As the leaves begin to change and the air gets crisp, it's time to transform your porches and patios into vibrant spaces full of autumnal charm. In this blog, we're sharing three fall planter recipes that you can use to infuse your space with that real fall feeling and make your neighbors green with envy (or perhaps orange with envy, considering it's autumn).
So grab your gardening gloves and let's get planting!
Recipe 1: The Croton Crazy Planter
Ingredients:
- 1 large ceramic or terracotta planter
- 2 4-inch ornamental kale plants
- 1 ornamental grass
- 2-3 6-inch crotons
- A few small pumpkins or gourds (for decoration)
- 1 bag of McDonald All Purpose Potting Soil (link)
Instructions:
Our first recipe, the “Croton Crazy” Planter, combines the rustic feel of fall with the vibrant colors of crotons on your patio. Here's how to create it step by step:
- Begin with a large planter to set the stage for your fall masterpiece. Try using a planter with muted colors, or even just a terracotta pot.
- Fill the planter box with potting soil, leaving about 2 inches of space from the top.
- Plant the ornamental kale and dwarf grass in the center, creating height and texture.
- Surround the kale and grass with the crotons, spacing them evenly to create the main highlight of your planter.
- Place the small pumpkins or gourds in the front center for a pop of fall color.
- Finally, water and display your planter in a sunny spot to enjoy the vibrant fall colors.
Recipe 2: The Mum-azing Planter
Ingredients:
- 1 Large decorative ceramic or clay pot
- 1 ornamental grass
- 1 6-inch Chrysanthemum (mum) plants in assorted fall colors
- 1 6-inch ivy
- 1 bag of McDonald All Purpose Potting Soil (link)
- Small decorative pumpkins or gourds
Instructions:
Our next recipe, the "Mum-azing" Planter, is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your front door with one of our fave fall plants - mums:
- Start with a large decorative ceramic or clay pot.
- Fill the pot with potting soil, leaving about 1 inch from the top.
- Plant the ornamental grass in the center for height and texture.
- Surround the grass with the chrysanthemum plants, alternating fall colors for a vibrant display.
- Plant the ivy around the edge of the pot to spill over the sides.
- For that extra autumn flair, place small decorative pumpkins or gourds on the soil's surface.
- Water thoroughly and place the planter in a cozy corner or by your front door for a warm fall welcome.
Recipe 3: The Japanese Maple Master Planter
Ingredients:
- 1 large plastic planter
- 1 red-leafed, 3-gallon Japanese maple tree
- 3-4 pansies in fall shades
- 1 small bale of straw or hay
- 1 bag of McDonald All Purpose Potting Soil (link)
Instructions:
Our final recipe, the "Japanese Maple Master" Planter, is all about creating a highlight frame for your fall doorway, we recommend making 2 of these to make a statement:
- Grab a large plastic planter of your choice.
- Fill the pot with potting soil, leaving about 3 inches from the top to allow room for planting.
- Plant the red-leafed Japanese maple tree in the center for a stunning focal point that will captivate onlookers.
- Add the pansies around the base of the tree for a splash of color and contrast.
- Create a rustic, harvest-inspired feel by surrounding the base of the tree and pansies with the straw or hay.
- Remember to water thoroughly and place this planter on your porch for a touch of autumn abundance that will leave everyone impressed.
PRO-TIP: Make sure to use Espoma Bio-Tone Starter in your planting process to feed your plants throughout the fall and winter seasons.
And there you have it, three fantastic fall planter recipes to spruce up your outdoor spaces this autumn. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the fall vibes, and let your creativity bloom this season! To learn more about what’s growing on at the garden center, check out Mike, the Garden Guru, and his webinars with new plants, products, and expert planting advice. To keep inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!