental Cabbage & Kale
Pansy
Petunia
Purple / Red Fountain Grass
Snapdragons
Zinnia
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