Care Tips
GET TO KNOW YOUR FLOWERS
Face it, you’ll never be able to get out of watering completely!
We choose Spring plants that can shake off a blast of unexpected cold, and Summer plants that have a fighting chance on a brutally hot Baltimore roof deck, but all plants require some common sense maintenance. Besides, a few minutes interacting with your flowers is sort of like a yoga class – it calms the mind.
Spring Planters
We choose Spring plants that can shake off a blast of unexpected cold, and if your planters are close to your masonry steps or house, they are likely protected. If we’re getting a wild week of freezing weather, do consider placing your pots in a protected area.
Watering is a matter common sense. We’ve given you a head start by using well designed pots and a high-quality potting mix. Check soil moisture of Spring pots at least every 2-3 days… just stick your finger into the soil. You’re not looking to feel that it’s wet, you want to feel that it’s not dried out. When it’s dry on about the top inche of soil, water deeply until water exits the drainage holes. Consider it your chance for 2 minutes of zen.
And remember, you’re there to water the roots in the soil, not the flowers and leaves, so push the plants aside a little and get in there. You don’t even need a fancy watering can – a cup is fine, or fill up a plastic bottle from your recycling!
Now comes the fun part – deadheading. You can really increase the number of blooms by pinching off faded flowers and yellow leaves. This will encourage new growth and keep it all looking tidy. Don’t be shy! You’ll often notice the results of a little pinch here and there in just a week or so, and you won’t hurt it, we promise.
Summer and Fall Planters
Baltimore Summers can be brutal on everyone, and your flowers need a little help.
Watering your planter will need to be a habit over the summer! Just a few days of missed water will lead to a tragic result. We’ve given you a head start to ensure proper drainage by using well designed pots and a high-quality potting mix. Check the soil for moisture in your Summer pots every day. Every. Single. Day. You can just stick your finger into the soil to feel that it’s not dried out, but on most hot summer days you’re going to want to water deeply until water exits the drainage holes.
And remember, you’re there to water the roots in the soil, not the flowers and leaves, so push the plants aside a little and get in there. You don’t even need a fancy watering can – a cup is fine, or fill up a plastic bottle from your recycling!
These same guidelines apply to your fall planters, until temperatures dip below the 80’s or so, at which time you can go 2-3 days at a time without too much trouble.
Now comes the fun part – deadheading. You can really increase the number of blooms by pinching off faded flowers and yellow leaves. This will encourage new growth and keep it all looking tidy. Don’t be shy! You’ll often notice the results of a little pinch here and there in just a week or so, and you won’t hurt it, we promise.
Winter Planters
Our winter planters are made of fresh cut greens inserted into soil. Just like a cut Christmas tree, the cut greens depend on moisture to stay green, so while the water needs are the lower than the rest of the year, you will need to interact with your planter on occasion.
Check in on your planter weekly, until temperatures are below freezing, and add water to the soil when it’s dry.