I love planting flowers in containers. I am lucky to live where the winters are mild and my container plants usually do well all winter (knock on wood!)

Buy locally grown plants if you can. Otherwise, support independently owned nurseries. I buy my plants from a shop that promotes organics.

When you get your plants home, water them. I have lost a lot of plants because I forgot this simple step. Nurseries take a lot of care to make sure their flowers look fresh and inviting – that might mean they were watered daily or even twice a day during hot weather. You’ll keep them looking good by giving them thorough waterings until they are planted.

Here are some tips for growing flowers in containers:

1. Start with good organic soil. Fill container about 2/3 full so you’ll have room to position the plants. Break up any clods with a spade or the wonderful Cobra hand tool.

2. Add slow-release organic fertilizer to the pot and mix it in well.

3. Choose a variety of sizes, colors, and textures for the flowers. Your local nursery can make suggestions. Good plants for the winter include: pansies, alyssum, snap dragons, Johnny jump-ups, bulbs, and evergreen plants.

4. Fill pot with flowers - I love to put quite a few plants in each pot so the pot looks “full” after its planted.

5. Fill pot with soil and water thoroughly.

I usually water daily for a few days to make sure the plants get a good start. Remember to apply organic fertilizer throughout the growing season. Plants in pots can have a lot of nutrient loss because the water and nutrients run out the bottom of the pot. Supplement with Hasta Gro or similar liquid or granular fertilizer.

Cynthia McKenna is a therapist and Episcopal priest. When she’s not working, she can often be found in her vegetable garden, water garden, or relaxing with her three cats and three Labrador retrievers. You can learn more @http://gardengateblog.com or follow her on Twitter @http://twitter.com/cynthiamckenna