Fill and Spill: How to Plant a Mixed Container
Here at Bob’s Market we offer a number of pre-planted
containers, but we also have everything you need to plant a mixed container of
your own design. The basic principle
that we use when designing planters like the ones pictured is the “Fill and
Spill” method. Use these simple steps to
create a beautiful work of living art.
1. Select Your Container
When it comes to containers there is no limit to what can be
used. Some folks go the traditional
route with containers designed specifically for planting. Others go the “green” route and repurpose
containers like coffee cans, old washtubs, and more. I’ve even seen containers made from old
computer monitors!
2. Select Your Plants
When it comes to planning a mixed container selecting plants
of different growth habits will create the most interest. Select tall plants like ornamental grasses to
add height. We even have some containers
this year with ornamental corn! Then add
something to “fill” the container. These
are low growing plants like begonias, impatiens, etc. Finally select a plant to “spill” over the
sides. Ivies, trailing petunias, and
ornamental sweet potatoes are favorites here at Bob’s.
Take into consideration the size of your plants as they
mature. It is fine to plant them close
together, but be sure to leave enough room for the roots to grow down. Also consider how your container will
drain. Containers originally designed to
be watertight will need drainage holes added.
Roots allowed to sit in water will form “root rot”.
3. Gravel
Another way to help with drainage is to add a layer of
gravel to the bottom of the container.
The gravel prevents the roots from sitting in water. Some planting containers are designed with
raised drain holes in the bottom to create a water reservoir.
4. Choose a Potting Mix
Always start with a good quality potting soil. We’re partial
to Fafard Professional Potting Mix which is formulated to have the right blend
of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and starter nutrients.
5. Plant It
Usually you will be planting your mixed container with plants from different size flats, pots, etc.
Start by adding potting mix just to the bottom of the plant with the
deepest root ball so that the top of its soil is about 1 inch from the top of
the container. Start with your tallest plant
at the center of the container, and then add the “fill and spill” plants around
the edges. Make sure they are evenly
covered with potting mix.
For best results and easy maintenance, top off the container
with a time-release fertilizer. We recommend
Jack’s Classic Classicote fertilizer.
Classicote is designed to be absorbed by the plants a little bit each
time you water for up to three months.
7. Water and Enjoy!