How many plants do I need?
One of the questions we have been receiving over the last couple of weeks is, “How many plants do I need?” This is a great question and I completely understand how difficult it can be to know how many plants you need to fill your garden and make it look beautiful. In my experience, this question is especially crucial when looking at filling pots/planters, flower beds, and knowing how many vegetables you should plant to feed your family.
In order to start preparing, try drawing a map of your yard with any existing trees, shrubs, slopes, patios, and whatever else you have in your yard. It is also good to measure out your flower bed so you know how much space you have to fill. Also take note of high traffic areas, water sources, potential wildlife concerns, and if that area will be getting full sun, partial sun, or full shade.
Bedding Plants, Annuals, and your Flower Bed:
It is important to first check your plant tag as some plants will grow a little taller or shorter than others, or will grow a little wider than others. I like to put my taller plants in the back, or in the centre of a round flower bed. For areas where I get a lot of deer traffic, I like to use natural deterrents, such as marigolds.
Some customers also have a specific theme for their garden. Is it a vegetable garden, a butterfly garden, a Japanese tea garden, a bird paradise? Be creative!
At Dalrymple’s many of our bedding plants are sold in compostable peat packs of 12 plants. I find this box is also an excellent spacer and will plant each flower the length of this box away from the next. Feel free to get technical and bring out your ruler or measuring tape as well. This is where your handy dandy map will come into play. By knowing the dimensions of the flowerbed you are hoping to fill. You can use the dimensions, and the spacing indicated on your plant tag, to know how many plants you need.
Hanging Baskets, Pots, and Planters:
You most likely already know the basics of planting hanging baskets, pots, and planters. This includes things like planting sun plants with sun plants, and shade plants with shade plants, as well as matching plants with similar watering needs. When planting a pot or basket, first look at the size of your planter. For a planter that is 10-12’’ in diameter, I would use 3 or 4 plants, for pots that are 16-20’’ in diameter, I would us 5-8 plants, and so on. This may not seem like enough to fill your pot right away, but with a little bit of patience, love, and a dose of fertilizer, it will begin to look full after 2-3 weeks of growth.
These plants will be healthier since fewer plants mean better root growth. Less crowded containers have better airflow around the plants so that they dry faster. This will decrease risks of disease or mold. Another pro tip is to water your plants in the morning so that they have the entire day to dry off in the sun and also to try watering your plants under the leaves instead of on top.
You can place more plants in your pot or planter to make it look fuller immediately. This can come in handy if you have an upcoming garden party or need a high impact container for a wedding or special event. However, the longevity of these planters are reduced as so many plants can cause crowding and an increase in disease. Please use this method with caution.
Vegetable Gardens:
The first thing I like to consider when planning a vegetable garden is how much time I am able to devote to it over the summer. Your vegetable garden will need constant care and affection in order to produce enough to feed your family. However, with the extra work comes extra rewards! There is nothing better than enjoying a meal that you have made and grown yourself. Caprese Salad on a hot day with fresh garden Basil, yes please!
I have done some research into this topic and found a wonderful chart from the website underatinroof.com by Kayla Lobermeier. She really puts it into perspective how many plants you would need so that you can eat from the garden every day. Check out her charts below!
Chart Courtesy of Kayla Lobermeier at: https://www.underatinroof.com
