My dirty {foliage} secret--revealed!

Friends, it is that time a year again, I am so excited to be getting my Pots ready... I thought I would repost this because it has been my MOST POPULAR post... EVER!  If you are potting plants do not pass these simple tips up, especially if you forget to water you plants... like me!

Everything I learned about gardening I learned from my mom! She always has amazing potted flowers! Last summer she taught me a wonderful 'dirty' secret to keep your potted plants looking fresh... Do you want to know what it is?

Well here it is....

Yup, you are not seeing things, I put a diaper in the bottom of all my pots! Why, because a diaper will help retain the moisture in your pot. Last summer, I was amazed at how diapers really helped my pots stay moist, especially since I am not always the most dedicated gardner!

Sure, you could go buy commercial water hydrating crystals at the nursery, for a pretty penny. However, if you are like me, you have an abundance of disposable diapers at your, well, disposal! Most, if not all, diapers contain water absorbing polymer crystals that absorb water, and expand (that is why the diapers get puffy) when wet. When put in a flower pot, the polymers in the diaper absorb water when the plant is watered, and becomes a reservoir for the plant when it is dry, keeping your plant moist.

I thought I would show you step by step how I planted my container plants. I am really spoiled because I can go to my mom's green house, and use her stuff!

Step 1: Bark

Put bark in the very bottom of your pot. We used a mixture of bark, and old soil from last years pot to place in the bottom.

Step 2: Diaper

Make holes on the outside of the (unused-of course) diaper, so the water can drain. Place the diaper with the inside up on top of the bark.

Step 3: Potting Soil

Put about half the amount of potting soil you think you will need over the diaper layer. You can buy potting soil at the store, or you can make your own. This is my mom's special brew:

25% old potting soil from last years pot
25% Peat moss - helps retain water
25% Vermiculite - de-clumping agent
25% New potting soil
I am so lucky to have a mom who knows this stuff! Her soil is always fabulous, and she shares with me!

Step 4: Arrange Flowers

Now that you have a little soil in your pot, arrange the flowers the way you want them. I like a tall spike in the middle, and then lots of different colors and textures around the pot. I always include one wave petunia or super petunia, that will hopefully droop over the pot.

Step 5: Finishing

Pack soil around the arranged flowers. Add some slow release plant food granules to the top! Your beautiful pot is complete!

Here is a peak at some of my moms darling pots in the greenhouse!

My daughter likes to ask, Grandma, why is it called a greenhouse, it is not green?

I am so excited to put my flowers on my front porch--if only it would stop raining!

Enjoy, Carlee

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