How to Create a Healthy Planter Garden

planter on deck

At Capital Deck & Stair, we’re known for waterproofing and restoration services throughout Los Angeles. We also help install planters to enhance the outdoor environments of our customers’ properties. Planting a garden involves several steps. Here is a closer look at the process.

Find the Perfect Plants

Picking a lot of colorful eye-catching plants at random isn’t going to yield the healthiest garden. It’s best to choose plants native to your region. Also, some plants thrive under partial or full sunlight or in the shade or with more or less water. If you’re mixing different types in close proximity, choose plants requiring similar conditions.

Consider the visual appeal of your planter. If you want it to be bold, choose orange, yellow, or blue. For a more soothing vibe, mix reds and yellows or blues and pinks. You can be creative and sophisticated, too, with completely unrelated colors that complement your space.

Choose Great Soil

Garden plants thrive most in nutrient rich soil. Organic soil supports plant growth because it has abundant materials, such as grass clippings, leaves, and compost. Fungi and bacteria help maintain its quality too. For small containers, purchase a houseplant soil mixture, as ordinary garden soil is too dense, and pre-moisten it with water before filling the container.

Select the Right Garden Planter Box

The beauty and wellbeing of your plants rests on several factors here, including:

● Size: Consider the size of your plants and their roots. If the planter is too small, there may be less water, oxygen, and nutrients available. The planter should be up to 8 inches in diameter for plants up to 12 inches in height. Larger planters, of around 24 inches in diameter, should be used for taller plants of around 24 to 36 inches.
● Material: Brittle materials, such as clay or plastic, can easily break. Planter material can also influence how often you need to water plants. Wood is more protective against temperature swings and provides an attractive natural look.
● Drainage: Holes for drainage are critical, as waterlogged soil can kill plants. Some planter containers have holes. Others may require drilling. The holes need to be just large enough for excess water to drain.

Maintenance

Properly maintaining your garden planters helps keep your plants alive and healthy. These are some helpful maintenance tips:

● Prune Leaves: Remove overgrowth that can cause a tattered mess of leaves, stems, and dead flowers. Once your plants start filling in, pruning will help them thrive in their setting. If any become diseased, remove them immediately, as the problem can quickly spread.

A natural stone retaining wall with matching coping creates a raised planter

  • ● Remove Weeds: Mulches and coverings can suppress weed growth. When weeds start growing, the most effective solution is to pull them out. Weeds with deep roots may need to be dug out. Or, you can do weekly cutting to keep them in check.
  • ● Waterproofing: Garden planters, especially those made of wood, can decay, crack, and fail without being waterproofed. A waterproof coating will make your planter more durable so you can keep your plants healthy.

Call for Planter Installation and Waterproofing

If you’re starting a garden, Capital Deck & Stair can transform your outdoor space by installing raised or below-grade planters; waterproof planter foundations and other structures can be installed as well. We even waterproof our customers’ planters to maintain their integrity. Call us at 424-339-0953 to learn more.