Back from Vacation? Here’s What to Do if Your Container Plants Didn’t Survive the Trip
And how to perk things up until it’s time for your fall refresh
There’s nothing quite like walking through your front door after a summer getaway—bags in hand, sun-kissed skin, and a head full of vacation memories. But then you look at your front porch containers… and the reality sets in. While you were soaking up the sun, some of your plants were baking in it. A few look tired. A couple look downright crispy. Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us. The good news? There’s an easy midseason fix to get things back on track until your fall refresh around Labor Day.
First, Assess the Damage
Before you toss anything, check for signs of life. Scrape the stems gently with your fingernail—green underneath means there’s still hope. If it’s dry and brown all the way through, it’s time to say goodbye. Cut back any dead or struggling plants, pull out what’s beyond help, and fluff the soil.
Enter the Filler Flower: A Quick Fix for Instant Charm
Now’s the perfect time to tuck in a cheerful filler flower or two. They’ll instantly perk up the whole container and give it fresh color and texture to carry you through the next few weeks.
Some great filler flowers for late summer:
- Marigold– Bright, bold, and heat-loving, they bloom nonstop and come in so many colors.
- Angelonia – Also known as “summer snapdragon,” this one thrives in heat and humidity and keeps blooming without fuss.
- Mandevilla– So easy, It thrives in the sun and doesn’t mind missing a watering or two.
- Alternathera– For containers in the sun or shade, it adds a pop of color with its vibrant foliage and bounces back quickly.
- Calibrachoa – Like mini petunias, these cascading charmers are ideal for filling in gaps.
Pop in a couple of fresh fillers, give everything a good watering, and voilà—your containers are back to life.
Boost What’s Left with Jack’s Blossom Booster
Even if some of your plants made it through the vacation without a scratch, they likely used up a lot of energy while you were away. A dose of Jack’s Blossom Booster fertilizer can give everything a much-needed pick-me-up. It’s specially formulated to encourage vibrant blooms and stronger growth, helping your containers look their best for the rest of the summer.
We recommend feeding once a week for best results—especially after a stressful period like drought, missed watering, or extreme heat.
Save the Big Refresh for Labor Day
Think of this midseason clean-up as a mini makeover. Just enough to get you through the next few weeks with a smile. Then, when Labor Day rolls around and temperatures start to shift, you can go all-in on your fall containers—with mums, ornamental kale, pansies, and pumpkins galore.
So don’t be discouraged if your containers took a vacation of their own while you were away. A little trimming, a splash of color, and some well-timed plant food is all it takes to turn things around.
Stop by the garden center—we’ve got late-summer filler flowers stocked and plenty of Jack’s Blossom Booster on the shelf. Let’s bring your containers back to life—and get ready for that gorgeous fall season ahead.
