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This is the number 1 question we get every year. We wish we had a magic ball. The best we can say is this—It depends!

It depends on lots of factors, number one of which is the weather.  It is very unpredictable in northern Michigan. However there are patterns which we may rely on. Generally the safest time to plant would be later in May, traditionally Memorial Day. That said, another determining factor is your own specific location in northern Michigan. Pellston or Traverse City?  Valley or hill top? Our area includes cold Hardiness Zones from Zone 3 to Zone 6. So much is determined by our proximity to Lake Michigan and surrounding land elevation. Gardeners must be prudent to observe the temperature variations within their sub-zones. Relying on one season to determine this isn’t reliable.  Only after careful local observations, discussions with local garden center staff, and fellow gardeners can planting time be determined. Then, it is still really up to Mother Nature.

Hanging out a flowering basket is one thing. It can easily be brought inside when the weather changes. Planting in the ground is another matter. Not much growing occurs until the soil warms up. Most plants will “sit there” waiting for warmth before they decide to take a chance and grow. During that time, gardeners can experience heavy plant loss. Why chance it?  Well, we know why. Gardeners like to challenge Mother Nature.  We all like to challenge our Hardiness Zones and try new plants that may not be zoned for our areas.  We call it “zone envy.”  After all, gardeners are really gamblers at heart!

Select a container with drainage holes or drill them yourself.  In the advent of rainy weather, the planter needs to drain off excess water freely.  Any kind of container can be planted, from a plastic pot to a Weber grill. And remember, the larger the container, the less issues you will have with watering.

Select a fluffy peat-based container mix. Do not use top soil or straight compost. A peat mix is lightweight and yet absorbs moisture. Fill your container about ¾ full.  Add a slow release fertilizer. Mix it in well.

Select adequate sized plants so you don’t have to wait a long time for them to fill in (summer is too short up here in Northern Michigan).

Set your selected plants in your container to see if you like the colors and the way it looks. Of course, you have selected plants specific for your situation (sun or shade). Think about 3 types of plants: Thrillers, Spillers, and Fillers.  Thrillers are the tallest and are a focal point in your planter. Fillers surround the thrillers and add mass, interest, or contrast. Spillers flow over the sides and cascade down the pot. Rearrange you plants until you are satisfied. When you are pleased with your arrangement, gently remove a plant from the small pot and begin your arrangement. Start with you thriller, add some fillers for interest. Finally plant those spillers. You will want your arrangement to look as if it has been planted a while, so don’t scrimp.  You may need to add some extra soil to top off the container. Leave an inch or more at the top as a reservoir for watering.

Continue to fertilize you container with a dilute water-soluble fertilizer (the blue kind mixed in a milk jug) every 10 to 14 days. During a hot summer you may need to water daily. In that event, you will need to fertilize more frequently. Continue to remove dead flowers and shape your plants throughout the summer. This will encourage branching and more flowering.

If you need a little help or suggestions, we offer workshops in container planting every spring. If you are just out of time, we offer custom container planting, too! Call us and we may be able to help.

Don’t let the plants dry out and make sure the moisture levels stay constant. 

Make sure the plants you purchase quality plants which are suited for the environment you have chosen. (Sun or shade, sand or heavy clay, etc.).

Make sure plants have a continuous supply of food and good nutrition.

Dead head (remove dead flowers and seed pods).

Pinch off leggy growth, shaping the plant. This will encourage further branching and flowering.

Scout for detrimental insects in order to keep insect damage to minimum.