We Shop Pretty Pots and Plants for Summer Garden, Patio & Porch Color

It’s summertime and time to start planting. Container gardening is the great equalizer whether you’re ready to go big in the backyard, or just want some fresh herbs on the balcony, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about planting pretty pots this summer.

Go big at home

Picking the right size pot is crucial, but if you’re feeling unsure always go one size bigger than what you think you need.

However, when it comes to style, there isn’t really a wrong choice because your personal preference is best.

Sally O’Hare, Blackhawk Hardware’s Garden Center Manager says “I believe the majority of our shoppers already have in mind what they are looking for.  We offer a wide variety of planters in all shapes and sizes in ceramic, cast stone, metal, terra cotta, and light-weight composite.”

And, hallelujah, Sally says the Blackhawk supply chain has been very consistent with container deliveries this season.

Remember, it’s OK to mix pot sizes and colors – or even consider repurposing some of the items in your house from shells and shelves to cookware and vases you may already have something on-hand.

The real question is, what kind of gardener are you?

What’s interesting is many people spend the right amount time thinking about what container size they need (when in doubt always go bigger) but, make sure to spend considerable time thinking about what type of gardener you are.

There’s no shame in easy-to-care for succulents, or if you’ve got time in your day consider getting extra creative with a color-centric container this summer.

“Each year I try to do something different in color.  One year I did an all-white garden.  This year I am heavy into oranges, purples, and reds, with variegated grasses. I like to let the plants personality shine through”, Sally.

If you’re looking for, shall we call them ‘low-maintenance partners’ in your planting-universe Sally recommends:

• Succulents
• Purslane
• Portulaca
• Lantana
• Grasses
• Ferns
• Mezoo

Sally’s Tip:

If you’re growing cacti or succulents, skip the compost and add coarse builders’ sand to the potting soil. Or, use a cacti-specific potting mix to fill your containers.

A little bit of dirt never hurt

But, sub-par soil can. Sally says “In planters use potting mix. We recommend Daddy Pete’s potting mix which is an organic peat-based mix produced locally in Salisbury”.

Your best bet is to select a potting soil that includes an organic nutrient source. This provides the plants with a slow-release source of nutrients throughout the gardening season, and avoids the synthetic chemical fertilizers that could burn tender roots or lead to leaf tip burn.

Sally’s Tip:

For a successful container garden, don’t skimp and buy the cheapest potting mix. Choose high quality over low price every time.

Fun fact: Are soil and potting mix the same thing? Nope. There’s no soil in potting soil! Potting soil is also known as potting mix and there are dozens of specialized types… this is why it’s so important to check-in with the planting geniuses at Blackhawk. (They can even share with you how to make your own!)

Vegetarian option please

Just like in your human relationships the quality of the roots can make or break how things grow. Sally says “Many veggies can grow in pots; what you need is depth for root establishment”.

Once the roots are established you also need to think about what’s happening above ground. For success invest in stakes and twine to bring the produce off the ground. 

Good for pots

• Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Squash
• Beans

(Just FYI: For those summer salads, watermelon and cantaloupe need to be planted in the ground because of the space they take up with the fruit itself and the vine.)

Sally’s Tip:

Sometimes one tomato looks small in a 24″ pot; think about adding a companion plant such as an oregano and/or basil to the scene… umm… hello, caprese!

Be a wildlife warrior with just one pot

Don’t forget about our friendly pollinators when you’re planning your pot.

A common misconception is that you need a field of flowers to make a difference for native species including the crawlers and their feathered friends. But, you don’t. Just one plant can provide a refuge for a tired traveler. 

Best for butterflies and hummingbirds, and do well in pots:

• Salvia
• Butterfly bush
• Hummingbird vine
• Cuphea,
• Lantana
• Coneflower
• Milkweed
• Black-eyed Susan

Sally’s Tip:

You don’t have to dedicate the entire container to wildlife – even just every other flower or at least one in five will do.

What’s the right color combination?

Sally says “When I am working with someone, I usually ask for favorite colors, what has worked well in the past, are they ready to try something new or different?  I generally show what I like which gives me a ‘feel’ for how to direct the conversation.”

Think of your container as a blank canvas, you want to mix color and texture and heights – or perhaps in the case of your veggie container: blend flavors.

Of course, while working on your color palette always consider the needs of the plants – it’s OK to pack some in tight as long as they have room to grow and establish their roots (and not a lot of air pockets).

Also check that the plants in your pot have similar needs including sun versus shade, drainage requirements, and height and width potential especially if you want a particular plant to be the superstar.

Sally recommends:

Accents plants (companion plants),

• Coleus
• Swedish ivy
• Cuphea
• Gomphrena
• Bacopa

Tried & True

• Zinnias
• Begonia
• Impatiens
• Petunias
• Pentas
• Angelonia
• Vinca
• Calibrachoa
• Sweet potato vine
• Caladiums

It comes down to this… what do you want?

At Blackhawk you can bring-in inspirational pictures or show your phone to one of their gurus so they can help you make a selection.

Time to Get Shopping

We dare you to pick just one at Blackhawk’s garden center (around on the back lot of Park Road Shopping Center).