As with any other plant situation, selection is the key to success in container gardening. You want to choose a large enough container to support the number of plants you choose to grow as a container garden. The following is a general rule of thumb to follow:

Container Size	# of plants
10"	2 or 3
12"	3
14"	4
16"	5
18"	6 or 7
20"	8 or 9

Putting too many plants in one container can be costly and may not give you the look you desire. Competition can decrease growth and blooming, which defeats your purpose.

In addition, growing media (potting soil) is also an important component in the success. Unless you live where rain is abundant, you will want to choose a potting soil which has good water holding capacity, yet is porous enough to allow excess water to drain away. Usually a mix with sphagnum peat moss as a component will be acceptable. Potting soils with fertilizer added are OK, and any that contain water holding crystals are very good for dry, arid climates.

The success of container gardens is very much impacted by the care given. In the ‘No Duh’ category is watering. If you can not supply water on a daily basis, which may be needed in the hottest days of summer, then don't even bother with container gardens. Also, just so you know, a light shower does not supply enough water to eliminate the need to water manually. In fact, the use of an automated watering system is ideal. They can be found at most Garden Centers or Home Centers and use a slow release or drip method. This practice maximizes water efficiency and is a great time saving device which frees you up to enjoy your garden even more.

Fertilization is necessary and will reward you with better performing plants. Our own Cottage Farms Bud-N-Flower Booster is an excellent source of nutrition for fast growing, high performing plants. In addition to generous amounts of Nitrogen, and Potassium, the Bud-N-Flower Booster has over 30% Phosphorous, which is essential for blooming. The complete fertilizer also contains micronutrients like iron, copper, zinc, and many others which are essential for plant growth and usually not abundant in commercial potting soils. Cottage Farms Bud-N-Flower is easy to use, no mess, no fuss, and no stained hands. Each pre-measured packet of fertilizer makes a gallon of fertilizer. No measuring, just pop the gelatin encapsulated packet into a gallon milk jug full of water, and instantly the fertilizer dissolves and is ready to apply. Very safe and easy to use, plus it is chlorine and sodium free. Feed your plants on a regular basis and they will reward you with more color, and more flowers.

The dynamic presence of beautiful container gardens is pretty easy to accomplish. It requires a few wise choices and a little discipline with watering and feeding. The end result can be spectacular and the fun of designing your own masterpieces then showing them off to your friends and family will be priceless!

Pruning will invigorate the plant. If you have old shrubs that need a boost, you should prune out 33% of the old canes. Doing this practice for three years will re-shape the entire shrub and the newer wood will be more productive and healthy.

Flowers have been the most popular Easter gift for years, and now live blooming plants have surpassed floral arrangements as the season's favorite present. This year, for the first time, Cottage Farms has assembled a collection of Easter packages that showcases some of the year's most popular spring flowering plants.  We have beautiful collections of hydrangeas, calla lilies, mini roses (don't miss the Sequoia Twist - 3 flower colors on one plant) and more!  All in bloom and ready to enjoy. 

Our Easter specials will ship on Monday, April 2 - just in time to be delivered for the holiday weekend.

Click here to see our complete line of Easter Gift Plants!