You’ve invested time and effort to put together beautiful planted containers for your patio, so don’t let them languish this fall. A few simple steps can help keep these containers looking great through the fall. Here’s a few tips from our friends at Al’s Garden & Home.
Start with a refresh
Before replacing everything, take a closer look at your containers. Some plants may simply need a little maintenance. Many summer favorites can continue blooming with regular care:
- Remove faded flowers.
- Trim back overgrown plants.
- Remove damaged leaves.
- Refresh the soil surface.
- Add fertilizer if plants are still actively growing.
Replace plants that are fading
If some plants are past their prime, don’t be afraid to swap them out. Now is a great time to refresh containers with plants that thrive as temperatures cool. Consider adding:
- Pansies
- Violas
- Ornamental kale, or
- Chrysanthemums
Add texture
Plants with interesting foliage help containers look full and beautiful even when fewer flowers are blooming. Try:
- Heuchera
- Ornamental grasses
- Ferns, or
- Trailing foliage plants
Seasonal accents
A few small changes can completely transform your outdoor space. Add personality with:
- Pumpkins
- Gourds
- Decorative branches, or
- Fall-inspired containers
Keep feeding your containers
Container plants rely on you for nutrients because they have a limited amount of soil available. Continue feeding throughout the growing season to encourage:
- More blooms
- Healthier foliage, and
- Stronger growth
Always follow fertilizer directions and water plants regularly, especially during warm weather.
Adjust your watering routine
Even as temperatures cool, containers can dry out quickly. Check moisture levels often, especially hanging baskets, smaller pots and containers placed in sunny areas.
As fall rain arrives, you may need to adjust your schedule and make sure containers have proper drainage.
Create containers that last
The best fall containers combine plants with different heights, textures, and colors.
Try the “thriller, filler, spiller” approach:
- Thriller: A taller plant that adds height and drama.
- Filler: A fuller plant that fills the middle of the container.
- Spiller: A trailing plant that softens the edges.
This simple design method works for every season.
Enjoy your outdoor spaces longer
Fall doesn’t mean the end of gardening. In the Pacific Northwest, cooler temperatures often create some of the most enjoyable days to spend outside.
Refreshing your containers is an easy way to keep patios, porches, and entryways welcoming throughout the season.
With the right plants and a little care, your containers can keep growing beautifully long after summer fades.