Most plants that die in planters weren't killed by neglect. They were 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 the quickest. A potted plant doesn't have access to natural soil resources: 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 pot shards at the bottom of the container before adding the potting mix.
This is why Extra Terrasse's Balconnières are pre-equipped with drainage holes: a design detail that avoids 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 means condemning 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 hungry plants.
Three distinct purchases that make a real difference! However, Extra Terrasse advises using potting soil if you have any doubts.
Mistake 3: Overplanting
We want a beautiful effect immediately, so we plant densely. After a few weeks, the plants compete for water, nutrients, and light. All suffer instead of just one thriving.
The general rule: respect the distances indicated on the labels. For Extra Terrasse Balconnières: a maximum of 2 or 3 plants per container, with species having 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. Honestly compare them to the reality of your balcony or terrace.
Mistake 5: Neglecting watering after planting
Plants in planters are much more sensitive to lack of water than plants in the ground. In summer, most outdoor planters need daily morning watering. A simple way to remember: associate watering with an already established daily ritual. It's also possible to invest in a drip system, particularly useful for railing planters exposed to wind and sun from all sides.
We recommend using an Olla if you don't have a green thumb. This terracotta tool holds and slowly releases water into your planters. Those from the Pépin brand are of super 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 plants in planters die. Taken into account from the start, they permanently transform the results.