Transition Your Container Garden From Winter To Spring

In January the grocery store had tulips and daffodils already stocked. Both are grown locally here in Washington in an area called the Skagit Valley.

The climate here is considered mild. However, when I moved from Southern California, I thought I might as well be in the tundra! It really is mild though, especially when compared to East Coast.

In January I had posted the photo below on Instagram and people in Midwest and East Coast commented that they wouldn’t be able to leave these plants out on their stoops due to snowfall. So use this post based on what winter means for your location!

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there are a few tips that can help you optimize your container garden for spring and get it ready for the upcoming growing season.

Ideas To Transition Your Container Garden From Winter To Spring

1. Plan your garden.

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Before planting anything, take some time to plan your garden. Consider the amount of sunlight your plants will receive, and choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of light available. You’ll also want to consider the size of your containers and choose plants that will fit comfortably. By planning your garden in advance, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to buy and how to arrange your plants.

To choose plants I follow what I call the three F’s- foundation, fullness, and focal. Not only are the pots different sizes, so are the plants. But first….

2. Gather pots.

The second step in transitioning your container garden is to assess the condition of your containers. Check for any cracks or damage that may have occurred during the winter. Replace any damaged containers to ensure your plants have a healthy growing environment.

These pots were gifted via Potey.com and are no longer available. Don’t worry, I linked other great options at the end of this post!

3. Purchase A Mix Of Plants.

After buying the tulips and daffodils I went to my favorite local nursery, City People’s to find what I call the three F’s- foundation, fullness plants to make the flowers stand out.

Foundation plants can be small trees, shrubs, and grasses. Picking plants that you can use in other areas of your yard is a great way to continue enjoying plants. I couldn’t pass up the white primrose; the yellow center ties into the daffodil.

Money saving tip: Save plants from previous seasons that still look healthy. For instance, my evergreen plants from winter are hardy and still thriving, therefore I keep those to serve as a foundation plant.

What can I put in my planters early spring?

When choosing plants for your container garden, it’s important to choose plants that are appropriate for the spring season. Look for plants that can handle cooler temperatures and are well-suited to the specific growing conditions in your area. Some great spring container plants include pansies, primroses, and tulips.

See below for the plants I chose.

Drooping Leucothoe– I love evergreen plants that offer fullness. The red tones in this one are great because it matches the cordilyne I already had in the tall planter. When this grows, it can be shaped as a hedge or ground cover.

Sweet Box– this plant is so fragrant and it is evergreen. It won’t grow terribly tall, so it is a good choice when you want to preserve a view or layer.

Red Hook Sedge– I chose this grass to match the cordilyne and the leucothoe.

Lemon Cypress– the green is so vibrant!

4. Refresh the soil.

Winter weather can take a toll on soil, leaving it compacted and depleted of nutrients. To give your plants a healthy start, refresh the soil in your containers. Remove any old soil, and replace it with fresh, nutrient-rich soil. This will ensure that your plants have the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and strong.

The colorful flowers are my focal point!

Double Harmony Anemone– these come in a variety of colors. The cheerful pink replaces the cordilyne that didn’t last through winter and looks so pretty in the tall planter.

5. Water regularly.

Once you’ve planted your container garden, it’s important to water your plants regularly. Spring weather can be unpredictable, and your plants may not receive enough water from rainfall alone. Water your plants when the soil feels dry to the touch, and be sure to use a watering can or hose attachment that delivers water directly to the soil, rather than the leaves.

6. Fertilize as needed.

To help your plants grow healthy and strong, fertilize them as needed. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer, depending on your preferences. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as over-fertilizing can be harmful to your plants.

For a nod to the season, add a garden statue. Statues remind me of my great great aunties I would visit as a child. They had wild gardens with old bathtubs filled with plants, nasturtiums growing over arbors, and little statues sprinkled around. One auntie had a loquat tree and I would pick the fruit and eat it right there in the yard. I wish I had photos of their secret gardens.

Interested in more garden related posts?

See how just three supplies to transform your fence.

Our DIY pergola trellis.

How to plant groundcovers around pavers.

Or tips to pot succulents.

Outdoor Pots To Freshen Your Space

Some of these options are made in two or more sizes, perfect for clustering on a porch or patio. Click on the images below to shop!

Things To Consider- Transition Your Container Garden From Winter To Spring

What is my garden zone?

You can easily find this with your favorite search engine 🙂 Your local nursery will usually have plants that are meant for your zone.

How much light will the plants receive?

Where will you place the plants? Check the plant tags to make sure it will do well with the light conditions at your home. Notice where the plants are at the nursery. Are they in the shade section under tarp covers or in the bright open.

How hardy is a plant?

The plant tags have so much information, including the lowest temperature it can withstand. If a tag is missing, but you have the name, you can always look it up online.

What are the best plants for outdoor containers?

Not all plants want to be confined to a pot. The handy dandy tag will say something like “for use in containers and borders”.

When in doubt, ask the nursery employees for recommendations. They should be able to tell you which plants like to be outside, but under cover and other details.

Pin Transition Your Container Garden From Winter To Spring

Drop me a line in the comments to let me know how your spring is going.