Now, let me tell ya somethin’ ‘bout plantin’ geraniums in pots, alright? These little pretties sure do brighten up any ol’ spot, but ya gotta be careful ’bout what ya plant alongside ‘em. Some plants just don’t mix well with geraniums, like water and oil, ya know? So, here I’m gonna share what plants ya best avoid if ya want them geraniums to stay happy and bloomin’ nice.
First Thing First: Geraniums Ain’t Friends with Shade-Lovin’ Plants
Now, geraniums, they love the sun, just like we love a good day outside, alright? Stick ‘em in shade, and they won’t be too happy. So, ya wanna avoid plantin’ shade-lovin’ plants with ‘em, like ferns or hostas. Those plants just ain’t meant for that hot, sunny spot where geraniums thrive. Geraniums need all that sunlight to keep bloomin’ and growin’. Put a fern next to ’em, and it’ll just end up sulkin’ in the shade, or worse, your geraniums might get jealous and start lookin’ sad themselves!
Second Thing: Stay Away from Water-Hog Plants
Now, listen here, geraniums like a good drink now and then, but they don’t wanna sit in no soggy pot, alright? So, plants that need a ton of water, like mint or cattails, are a big no-no. If ya plant somethin’ thirsty like that, it’ll be hoggin’ all the water and leave them geraniums high and dry. Or worse, the soil gets so wet, your geraniums start rottin’. Ain’t nothin’ sadder than a rotten geranium. So keep them water-hoggin’ plants in their own pots, alright?
Third Thing: Don’t Mix Geraniums with Tall, Overcrowdin’ Plants
Geraniums, they like a bit of space to spread out, like we do at a nice Sunday picnic. So if ya crowd ‘em with tall, bushy plants like tomatoes or corn, they’re gonna struggle. All that shade from them big plants? It blocks the sun, and next thing ya know, your poor geraniums are lookin’ sad and scraggly. Tall plants take up all the light and space, leavin’ geraniums starvin’ for attention. Best keep those tall fellas somewhere else so the geraniums can have their own party in the pot.
Fourth Thing: Avoid Herbs That Don’t Play Nice with Geraniums
Now, I know herbs like basil or rosemary might seem like they’d get along, but nope! Basil, it likes a bit more water than geraniums, and rosemary’s a bit too picky on its space. Geraniums and these herbs just ain’t gonna work out in the same pot. Either the herbs start lookin’ dry or the geraniums get all spindly. So, best plant your herbs separate-like if ya wanna enjoy them fresh leaves without worryin’ about your geraniums.
Fifth Thing: Be Wary of Plants Prone to Pests and Diseases
Ya know how some folks just attract trouble? Well, some plants do too! Plants like roses or marigolds, they’re bug magnets. Now, geraniums don’t like too much company from pests, so puttin’ ‘em next to plants that get a lot of bugs means them pests might just spread over to the geraniums. And once ya get pests, it’s a big ol’ hassle to get rid of ‘em. So, best keep those bug-attractin’ plants separate so your geraniums stay nice and safe.
Last Words on Plantin’ Companions for Geraniums
So there ya have it, folks. If ya want your geraniums to stay all bright and bloomin’, just remember these simple things. Don’t go plantin’ ‘em with shade-lovin’ plants, water-hogs, tall plants, herbs that don’t play nice, or pest-prone plants. Geraniums are pretty tough and will do fine with friends like petunias, snapdragons, or lobelia – plants that enjoy the sun and don’t hog all the water. Follow these simple ideas, and you’ll have pots full of happy, healthy geraniums.
Now go on and get plantin’! Ain’t no sight like a row of geraniums just smilin’ up at ya from the porch.
Tags:[Geraniums, Companion Planting, Gardening Tips, What Not to Plant with Geraniums, Container Gardening]