Seasonal Tips

Spring 2008 Tips: Planning your garden...

For beginners it is important to draw a garden layout plan.

  • Choose plants suitable for the planting area (sun vs. shade, soil, etc)
  • Arrange plants according to height
  • Arrange plants according to form and texture
  • Arrange flowers according to life cycle for constant blooming
  • Arrange plants in groupings by type and color
tips
Soil preparation

Prepare flower beds by spading the planting area deeply. Loosen up heavy clay and clay loam soil with the addition of peat moss, sand, ground bark or compost. Add about 2 lbs. of 5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. of planting area or 1 lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. of planting area, and turn the soil over again. Then rake it smooth, and the bed will be ready. For more information see soil smarts.

How to Plant

Annuals come in market packs, pop out packs trays, flats or individual pots. Choose plants that are dark green, vigorous looking and short in height. If plants are in individual containers, gently separate them keeping as much soil around the roots as possible. Plant the root ball below the soil line. Plant individual peat moss pots slightly below the soil line to keep them from drying out by exposure to air.

Watering

Bedding plant annuals are thirsty plants. Water them thoroughly to give them a good start. Thereafter, water them whenever the soil begins to dry. Be sure to do it early in the day, because moisture on the foliage for more than 24 hours encourages plant disease. Don't be satisfied with just sprinkling the foliage since the plants will not receive enough water.

After Planting Care

To promote vigorous growth and continuous blossoming, pinch out the central buds of annuals such as tall snapdragons, zinnias and marigolds. The tops of plants which tend to vine, such as petunias, should be cut back to 3 or 4 inches when they are too tall. Fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks (1 pinch per plant or 1 lb. per 100 sq. ft. of 5-10-5 fertilizer).

» Vacation Tip «

Cut your plants back before you leave and when you return they will be fresh, thriving and vigorous.