Potting Lemon Balm and Impatient

       Last night, I worked on my pots for around the front door area. I have this picture in my head of what I want to see when I walk up to the house! Doesn't everyone?

       In my head, it is a pot coming up the porch in the corner. Then you see my white bench, and there are flowers growing under the bench and there are trees behind the bench and the mint is growing up it. The last thing you see before walking into the house is a flower pot walking by the house. 

     OK I work so there is never enough time in a day to get my dream done so let’s do it step by step. First thing is the plants under the bench! What to plant under there? I bought all together 4 pots of lemon balm. I bought to and thought they died, and bought two more, so I ended up with 4. One of my close friends got me impatient for mother's day so they will look good under the bench. Now my bench faces east so it gets hit with a lot of morning sun. The only problem I have is my pots are white, that not going to work because the bench is white and the flowers are white. One could get lost in all that white. What to do? Spray paint them black. (Only on the outside I don't want the spray paint on my plants!

Steps to spray painting and planting plants in a pot!

1. Spray paint them black. (OK I should have washed to pots first ugh; this is all trial and error)

 

2.Pick your pot and check for drainage, I need to add drainage holes so water can get out. To add drainage holes I use a nail and hammer. (you can us a drill, but I didn't feel like pulling it out so hammer and nail was easier) you want to make sure there are enough holes for water to get out because it water sits the plant will die. 

 

 

 

3. Add a layer of rock to the pot. I would add about an inch.

 4. Add a layer of potting soil to the pot. I added the same amount as the rock about an inch. This gives the root a little area to grow. 

 

5. Now pull the plant out of the pot. To do this you turn it upside down, while holding the base of the plant, and pinch the pot. The plant should come out with ease. 

6. Then break up the root ball. I normal put my thumb and pointer finger in the bottom and expand them gently. 

7. After that put it into the pot and cover with potting soil. I normal hold the plant and add the soil with the other hand trying not to get it on the plant. 

8. The next step is debatable. I put the plant where I want it to go. I do this for a few reasons, to see if I like it and to see if the hose reaches. 

 

9. The last step water!

The finish project, 2 pots of impatiens and 2 lemon balms!! Happy in their new homes around my wonderful home!

What are you planting in pots? Let me know! Have fun and don't worry about getting dirty!!