Trough planters can be a great way to add a touch of greenery and style to your outdoor space. The great thing about trough planters is that they can be used for almost any type of plant as long as it has enough space within the planter to accommodate its needs.
Some of the best plants for trough planters include:
• Armeria maritima, or Sea Thrift, is a tiny but brilliant perennial which blooms between late spring and midsummer.
• Edging Lobelia is a low-growing, spreading evergreen lobelia with dark green leaves and dark blue flowers which will slope toward the sun.
• Lavandula angustifolia, or English Lavender, is an aromatic evergreen shrub with fragrant leaves and purplish-blue flowers which blooms in the summertime.
• Phlox subulata, also known as Creeping Phlox, is an evergreen, mat-forming perennial with star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple which bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer.
• Alliums are a beautiful and diverse group of flowering bulbs with star-shaped clusters of white or purple flowers that bloom in the late spring and summer.
• Herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or chives, can do well in trough planters as long as they are kept in a sunny spot and watered regularly.
• Sedums and Sempervivum, also known as houseleeks, are low-growing, mat-forming evergreens with star-shaped flowers which bloom in the summertime.
• Dianthus or Cottage Pinks are low growing, spreading evergreens with fragrant flowers that come in many shades of pink, red, and white.
• Saxifraga x urbium, commonly known as London Pride, is a low growing, evergreen perennial with attractive foliage and clusters of white, lilac, or pink flowers.
Overall, trough planters can house a variety of colorful, unique, and hardy plants and herbs, so it’s easy to find something to suit your needs. Be sure to give your plants the appropriate amount of light, water, and fertilizer, and you’ll soon be enjoying your lush, thriving trough planter.
How do you fill a trough planter?
Filling a trough planter with soil and plants is a relatively easy process and doesn’t take much time or effort.
To begin, you’ll need to get a good quality potting mix for your trough planter. You can find these at most garden supply stores and online. Make sure that the potting mix you choose is appropriate for the plants you have selected and will provide healthy, vibrant growth.
Once you’ve selected your potting mix, fill your trough planter to the desired level. Make sure to leave a few inches from the top of the planter so that when you add your plants, you won’t overflow.
Now comes the fun part – selecting the plants for your planter! Choose plants that will look great together and are appropriate to the size and shape of your planter. Once you’ve chosen your plants, be sure to score or trim the root balls, as this will help them fit into the planter and promote healthy growth.
Once you’ve added all of your plants, fill in the remaining space with more potting mix. Gently press the soil down around the plants to ensure good contact with the roots and better stability. After this, you can also top it off with decorative mulch or even stones to finish your planter.
Now your trough planter is ready for display! Keep in mind that you’ll need to water, fertilize, and provide enough sunlight for all of the plants in order to keep it healthy and vibrant.
What plants are for large pots?
Large pots can accommodate a wide variety of plants, depending on the pot’s size and the environment in which it’s placed. Generally speaking, larger pots will require larger plants as they can provide support to the pot and also create a pleasant aesthetic.
Examples of plants that can thrive in larger pots include trees and shrubs, such as Weeping Willow, Dwarf Alberta Spruce, and Japanese Maple; flowering plants like Geraniums, Hydrangeas, and Petunias; and foliage plants like English Ivy and Coleus.
The list of suitable plants for large pots is quite extensive, and could be customized to match any desired aesthetic. Ultimately, the best way to ensure the plants in your large pot thrive is to verify the pot’s size, sun/shade/water exposure and soil quality, and choose plants accordingly.
What plants will survive winter in a container?
Many hardy plants can survive winter in a container. To ensure their survival, it is important to choose plants that are hearty and can withstand the cold. Examples of hardy container plants that can survive winter include English Ivy, Heuchera, Lavender, Liriope, Euonymus, and Sedum.
To prepare these plants for winter, water them well before the first frost, apply a layer of mulch to help insulate the soil and protect the root system, and move larger containers near buildings or fences that can protect them from strong winter winds.
The best winter-hardy plants are deciduous shrubs that are winter-dormant, so they don’t require a lot of care during the winter season. Winter-flowering shrubs such as Witch Hazel, English Holly, Japanese Maple and Forsythia are also ideal for container gardens.
For best results, keep containers out of direct sunlight during the winter months and provide occasional water during dry periods.
Do troughs need drainage holes?
Yes, troughs (also known as planters) definitely need drainage holes. This is because they are designed to hold moisture while at the same time allowing any excess water to drain out. This helps to ensure that the soil remains nicely aerated and oxygenated, which is essential for healthy root growth.
If the water cannot drain out of the trough, it will cause the soil to become soggy and lead to root rot, a condition in which the roots of a plant are slowly damaged and killed by high moisture levels.
Therefore, it is important to make sure there are adequate drainage holes in the trough when it is first set up, or to add a few if it does not come with any.
How many geraniums are in a trough?
The number of geraniums in a trough will depend on the size of the trough and the size of the geraniums. Generally, a trough can accommodate up to 6 geraniums depending on how large they are. However, if they are small, up to 9 geraniums could potentially fit in the trough.
It’s important to note that if there are more than 6 geraniums in a trench, they will need to be spaced out more and the trough may become overcrowded and the plants may compete with each other for nutrients, water and light.
Additionally, if the weather is particularly hot, it’s important to water more often and make sure the geraniums aren’t exposed to too much direct sunlight.
How do you plant a flower trough?
Planting a flower trough can be a straight forward and rewarding task.
First, you’ll want to choose and purchase the size and type of flower trough that you want. You may want to select your plant material such as flowers, succulents, and grasses at the same time since they will work together and you will need to purchase an appropriate size container.
Once you have your supplies, use a potting soil mix and trowel to fill the trough. Place a layer of soil in the trough, then add the desired plants. If you’re using a variety of plants, remember to provide them with a good balance of sun and shade.
Plant each species at the recommended depth and duration, being sure to gently tamp down the soil after each plant is planted. Water thoroughly, using a hose or watering can.
After planting, don’t forget to give your flower trough a few weeks to become established before applying a layer of topsoil and mulch. Doing this will help conserve moisture, control weeds, and keep your plants healthy and vigorous.
Finally, fertilize your plants at regular intervals throughout the growing season to promote healthy flowers and foliage. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. With regular maintenance, your flower trough can provide a beautiful and colorful display of flowers for you to enjoy.
What tall plants can be grown in pots?
There are a variety of tall plants that can be grown in pots, depending on the climate and the amount of sun and water that the plants receive. Some examples include Japanese Maple Trees, Columnar Apple Trees, Thuja Green Giants, Golden Chain Trees, and Leyland Cypress Trees.
In addition, plants such as Eucalyptus, Giant Sequoias, Hostas, Butterfly Bushes, and Bamboo can be grown in pots and can reach quite tall heights. Of course, it is important to make sure that the pot you are using is large enough and can provide enough space for the plant’s root system to thrive.
Additionally, you should ensure that you are providing the plant with the proper light and nutrients it needs, as well as the correct soil. Consider adding mulch to help retain moisture and promote aerobic bacterial breakdown of nutrients.
Finally, when using tall plants in pots, make sure you keep them indoors or in a sheltered area during colder weather or periods of wind or extreme temperatures.
Can you use a water trough for a planter?
Yes, you can use a water trough for a planter. This is a great way to add beauty, color and texture to your outdoor space. To make a water trough planter, you’ll need a plastic water trough, soil, a drill and drill bit, drainage rocks, plants, and decorations.
Start by drilling small drainage holes in the bottom of the trough. Then fill the bottom with drainage rocks and soil. Add the plants of your choice – such as flowers, herbs, succulents and other plants – and then arrange them in the trough as desired.
Make sure to provide enough space between plants so they have room to grow. Add decorations such as stones, candles, or other eye-catching items to complete the look. Water the planter regularly, and you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful outdoor display for many years.
What are the low maintenance outdoor potted plants?
Low maintenance outdoor potted plants include succulents, aloe vera, false agave, ferns, echeverias, sedums, rosemary, asparagus ferns, and boxwood. These types of plants work best kept in containers because they require minimal care.
Succulents are some of the easiest plants to care for, requiring very little water or sunlight. Aloe vera is perfect for high-traffic areas because it requires very little care, but can tolerate full sun.
Echeverias, a type of succulent, can be used in rock gardens and require very little water. A fern is also a great low maintenance option for outdoor containers in moderate climates. Ferns are hardy and require very little watering and no fertilizer.
Asparagus ferns add a nice soft texture to any outdoor container and are fairly low maintenance. Rosemary does well in dry climates and looks great with other herbs in a single container. Lastly, boxwood is a great low maintenance option for those who want a traditional look in their garden.
It is slow-growing, so it requires little pruning and can tolerate a full sun or partial shade environment.
What do you fill a garden trough with?
When filling a garden trough, the contents can depend on a variety of factors, including the size and shape of the trough and what type of plants you want to grow in the trough.
If the garden trough is wide and shallow, then it can be easily filled with a mix of potting soil, compost, and a small amount of well-rotted manure. This mixture can provide plants with the nutrient-rich soil they need to grow and flourish.
It is also possible to create a “no-dig” trough filled with layers of newspaper, leaves, compost, and soil. This type of trough allows for immediate planting after being filled and can provide a good environment for green leafy vegetables, herbs, and succulents.
If you want to fill a trough with plants, using pre-planted bedding plants can be a convenient option. Alternatively, you can combine a mix of smaller perennials, shrubs, and herbs, ensuring that the plants you have chosen will fit in the space available.
It is a good idea to incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil to give your plants a boost and to ensure they receive enough nutrients throughout the growing season.
If you want to create a feature in your garden, you can even fill the trough with stone or gravel, creating a unique and attractive look for your garden or balcony. Whatever you decide to fill your garden trough with, make sure to keep it watered regularly and to fertilize throughout the growing season for healthy, thriving plants.
What do I line a metal planter with?
When lining a metal planter, the best option is to use a plastic liner. This will insulate the soil but allow for water drainage. It will also prevent rusting and leaching of minerals in the soil. When selecting a plastic liner, it is important to make sure it is made from an inert material that won’t react with the soil or the plants in the planter.
Some options for plastic liners include black or blue HDPE or EPDM, both of which are very durable and long-lasting. Depending on the size and shape of the planter, you may need to cut the liner to fit.
Other options for lining a metal planter are coir, burlap, or an aquatic liner. Coir is a great choice for its water-holding capabilities and high durability. Burlap is also a great choice for its organic nature, and it will provide good insulation.
An aquatic liner is a good option if the planter is constantly in contact with water. Regardless of which liner is used, they should be changed out regularly to prevent rot and bacteria growth.
Can I plant directly in a metal container?
Yes, you can plant directly in metal containers. Metal containers are an excellent option for home gardeners because they are durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Metal containers can be used to house a variety of plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Before planting in metal containers, it is important to make sure they are galvanized to prevent rust. Clean your metal containers thoroughly before planting, and fill them with potting soil that has good drainage and nutrients.
Make sure the container has several holes in the bottom for drainage, and use coarse potting soil that can hold moisture and provide enough oxygen to the roots. You can also add fertilizers and mulch to your metal containers to help provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.
As long as you take the time to prepare your metal containers in advance, they can provide your plants with an ideal place to grow.