Most potted plants that die haven't been killed by neglect. They've been killed by a few initial mistakes that are easy to avoid. Here are five of them.
Container gardening is one of the most accessible forms of gardening. But it's also one where mistakes are paid for most quickly. A potted plant doesn't have access to the resources of natural soil: it depends entirely on what you provide.
Mistake 1: Neglecting drainage
This is the number one mistake. You open the planter, pour in soil, and plant. The result: water stagnates at the bottom, roots rot, and plants die within a few weeks for no apparent reason. The solution is simple: lay a 3 to 5-centimeter layer of clay pebbles, gravel, or broken pot shards at the bottom of the container before adding potting mix.
This is why Extra Terrasse Balconnières are pre-equipped with drainage holes: a design detail that prevents the most common mistake.
Mistake 2: Using the same potting mix for all plants
Universal potting mix is not suitable for all plants. Using the same substrate for cacti, Mediterranean plants, and tomatoes will condemn at least some of them.
To simplify:
- Universal potting mix for annual flowers and common herbs;
- Draining mix for lavender, rosemary, and thyme;
- Potting mix enriched with compost for heavy feeders.
Three distinct purchases that make a real difference! However, Extra Terrasse advises using potting soil when in doubt.
Mistake 3: Overplanting
We want a beautiful effect immediately, so we plant them close together. After a few weeks, the plants compete for water, nutrients, and light. All suffer instead of just one thriving.
The general rule: respect the spacing indicated on the labels. For Extra Terrasse Balconnières: a maximum of 2 or 3 plants per container, with species that have similar water needs.
Mistake 4: Ignoring sun exposure
Placing lavender in the shade, hostas in scorching sun, geraniums on a north-facing balcony: these unsuitable combinations cause as much damage as lack of watering.
Before buying a plant, check two pieces of information on the label: recommended exposure and water needs. Compare them honestly with the reality of your balcony or terrace.
Mistake 5: Neglecting watering after planting
Potted plants are much more sensitive to lack of water than plants in the ground. In summer, most outdoor container gardens need daily watering in the morning. A simple way to remember: associate watering with an already established daily ritual. It is also possible to invest in a drip irrigation system, particularly useful for railing Balconnières exposed to wind and sun from all sides.
We advise using an Olla if you don't have a green thumb. This terracotta tool allows water to be contained and slowly dispersed into your planters. Those from the Pepin brand are of great quality and pair well with Extra Terrasse planters.
In summary
Drainage, good potting mix, proper spacing, correct exposure, regular watering. These five points cover the vast majority of reasons why potted plants die. Taken into account from the start, they significantly improve results.