Whether you’ve placed hanging flower baskets around your porch, added a row of potted herbs to your balcony, or used an old wagon to grow veggies in your backyard, it’s so satisfying to watch plants in a container garden really take root.

Once they’re thriving, you’ll want to keep them that way. One of the benefits of container gardening is the sheer variety of container types (creativity is encouraged!), but when it comes to caring for potted plants, there are some simple tried-and-true rules.

Keep your container garden beautiful and productive by following these 7 easy steps.

1. Stay on the sunny side.

Ensure adequate sunlight: Container plants need plenty of warm summer sunshine to thrive. Watch where and when the sun shines in your growing space and reposition containers as needed.

Signs of sunlight issues: Sunburned plants may appear dry, bleached, or wilted, while sun-starved plants tend to grow slow and leggy.

Light needs by plant type: Cool-weather plants like lettuce and spinach require 3-5 hours of direct sunlight, whereas warm-weather plants like tomatoes and petunias need at least 6-8 hours daily.

2. Water when the soil is dry.

Check soil moisture: Containers dry out quickly, so inspect them daily. Press your finger into the soil; water when the top inch feels dry.

Optimal watering tips: Water early in the day, targeting the base of the plant and avoiding foliage. Ensure thorough soaking until water drains out. Smaller containers may need more frequent checks.

3. Keep up with-weeds.

Weed-control: Weeds-can invade container gardens, stealing vital nutrients and moisture. Pull weeds-as soon as you spot them, ensuring you remove the roots.

Maintain mulch: If you’ve mulched your containers, replace the mulch after weeding to retain moisture and prevent new-weed growth.

4. Feed your plants often.

Nutrient needs: Container plants quickly deplete soil nutrients. Begin feeding about a month after planting, then continue every 1-2 weeks.

Recommended products: Use Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food or a Miracle-Gro® Garden Feeder for lush, productive growth.

5. Cut back to grow more.

Prune for health: Regular grooming encourages fuller, bushier plants. Remove dead or damaged leaves and trim branches to maintain shape.

Deadheading: Pinch or cut spent flower heads from annuals to encourage new blooms. Trim perennials at a 45-degree angle before or after the growing season for overall health.

6. Lend your full support.

Provide structural support: Large edibles like tomatoes and peppers benefit from stakes or cages.

Encourage climbing plants: Vines like pole beans and morning glories thrive with a trellis, post, or fence to climb.

7. Watch out for pests.

Inspect regularly: Look for signs of pests, such as holes, spots, broken stems, or chew marks. Remove bugs promptly to prevent further damage.

Spacing is key: Leave ample space between containers for better air circulation and fewer hiding spots for pests. Seek advice from your local extension service if pest problems arise.

Set aside a few minutes daily to care for your container garden. By doing so, you’ll develop good gardening habits and keep your plants in peak condition. Everybody wins!