If you’re reworking your spring containers of pansies, primroses and the like – think about some summertime drought tolerant alternatives: succulents and sedums (see article below), petunias, dahlias, lantana, herbs such as thyme or rue, and geraniums (including scented ones) come to mind. These plants will need watering probably only every other day.
Other types of plants will need daily attention with the watering wand or can. Remember that a long deep watering is best. And if there is heavy cloud cover, you’ll notice that the container may still be retaining moisture from the last watering. Hot sun really dries things out, on the other hand!
Finally, it’s a good idea to mulch the container after replanting with a fine-textured mulch to help hold in the moisture. Keep up with deadheading and feed the plants weekly with a slow-release liquid organic fertilizer to encourage rebloom! If you come upon a dry pot that’s ready for fertilizing, water it first with plain water. Once that is taken up, a few hours later, annoint the plant with the liquid fertilizer, leaves and all.
