How To Keep Your Mums Alive All Season Long

For a long time, I was the type to walk around the garden center, whispering apologies to plants as I carted them back to my house to wilt and die. Mums shivered at the sight of me! But this year, I vowed to listen to my mom and do everything I could to keep these babies alive. I may not have inherited her green thumb by blood, but with some diligent note-taking and discipline, I’m getting better and better everyday. Now, I get to share a little bit of her knowledge with you!

The number one thing she’s taught me this year? Her best kept secret for keeping mums alive. Inflation has left no stone unturned, so you deserve to get the most out of every dollar you spend. Keep your mums alive all season long with this trick!

How To Bottom Water Your Mums To Keep Them Alive All Season Long

The secret to keeping your mums alive and well through the fall is as simple as a little something called bottom watering. Regular watering every day might be able to keep your mums alive if you’re lucky. But if you have a plant curse like I do, you’re going to need a little bit more to get your plants by. Every other day, bring your mums in for bottom watering to extend their life. As the weather gets cooler, you might not need to bottom water as regularly. Here’s how it’s done.

1. Don’t transfer your mums. Keeping them in their original containers makes it easier to transfer them for bottom watering regularly. Pop the original container into a prettier pot or dollar store basket, or wrap them in burlap for decoration.
2. Fill up your sink with a few inches of cold water. If you have larger mums or a lot to water, fill up your bathtub instead.
3. Set a timer for one hour to let the mums soak in their plant spa. This lets them drink up the exact amount of water they need. Then lift up, wipe off the bottom, and back outside they go. Easy peasy!

Want more fall homemaking inspiration? Catch up with me on YouTube!