If Youre Worried About Water Dripping Off From The Planters In Your Balcony Down Into The Balconies Of The Neighbors Belowmust Learn About Our 8 Tricks To Stop This
One of the biggest problems Balcony Gardeners face is of water runoff, water drains out from drainage holes in pots and drips below into the balconies of neighbors.This situation creates problems. In fact, many societies sets rule for that and even ban the balcony gardeners from growing plants .And, that’s why, in this post, we’re informing you about the solutions to this problem.
Stains And Discoloration Of Flower Pots Is Usually Caused By Minerals Fungus Algae Or Molds But You Can Easily Clean Your Flower Pots To Look Like New Again
Given enough time even the best quality ceramic and terracotta garden pots can be marred by mould dirt stains watermarks and efflorescence the salty white bloom that you sometimes see on the outside of them. A patio garden adds color to your outdoor living areas. Cement a mineral component of concrete works as a binder to hold rocks sand and water together to form a hard porous substrate. On the upper portion of our planter boxes we used a thick piece of cardboard to shield the dirt and plants from over spray.
Planter feet usually rubber stick to the bottom of pots and planters or their drip pans and add an inch or less for circulation.
Question: I Have A Water Ring Where A Plant Was Sitting On My Hearthstone Which I Believe Is Limestone Is There Any Way To Remove It I Appreciate Your Help
Great question.
Simply put, the water ring you see is either a stain or an etch… or a combination thereof.
You must first determine if the “stain” is a true stain or an etch mark. A general rule of thumb when dealing with stains on natural stone is that a stain will always be darker than the stone. This means the stone has absorbed contaminants such as oil, grease, dirt, etc. An etch, on the other hand, will always be lighter than the stone. Etching occurs when an acidic substance comes in contact with a calcite based stone such as marble, travertine or limestone.
With potted plants that sit directly on natural stone, there are a couple of possibilities. If the ring you see is darker than the stone, then soiling has penetrated into the pores of the stone and left a stain. Moisture that accumulated under the pot may have contained acidic properties that could have reacted with the stone surface causing the stone to etch.
We first suggest cleaning the stone surface thoroughly with a heavy duty stone cleaner to clean deep down into the stone to remove any ground in dirt and soil. Rinse thoroughly, then let dry. If the ring is still there, then it’s time to address the stain or the etch or a combination of both.
TIP: Avoid placing potted plants directly on the stone surface. Condensation or moisture from spillage could result in a stain or etch.
This is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Stone and Tile PRO Partners.
Prevent Water Damage To Your Deck By Putting Pot Risers Under Plants
Potted plants are a great way to bring colour to your deck or porch, but without proper drainage, the water from them can rot your deck surface. Elevate your plants with pot risers so the deck surface can properly dry out.
Image from elleyo.
Traditional pot saucers trap water underneath them, and don’t let air get under the plant to dry it out. Some simple pot risers, like these ones you can get from Bunnings,, leave room between the deck and the bottom of your pot for air circulation. Even an inch or two of space gives the deck a chance to dry out between waterings and saves it from rot or expensive repair.
How To Keep Flower Pots With Drainage Holes From Making A Mess
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Proper drainage is essential to the health of your potted plants. Although growing conditions vary widely, depending on the specific needs of different plants, most potted plants are susceptible to suffocation and rot in consistently soggy soil. A drainage hole at the base of a plant container allows water to drain freely, which provides air circulation to the plant. But as water drains out, potting soil often washes out with it, creating a mess with every routine watering. Fortunately, you can sidestep the mess by using one of several quick, easy solutions to the problem.
How To Remove Water Spots From Cement Caused By Flower Pots
When flower pots sit outside on concrete patios, walkways or entryways, when you move the pots, you may be left with a stain. If the stain was just water, it will fade as the water dries. But flower pot stains often contain dirt, salts, rust or fertilizer residues. Get rid of these stains to restore your concrete to its pristine finish to keep your yard looking fresh.
Gardening On Concrete With Raised Beds And Patio Containers
- Yard & Garden
With more than one in three American households now participating in food gardening, the promise of fresh, local produce is closer than ever before. But not everyone taking part in this gardening revolution has an acre of arable soil tucked away in their backyard. In fact, many people driving up this statistic don’t even have a backyard. So how do they do it?
With outdoor space at a premium, urban and small-space gardeners have embraced portable and often temporary garden designs to make the most of the space they have available. Whether confined to a balcony, patio, or other paved area, these gardens are sprouting up everywhere using two mainstays of the urban farming movement: raised beds and patio planters or containers.
How To Prevent Ugly Deck Stains Caused By Potted Plants
We have all experienced it, spend a ton of money on a new patio or deck, only to have it ruined by potted plants within weeks. A potted plant stand or pot stand solves the problem of plant stains once and for all.
How it works:
When a potted plant sits directly on your deck moisture gets trapped under the pot even if the plant is sitting on a plant coaster. All decks are made to withstand the elements and occasional drenching by rain. However there is not a deck, composite, sealed wood or varnished wood that can be exposed to water all day, everyday. Add to that, the complete lack of sun beneath the pot and you have a recipe for a dark nasty permanent stain.
These circular stains can be completely prevented by using a raised pot stand.
Plant Stands will SAVE THE DECK! By allowing air and light to pass under your pots you will never again have to worry about the unsightly stains caused by potted plants. Look for plant stands that have rubber feet to prevent any damage to your outdoor deck. It is also very important that your plant stand allows you pot to drain freely. If a pot can not drain, water will collect, become stagnant and stink.
There are many types of plant stands. Some types include plastic coasters, wrought iron, wrought iron with scroll work and multi tiered stands. Finding a type to match the style of your outdoor patio or deck should be easy.
Ways To Prevent Deck Staining From Container Gardens
1.) Opt for Hanging Planters and Deck Planters.
Hanging planters and deck planters eliminate the need for potted plants to sit on the deck surface. By removing your planters from the deck flooring, you not only allow air flow to circulate the decking and your plant for optimal plant drainage, but it takes much of the backache out of having a green thumb. Without all the fatigue from bending and kneeling, you’ll be able to spend more time tending to your plants and enjoying your outdoor space.
There are so many options for hanging planters available to home gardeners, including decking hardware like shepherd’s hooks or planter brackets that attach to your railing and/or deck posts. At UglyDeck.com, we offer customizable desk accessories like built-in deck planters and trellises to add to your decking plans, so you can incorporate the plants you love without exposing your decking surface to the constant contact and moisture associated with potted plants!
2.) Place Potted Plants on Plant Stands.
Using plant stands is a great way to allow ample air circulation for your decking. Depending on your space and needs, plant stands come in all different heights, sizes, and shapes. With so many styles on the market, you can add personality and your own style preferences to your outdoor space. Just remember, it’s a good idea to frequently rotate your plant stands, so you give the deck floor time to dry beneath the stand’s legs as well.
3.) Elevate Off Surface with Pot Feet or Risers.
Protect Your Deck From Stains Left By Potted Plants
While potted plants are a great way to spruce up your outdoor deck décor, planters can wreak havoc on your wooden deck over time by leaving stains or causing wood rot. Between inclement weather and watering your container garden, your planters continuously touch the surface of your deck, trapping moisture and preventing air from drying the wood beneath pots. Though plant saucers help prevent excessive water damage and staining from soil drainage, saucers still leave their own stains and damage, much like condensation from a cold drink creates a watermark on a table.
Your wooden decking requires air flow. Between watering and rainy days, the surface beneath your potted plants needs time to dry out to prevent expensive repairs to stained, moldy, and rotted decking. Instead of placing your container garden directly on your decking surface, consider these five ways to elevate your planters and protect your wooden deck from damage:
How Do You Keep Flower Pots From Staining Concrete
Use something called pot feet Aliases of pot risers & deck protectors…. These are usually stone, concrete, or pottery and they simply sit under the pot holding it up about an inch from the ground so that drainage holes remain clear and air flow is allowed under the pot.
You may ask, What do you put under plant pots?
Marbles, gravel or pebbles can act as the barrier. These materials will not hold water–rather the water will run past them and sit at the bottom of the pot, away from the soil and roots. To use the gravel in a single pot without drainage, pour a 2-inch layer of gravel into the bottom of the pot before adding topsoil.
How To Eliminate Salt Residue On Concrete Planters
Q: The concrete planters in the arcade of our 80-unit condo building were piped for irrigation last spring. A fuzzy film is appearing on the outside, seemingly the result of water pushing some elements of the concrete to the outside. There is also a stain on the brick below the planters that was actually black at one time. We removed the dirt from one planter and discovered three small drain holes about half an inch in diameter in the bottom, and we assume that all the planters have that same drainage. I am landscape chair of the condo association and have been given this problem to solve. What would you suggest?
Falls Church
A: The fuzzy film and stains are efflorescence, caused by water-soluble salts that the irrigation water picked up from the soil or concrete. As the water evaporated, the salt crystallized on the outside of the planters.
Although it’s possible to remove efflorescence through scrubbing and the use of masonry cleaners, it will keep forming as long as salty water is moving through the masonry. To keep that from happening, it might be enough to simply switch to water-thrifty plants and cut back on irrigation, especially if the efflorescence didn’t start until the irrigation system was installed. Salts in fertilizer can exacerbate efflorescence, so consider reducing that as well.
Herndon
Cleaning Stains From Planters On A Concrete Patio
Many object can leave stains on a concrete patio. One of the most stubborn sources of stains can be ordinary planters. Follow these steps to remove stains from your concrete patio.
Step 1 – Preparing the Materials
Get out your bucket, and fill it with hot water. Mix in an appropriate amount of oxygen bleach. The correct amount will vary depending on the brand, so read the instructions on the bleach container carefully. Mix the two materials together thoroughly.
Step 2 – Preparing the Area
Bring your bucket full of cleaning supplies and your scrub brush outside. Move your planters and anything else that is in the way off of your patio. Get out your broom and use it to sweep the area thoroughly to remove any loose debris or large chunks of dirt.
Step 2 – Applying Bleach
Dip your scrub brush into your bucket. Rub the brush on the stain. Get more bleach on the brush as needed.
Step 3 – Finishing Up
Rinse the area off and examine your work. It is quite likely that you will need to scrub the stain again, but you should see a difference. Repeat the previous step as needed. When you are done, you can apply concrete sealant to the patio, which will help keep it in good condition over time.
How To Stop Plant Containers From Staining Decks
Container gardening is a great way to grow plants individually, or in tiny groupings, with the wonderful ease of transport to desired locations. Most containers come with drainage holes to keep the soil from retaining too much water and ultimately drowning the plants. However, these drainage holes may ruin the area beneath the planters by causing stains or other damage. Nesting the pot in a saucer doesn’t always help, because the saucer can also leave a mark.
To help prevent harm to our decks, patios and porches use pot feet, in addition to a small dish, under the container’s drainage hole. With the right placement, the dish can be completely hidden—just remember to empty it after watering/rainstorms. You can also try “invisible” pot feet that are usually a series of rings that can be placed under the pot without being exposed, while still keeping the container elevated. If you do not care to hide your pot feet and dishes, you can get creative with colors, eccentric designs and styles, materials and shapes to help spice up your containers with a little extra flair.
Pot feet are not just simply a solution to avoid water residue stains from consuming our wooden floorings, but they also benefit many plants’ root systems with the air circulation passing beneath the planter when raised.
————————————- Spice up your home and/or garden with this unique Santa Fe Planters.
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How Do I Keep My Patio Plant Pots From Staining
Elevaterisers socan properlyout.Traditional‘under the plantriserspot.
To help prevent harm to our decks, patios and porches use pot feet, in addition to a small dish, under the container’s drainage hole. With the right placement, the dish can be completely hidden—just remember to empty it after watering/rainstorms.
Also, how do I protect my deck from potted plants? Here’s a few suggestions for protecting your deck while enjoying the beauty of plants:
Also asked, how do you keep flower pots from staining concrete?
Use something called pot feet Aliases of pot risers & deck protectors…. These are usually stone, concrete, or pottery and they simply sit under the pot holding it up about an inch from the ground so that drainage holes remain clear and air flow is allowed under the pot.
What do you put under plant pots?
Marbles, gravel or pebbles can act as the barrier. These materials will not hold water–rather the water will run past them and sit at the bottom of the pot, away from the soil and roots. To use the gravel in a single pot without drainage, pour a 2-inch layer of gravel into the bottom of the pot before adding topsoil.
How To Protect A Patio From Water From Planters
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21 September, 2017
A patio garden adds color to your outdoor living areas. It is an opportunity to add color with flowers and to grow vegetables in a small space. Salt and iron draining from the containers can stain pavement and wood, though. Salt stains are usually white and less of an issue on pavement than on wood. Orange rust stains from iron are unattractive on any patio. Water damage to wooden decks and balconies is also of concern. Protect your patio from planter water before you start your garden.
- A patio garden adds color to your outdoor living areas.
- Salt stains are usually white and less of an issue on pavement than on wood.
Place small planters on drip trays and stands to keep them elevated above the patio. Drip trays catch excess water and stands prevent water from collecting under the planter. Empty the drip trays after each watering to prevent them from overflowing.
Use large trays under larger planters. Place a water heater drip tray, available at most home improvement stores, down before setting the planter on top of it. Most water heater trays are rust-proof so will not stain the patio.
Seal the outside and inside of metal planters with a rust-inhibitor spray. These seal the planter so the metal doesn’t rust. Sealing also prevents rust from draining from the planter from the inside.
- Place small planters on drip trays and stands to keep them elevated above the patio.
Tip
Warning
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How Do You Keep Concrete Planters From Staining
4.3/5concreteremain
Use something called pot feet Aliases of pot risers & deck protectors…. These are usually stone, concrete, or pottery and they simply sit under the pot holding it up about an inch from the ground so that drainage holes remain clear and air flow is allowed under the pot.
Likewise, how do you seal concrete planters? Properly treating then sealing the concrete planters ensures your plants remain healthy.
People also ask, how do you stain concrete planters?
Lightly sand the surface of the concrete planter and seal the inside with the water sealant. Apply any color of stain liberally with a cloth or old brush by dabbing thestain on and rubbing it into the surface. The stain will go on unevenly, so start at the top, going around the rim, and work your way down.
What kind of paint do you use on concrete planters?
Masonry Spray PaintsIf you want to spray paint a concrete plant pot, make sure you choose a spray paint labeled for masonry, which adheres to the concrete more effectively than standard spray paints. Do not spray paint the concrete plant pots while they have plants inside of them.
Elevate Pots To Prevent Stains And Aid Drainage
Pots that aren’t elevated can trap moisture and cause damage to decks and other porous surfaces. In those cases, pots can be placed on plant stands, or on feet or a stand like the one pictured above. If you’re concerned about your pots staining your deck or patio, elevating them so the water doesn’t become trapped will go a long way toward prevention.
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How To Clean Potted Plant Stains From Concrete
Move a potted plant that has been resting directly on an unprotected concrete surface, and you will likely find an unsightly ring. Iron from the soil and from the fertilizer in the soil leaches out and oxidizes upon contact with moisture and air. So, the ugly marks underneath potted plants are likely rust marks. Refer to the article in this section for specific directions on how to remove rust marks from concrete using a solution of Bar Keeper’s Friend and water. It is still best to test any cleaning solution and technique in a small, inconspicuous area first to verify that it’s effective and won’t have any undesirable results on your surface.
To prevent subsequent stains, use a protective pad or dish between any plant pots and your concrete surface.
Caution: Never mix cleaning agents or chemicals, the result can be dangerous or deadly. Before cleaning, always test the agent on an inconspicuous location to determine its suitability and to make certain it does not damage the material. Wear appropriate clothing such as gloves and protective eyewear, and work in a well-ventilated area. Accidental inhalation or ingestion of cleaning agents can be hazardous and even fatal, particularly to pets and children.
Hiding A Wall Or Railing Privacy On Balcony
Often you want to hide a structure that serves as a wall or railing on your balcony because you want to add more privacy or hide an element due to its ugliness.
How to Fix it?
- Grow dwarf conifers or ornamental grasses.
- Cover it with a mat or fabric, you can see more like this on Balcony Privacy Ideas.
What to Grow!
Climbers like ivy, honeysuckle, jasmine, clematis are wonderful. You can also grow some exotic vines like passion flower and bleeding heart. If you want to try edible plants: Grow gourds or beans, tall varieties of tomatoes or dwarf fruit trees can be tried too.
Also Read: How to Grow Corn on Balcony
Choose The Best Wood For Your Fence Planter
For a long-lasting wooden fence planter, you need to select the best wood which does not rot easily. Use oak to build your fence planter if looking for a durable and cost-effective option. Use a natural wood stain or a sealer with a plastic liner and you are good to go.
Untreated redwood or cedar contains natural oils that protect them against insects and rot for a significant amount of time. Though they are expensive, they can be a natural and long-lasting option.
Plastic can also be used to build a lightweight fence planter. It is easy to work with, comes in different colours and resists rot. However, a problem with plastic planters is that they don’t hold up well against the weight of dead soil. They may also wear down or crack up from the heat.
It’s More Than Clean It’s Renew Crew Clean
Every year growing up my mom and I would go to the nearest nursery and get a bunch of flowers and plants to place in large planters and pots on our front walkway and patio. Adding greenery and flowers to your outdoor living spaces is a great way to add a little color to the space and make it more inviting.
The downside of having planters on your outdoor surfaces is that they frequently leave stains on the surface. Water that went through the planter’s soil can easily leave dirty stains. If you have stains on your concrete surfaces, try these tips.
How To Remove Stains From Patios And Decks
We love our patios and decks in summer. And why not? Great weather, friends, family, and food make for great memories. But, sometimes, our wood decks or brick or stone patios can take a beating with stains from food, trees, dirt, and grime. Then, it’s time to break out the power washer and elbow grease to get it back into shape.?
In this tutorial, we review some common stains you may encounter on your deck or patio and how you can remove them.
Garden Myth: Gravel In Pots And Containers
Flower pots don’t need gravel in the bottom.
I’ve always been told to put a layer of gravel in the bottom of a flower pot before planting. Is this really necessary?
Actually, it’s a myth, but it’s one that even I believed for many years. The common belief is that a layer of gravel in the bottom of pots will improve drainage and keep the soil from spilling out, and besides, that’s how we’ve always done it, so it must be right.
Here are the facts about using gravel in potted plants.
Tired Of Worrying About Your Wooden Deck
If you’re interested in updating your outdoor deck this spring, consider replacing your wooden deck with a lower-maintenance option that doesn’t require the frequent upkeep and waterproofing. At UglyDeck.com, we provide homeowners with maintenance-free decking solutions including composite decking, spiral staircases, and powder-coated aluminum railings.
Whether you’re working on a DIY project or looking to hire professional deck contractors, we are here to help at every step of the way, from selecting the right materials to professional installation. Visit one of our showroom locations to experience our maintenance-free materials in person and to get advice and guidance from a member of our team. From out of town? No worries! Our UglyDeck.com team can help you find everything you need to make your decking project a success, and with our nationwide shipping, getting quality professional-grade materials has never been easier! Chat with a member of our team or visit our online store today to begin ordering some of your decking materials!
Ready to get started planning your outdoor deck? Contact the experts at UglyDeck.com to receive a free estimate and to schedule a homesite consultation!
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Removing Stains From Hard Surface Patios
Hard surface patios can include concrete, brick pavers, flagstone or concrete pavers. They wear like iron but are prone to staining and need cleaning like anything else. Let’s review some common stains and how to clean them. In all cases, you can also try and use a power washer if you have one.Compare Prices Power Washer
Stain Source: Food, oil, greaseCleaning Technique: Use a grease-cutting dishwashing detergent or a biodegradable de-greaser like Simple Green® which you can get easily from Amazon.Compare Prices Simple Green
Mix the detergent with hot to warm water and using a stiff bristled brush or broom generously apply the soapy solution into the stain using a vigorous back and forth motion. Rinse with clean water and repeat as necessary to remove the stain.
If the stain is stubborn and does not come out, try adding a bit of ammonia to the cleaning solution and follow the same procedure above. If that does not work try scrubbing with mineral spirits and rinse well with clean water.
Stain Source: Paint, paraffin or waxCleaning Technique: First, try scraping as much of the residue off as possible using a putty knife. Using a metal bristled scrub brush, scrub the area with clean water to try and loosen the debris. If that does not work try scrubbing with mineral spirits and rinse well with clean water.
If that does not work try a generous amount of mineral spirits applied to the area, scrub with a brush and blot with a clean cloth. Be prepared to do this a few times.
How To Remove Salt Stains From Clay Pots
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06 November, 2009
Clay pots are useful gardening containers because, unlike many other materials, they’re porous. This allows the roots to breathe and for the pot to participate in delivering moisture to the roots. After time, clay pots can absorb salt and mineral deposits from the water and soil you use. If too much salt builds up, it can cause salt toxicity, a condition that damages your plant’s root system and leaves. These deposits can also impede water and air flow, creating pockets of mold and fungi. Cleaning your pots before planting only takes a few easy steps.
Use a wire brush or steel wool to clean the outside of your pot. Remove any obvious dirt and debris, then scrub off as much of the excess salt deposits as you can. Do not scrub hard enough to scratch or damage the pot. Remove only what comes off easily with light pressure.
- Clay pots are useful gardening containers because, unlike many other materials, they’re porous.
- This allows the roots to breathe and for the pot to participate in delivering moisture to the roots.
Create a solution in your bucket or basin of one half water and one half white vinegar. Stir it lightly to make sure the water and vinegar are well combined. Use gloves to avoid irritating your skin or absorbing odors.
- Create a solution in your bucket or basin of one half water and one half white vinegar.
- Check your pot to see if the mineral deposits have dissolved.
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Pot Feet Benefits For Container Gardens
Pot feet serve three vital functions when supporting planters:
1. Promotes Drainage
Pot feet provide air flow under the container which allows the soil to dry out completely between watering. The air flow that is created from pot feet is also very healthy for the roots of the potted plants. Providing your pots and containers with air and elevating them also prevents your garden planters from staining the surface beneath them.
2. Prevents Mildew
In wet weather, harmful rot and mildew can build up from overwatering and become especially saturated with water. It is vital to raise pots up off the ground to keep the bottom of the pot out of the water if they live outside or on and non-porous area.
3. Deters Insects
Vine weevil and any other insects that like the moist, dark conditions are particularly common pests of container-grown plants. Standing a plant pot on pot feet to lift the pot off the ground and allow air to circulate below it to discourage insects from hiding underneath pots and invading a potted plant.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Elevating the bottom of your garden containers greatly improves the health of your plants and increases their life expectancy!