Potted plants on your deck

Matt
Jul 13
2 min read

This year, as we've been working on various projects in the backyard, we found ourselves consolidating the space on our back deck. We really like this area as it gets a lot of morning sun, some mid-day sun, and just a bit of afternoon sun. So what does this mean? It means that this is a great spot for our part sun plants. The morning sun is much gentler than the afternoon sun, both in heat and UV intensity.

Back to plants now. Since we've been consolidating this space, since we added a screened-in porch to provide some relief from the mosquitos, we've also had to squish together our potted plants. We have the follow plants so far:

American Persimmon
Acer (Japanese maple)
Taro (or elephant ears as you'll see them marketed in garden centers)
Rabbit-eye blueberry bush
Amethyst Falls wisteria that we're trying to form into a bush
Ornamental quince
Mulberry tree
Wolfberry bush
Tree peonies (3)

A few things we noticed that we think would be helpful to you too!

Bunch your potted plants together for an improved look
1. We found that it not only looks better because your arrangement will look more full, but it helps to create a mini garden feel too.
2. Since your plants are in pots, put together the color scheme of your choice!
3. Be sure to keep shorter plants in the front. Not only does this look better, but it'll make it easier when watering.
Bunch your potted plants together for easier feeding/watering
1. Watering is a cinch if your plants are all together instead of all spread out like we used to do.
2. Feeding is also easy this way too!
3. This will also reduce wastage and will require less watering time from the hose or trips to your water barrel.

Bunch your potted plants together to create a microclimate
1. Similar to people, plants breathe and respirate. As plants take in CO2, they will respirate water vapor and O2. This microclimate of humidity is great for the plants, and will even help you to water less!