How to Grow Plants on Gazebos

Start the planting process in springtime after last frost for the best selection of plants and flowers, and to take advantage of spring, summer and fall blooming seasons.

Prepare a wide range of decorative and functional pots. Use small 1-gallon pots to large 10-gallon pots for a variety of plant life. Make sure that all pots have drainage holes, as the plants fail in standing water.

Prepare potting soil with one part peat moss or organic compost, one part garden loam and one part vermiculite. This base gives potted plants ideal nutrition, drainage and moisture content. Fill all the pots to within 1 to 2 inches of the top, and mix 5-10-10 fertilizer into the top 4 inches of soil. Fertilizer encourages better root establishment and quicker growth.

Plant a wide range of plants for variety. Plant sun-loving annuals, like vinca, begonias, marigolds and mums, and shade-loving flowers, such as primroses, violets, caladiums and hosta. Plant bulb perennials, like daffodils, calla lilies and tulips in deep pots and large vining plants, such as bougainvillea in the largest, heaviest pots.

Place your plants in appropriate locations on the gazebo. Sun-loving plants need six to eight hours of full sun every day for blooming while shade-loving plants thrive in full shade or filtered sun. Put any vining plants against poles or rails on the gazebo for growing.

Water the plants with 2 inches of water every week and give them water-soluble 5-10-5 fertilizer every month for continued nutrition and blooming.