Watering Outdoor Fall Mums So They Last The Season
Easy
Fall is just around the corner and the nurseries are already stocked with the pretty Fall Mums. I have to admit I love all of the gorgeous Fall colours they come in. I treat myself to two big planters a year. When you think about it, their cost is similar to a bouquet of flowers and they last a lot longer as long as they get kind of care.
When I bought potted Mums like this before I always struggled with how to water them. The plants are usually so full and spill over the edge of the pot making it difficult to water them. You have to tuck the spout of the watering can into the plant often damaging a bloom or breaking off a stem.
The solution is very easy. I cut off the bottom of one empty green sparking water bottle per planter.
I chose green because it's easier to hide amongst the green leaves and stems. Just gently tuck the bottle into the middle of the plant with the bottom of the bottle facing up and just enough so you can see it peeking out.
Notice you can hardly see it inside the planter. When I water the plant I just pour the water down the top of the bottle and it goes directly to the bottom of the planter where the roots are waiting to soak in the moisture.
That's it! Super simple! It helps make these gorgeous flowers last a lot longer.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Really great idea. I will try on my mums. Thank you for this great idea!
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I used to do this in the ground with impatiens years ago and it helped a lot. Never thought of it with pots, duh! I will def do that with the mums I plan on getting this fall. Thanks :)
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My idea: Because I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, I thought it would make my life a ton easier if I permanently planted a few terracotta pots where in the spring I can toss in some annuals (plastic pot and all) and in the fall, pop those out and pop in some mums. Because this is the first year that I am gardening (I heard it's good for RA patients), I wasn't sure if this idea is as great as I think. HAHA What are your thoughts? Should I take it out of the plastic pots at least? I also bought the draining saucers that go with them so that, when the mum dies, I can take it out and cover the pot. Maybe I should leave the mum in over winter? Anyway, any thoughts on this idea would be great! I love your idea and plan on using it!