How to Build a Beautiful Spring Planter
A well-designed spring planter can bring vibrant color and fresh energy to your home’s entryway, patio, or garden. In New England, where winters are long, early spring plantings are a welcome sight. With the right plants and a few simple steps, you can create a stunning display that thrives in our unpredictable spring weather.
Choosing the Right Container
Start with a container that’s at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes at the bottom. Terra cotta, ceramic, or lightweight resin planters work well. If your container is large, add a layer of pine bark mulch or broken pottery at the bottom to improve drainage and reduce weight.
Selecting Spring-Ready Plants
Spring in New England can be chilly, so choose cool-tolerant plants that can handle fluctuating temperatures. Some great options include:
Thrillers (Tall, Focal Plants):
Pansies – Cheerful, cold-hardy flowers available in a rainbow of colors.
Daffodils – These bulbs provide height and a burst of yellow or white.
Tulips – Classic spring flowers that add elegance and structure.
Fillers (Mid-Sized Plants for Volume):
Primroses – Early bloomers that thrive in cool temperatures.
Sweet Alyssum – A low-growing plant with tiny white or purple flowers that spill over the edges.
Spillers (Trailing Plants for a Cascading Effect)**:
Creeping Jenny – A bright green trailing plant that softens the edges.
Ivy – A classic, elegant option that provides texture.
Violas – These tiny flowers trail beautifully and self-seed for continuous blooms.
Planting Your Spring Arrangement
1. Prepare the Soil: Use high-quality potting mix with added compost for nutrients. A moisture-retaining mix helps keep roots hydrated.
2. Arrange Your Plants: Start with the tallest plants in the center or back, depending on whether the planter is viewed from all sides. Add mid-sized plants around them, and finish with trailing plants along the edges.
3. Plant and Fill In: Remove plants from their containers and loosen the roots slightly. Dig small holes, place each plant at the correct depth, and gently firm in the soil around them.
4. Water Well: Give your planter a thorough watering, allowing excess water to drain out.
Caring for Your Planter
Watering: Check the soil daily. If the top inch is dry, water thoroughly.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks to keep plants healthy.
Protecting from Frost: If a late-season frost is expected, cover the planter with burlap or move it to a sheltered spot.
REMEMBER Spring is a wet season so check the wetness of the soil before you water!
Fill It In
The most common mistake homeowners make is not putting enough material in their Spring planters because bulbs are often used, and they do not grow endlessly like annuals. Spring is a short growing season, so start with a full planter day one and don’t be afraid to put in additional plant or decorative Easter elements as the Season progresses.
A well-planned spring planter brings color and life to your outdoor space while embracing New England’s seasonal beauty. With just a little effort, you’ll have a stunning display to enjoy from March through early summer.
Happy planting!