1. Select Appropriate Containers: Ensure your containers have good drainage to prevent
waterlogging. Choose containers of varying sizes and heights to add depth and
interest to your arrangement.
2. Use Quality Potting Mix: A high-quality potting mix retains moisture while providing
good drainage. This will provide a healthy environment for your plants’ roots.
3. Fertilize Wisely: Although these planters are for fall only, feel free to use a balanced, slow-
release fertilizer mixed in the soil, or occasionally use a water-soluble fertilizer when watering.
4. Watering: Plants still need water, while fall brings cooler temperatures. Water your container
garden as needed. Containers can dry out faster than garden beds. Monitor soil moisture and
adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
5. Pruning and Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers and dead leaves to keep your
container garden neat.
6. Protect from Frost: If you have tender annuals in your fall containers, watch the weather
forecast for frost and be prepared to move your containers to a sheltered area or cover them with frost
cloth or burlap if frost.
DESIGNING YOUR FALL CONTAINER GARDENS
1. Choosing Your Fall Container Plants: There are many great choices of colorful plants that
enjoy the cooler fall temperatures, from annuals such as fall mums, ornamental cabbage, kale, berries, and more.
2. Add Ornamental Grasses and Perennials: Ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass, Blood
grass, Japanese forest grass, and sedges will add movement and warmth to your fall container
garden.
3. Consider Color and Texture: Plan your container arrangement with an eye for complementary
colors and contrasting textures. Incorporate foliage plants with different leaf shapes and colors
for visual interest.
4. Layering and Height: Create visual depth by placing taller plants toward the center or back of
the container and shorter ones toward the edges.
5. Decorative Elements: Consider adding seasonal decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, or
ornamental corn to enhance the fall theme of your container
garden.
6. Grouping Containers: Grouping containers can create a stunning visual impact.Experiment with different arrangements to find what looks best in your space.
7. Growing Container Cool Season Veggies: Plant fall containers with cool season veggies such as radishes, carrots, spinach, cabbage and kale, and more. Dinner and a show, all in your fall container.
8. Experiment and Have Fun: Fall container gardening is creative. Feel free to experiment with different plant combinations and arrangements. Have fun, and enjoy the
process!