Container Garden Care: Top Tips from Belinda Jensen
Container Garden Care
Top Tips from Belinda Jensen
Caring for a patio container garden requires a consistent, proactive approach. Container plants are confined to a small space where soil dries out quickly and nutrients are lost over time. Kowalski's Brand Ambassador and passionate home gardener Belinda Jensen shares her best advice below for keeping them looking beautiful all season long.
Don't miss the chance to meet Belinda in person at our upcoming patio event at Kowalski's Edina Market – details below!
Belinda's Top Tips
- Watering: Check soil frequently. If the top inch is dry, water until it drains out the bottom. Make sure excess water drains away; don't let the pot sit in standing water. Water early in the day to avoid daytime heat exposure.
- Fertilizing: Use a water-soluble organic fertilizer every 1-2 weeks to replace nutrients washed away by frequent watering. Trim back leggy or overgrown plants to rejuvenate them.
- Pruning and grooming: Remove dead flowers to encourage new growth (deadheading).
- Positioning and protection: Group pots together to increase humidity and reduce water loss. Most patio plants prefer partial sun, but check plant tags for specific light needs. Move containers to the shade during extreme heat to prevent scorch.
Pictured: Belinda Jensen and her mother, Jackie.
Other Considerations
Mulching matters, especially for pots you plant yourself. This practice minimizes water loss from evaporation, keeps plant roots cooler in the hot summer sun, and prevents soil from splashing onto leaves, which reduces disease. A 1-2" layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves, bark, straw or coconut coir, works best.
Good Question: Should you repot a container garden?
If planted in an appropriately large pot, most annual container gardens do not need to be repotted. However, if you notice any of the following issues, it might be something to consider:
- Roots are growing out of the drainage holes, spiraling around the bottom or visible on the soil surface.
- The plant shows stunted growth or wilts shortly after watering, indicating there isn't enough soil to hold moisture.
- Water runs straight through the pot instantly or, conversely, sits on top and takes too long to percolate.
- The soil level has dropped significantly or appears compact and tired.
Meet and Greet with Belinda Jensen
Saturday, May 9 • 11 a.m - 2 p.m.
Meet Kowalski's new Brand Ambassador, Belinda Jensen, formerly of KARE 11, on the patio at Kowalski's Edina Market! Join us on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as she shares tips for caring for container gardens and offers her favorite mixed patio pots for sale. A variety of beautiful planters will be available, just in time for Mother's Day.
Find a selection of outdoor patio plants throughout spring and early summer at any of Kowalski's 11 Twin Cities markets. Selection and availability may vary by location.
