GreenShip

  Geraniums ( Pelargoniums   are the common bedding plants) are tender perennials. This means they are beautiful annuals in most of the US, but they can be saved and enjoyed year after year— if you protect them from the cold. Overwintering your potted Geraniums is a rewarding way to get a head start on next spring’s gardening and save money. The key is knowing which method is best for your space. Step 1: Pre-Winter Prep (Before the First Frost) Timing is crucial. You must bring your Geraniums inside  before the first hard frost . A light freeze is often enough to kill the entire plant. 1. Prune and Clean Cut Back:  Use clean, sharp pruners to cut the plant back by  one-third to one-half . This reduces the amount of foliage the plant has to support over the winter and encourages bushy new growth in the spring. Deadhead:  Remove all remaining flowers, buds, and yellow or dead leaves. Sanitize:  Clean the surface of the soil and the outside of the pot. 2....

  The common wisdom passed down through generations of gardeners suggests filling the bottom of a pot with rocks, broken pottery, or gravel to improve drainage. This practice, often called creating a “drainage layer,” is widespread—and for sun-loving plants like   Geraniums   ( Pelargoniums ), it seems like a no-brainer. However, modern horticultural science has debunked this long-standing myth. For a Geranium to truly thrive, the secret lies not in  what  you put at the bottom of the pot, but in  what you use to fill the entire pot. The Great Drainage Myth: Why Rocks Don’t Help Geraniums are highly susceptible to  root rot  caused by constantly wet soil (known as “wet feet”). The goal of the pot’s base is to ensure excess water leaves quickly. Unfortunately, adding a layer of coarse material like gravel or broken terracotta actually works  against  this goal. The Perched Water Table Effect When water moves through fine-textured potting ...

  Nothing is more disheartening than seeing your vibrant   Geranium   ( Pelargonium ) suddenly   wilt or droop —a sure sign your plant is unhappy. While the symptoms look similar to simple dehydration, the problem is almost always tied to a complex issue involving your pot and soil. For container-grown Geraniums, the distinction between a soil problem and a pot problem is often blurred, as they work together to create the plant’s environment. The root of the issue is usually related to  drainage and moisture control. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to diagnose and fix a wilting Geranium, focusing on the container environment. The Soil-Related Culprit: Wet Feet and Suffocation Geraniums are resilient, drought-tolerant plants, native to dry regions of South Africa. Their number one enemy is  “wet feet” —a condition where the roots are constantly sitting in soggy soil. 1. The Overwatering Vicious Cycle The appearance of a wilted Geranium is deceiving. ...

  Container gardening is all about maximizing space, and nothing is more rewarding than a mixed pot that is both beautiful and functional. Pairing vibrant   Geraniums ( Pelargonium spp. ) with fragrant   herbs   creates a miniature micro-ecosystem right on your patio, deck, or balcony. This combination not only provides a stunning visual display but also delivers a powerful defense against common garden pests. Here are the secrets to successfully combining these two sun-loving plant groups into a thriving, aromatic centerpiece. The Synergy: Why Herbs and Geraniums Are a Perfect Match Geraniums and many Mediterranean herbs share a critical environmental requirement: they all thrive in conditions that mimic their dry, sunny, and slightly neglected native habitats. Shared Needs:  Both groups require  full sun  (at least 6 hours per day) and  well-draining soil . Overwatering is the single most common killer of both Geraniums and Mediterranean herbs l...

  Geraniums ( Pelargoniums ) are the quintessential summer flower—vibrant, tough, and long-blooming. While a pot full of just Geraniums is beautiful, the secret to a professional-looking display is surrounding your star flower with carefully chosen   companion plants . By following the popular   “Thriller, Filler, Spiller”   design method, you can transform a single container into a dynamic, multi-textured arrangement with varying heights. Here is your guide to crafting the perfect Geranium combination pot, designed for maximum visual impact and easy care. Mastering the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Concept This simple framework is used by professional gardeners to ensure every container has vertical interest, volume, and grace. Geraniums often play the role of the  Filler , but they can also be the main  Thriller  (if they are a large, showy variety). 1. The Thriller: Height and Drama The Thriller is the tallest plant, creating the central focal point a...