Learn how to fill a planter with flowers the easy way. Even as a beginner learning to fill a planter is a simple and beautiful way to garden. Learn which flowers look best in a planter and how to arrange them together for a cohesive look.
Learning how to fill a planter with flowers is a great way to get started with gardening! Planters are easy to move around and can be filled with nutrient rich soil that makes growing flowers more successful.
Last week I talked about how to re-purpose a sewing table to use as a planter. But what I didn’t talk about was how to actually plant flowers in a planter. So today we are going to head outside and talk about how you can easily fill a planter with beautiful flowers for summer!
And by the way this is the same planter that I transformed into a Christmas planter at the end of the year last year. So the nice thing about planters is that they can be used year round!
So let’s get started on filling some beautiful planters the easy way!
This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small comission at no extra charge to you if something is purchased through a link.
Here’s the supplies needed to fill a planter with flowers:
- Planter
- Potting Soil
- Spike
- Flowers of choice (geraniums, petunias, etc)
- Hanging flower
Here are the steps to filling a planter with flowers:
Step 1: Decide what plants you will use to fill your planter
The first in designing your own planter with flowers is to decide on what flowers you will use to fill your planter. Adding plants with a variety of colors, heights and types will add interest to your planter.
Tip: Before purchasing your plants keep in mind where you will be using your planter. Will the plants have full sun, partial sun or will they be in the shade. When purhcasing plants make sure to buy plants that will thrive in the place you locate your planter.
Here are the main categories of plants I fill my planters with each year.
Garden Spike: I like to use a taller spike to add height to the center of the planter. Then I build the rest of the planter around the spike. This brings your eye to the center and lends itself to creating a balanced look for your planter.
Flowers: This is the fun part! Choose flowers that appeal to you. You want to pick annual flowers vs perennials for your planter. Petunias, geraniums, and like flowers are good options- at least in northern climates.
Hanging plants: I like to find at least one filler plant that hangs over my planter. This again adds some interest to your planter and provides for plants that drape over the planter.
Other plants: Another option is to just repeat the same plant in your planter. Filling planters with a fern or similar plant is an easy low maintenance way to use a planter. Also repeating the same flower in a planter can be beautiful as well.
Step 2: Fill the planter with potting soil
Once you have a plant for what you will plant. Now it’s time to getting planting! Fill your planter with potting or gardening soil. I usually use potting soil in my planters.
Step 3: Add your plants to the planter
Now add your plants to your planter. 1. Make a small well in the soil. 2. Take your plant out of the plastic container. Loosen the soil around the roots gently. 3. Then place the plant in the soil. Use soil to fill in the small hole and put potting soil on top of all the roots.
As I mentioned I like to plant the garden spike first in the center and then plant my flowers around the spike.
Step 4: Water your plants daily
Now the last step is an ongoing step. Make a habit of watering your plants daily. This is probably the hardest step beacuse it requires consistency. Check your plants daily to see if they need water.
If the soil is damp and seems saturated you do not need to water your plants. But whenever your soil is dry make sure to water your plants daily.
And that’s all there is to creating your very OWN beautiful planter! It truly is so simple and anyone can do it. Here’s are planter from last year at the end of season.
Let me know below. What is your favorite plant to use in your planters?
Until next time, happy planting!
The beauty of plants bring cheer and hope. Well done, Elizabeth on your tutorial for planting wonderful plants and especially the flowers! Love your blooming ideas to color our world!