Care Of Your Annuals
Annuals, plants that are grown from seed every year, are beautiful way to add continuous color to your garden and yard all summer long. Most varieties like full sun but will tolerate some shade. Most annuals are tender to frost so we suggest waiting to set out your plants until after most frost danger is past. Should you set out your plants and frost is predicted, cover your plants with newspaper or cloth, Do not use plastic.
Be sure to consider color, growing habits, and uses when selecting annuals. Tall plants should be used for backgrounds and cutting, medium for the center of your beds, and short or dworf for forgrounds and edging. Most plants come with tags or stakes explaining growing habits, colors, and how and where to plant.
Preparing Your Flower Beds
Spread at least an inch of manure, compost, or peat moss on beds. Add a garden fertilizer following label instructions. Dig the beds at least six inches deep. Rake the soil so it is level.
Planting Your Annuals
Bedding plants are grown several ways. You may find them in individual peat pots, cell packs, or several plants grown together on a tray. Plants in peat pots should be set sout, pot and all. They should be planted deep enough to completely cover the rim of the pot with at least ¼" of soil. Plants grown in trays should be separated carefully when the soil is moist. Cut or break the plants apart to evenly distribute the roots. Dig a hole deep enough for the ball of roots and soil. Set the plant in the hole at the same height it stood in the tray, add some water to the hole, and press soil firmly against the roots. Do not cover the stems and leaves. Water the beds thoughly when flowers are planted.
Watering Your Flower Beds
Watering will depend on weather conditions. Hot, sunny, or windy weather will call for intensified watering-every two days. Be sure to water thoroughly. Remember wilting will weaken your plants. You may want to consider mulching your flower beds with bark mulch to help the soil retain moisture. It will also keep the weeds down.
Fertilizing And Pest Control
Fertilizing is very important to insure healthy, blooming annuals. Blooming takes a lot of nutrients from the soil, and must be replenished to supply your plants with adequate food supply. Products such as "Miracle Gro®" is proven effective fertilizers for promoting growth and color in annuals.
Pest control is essential to prevent damage to plants. Pest control is essential to prevent damage to plants. Pest control is recommended on an "as needed" basis. We will help identify any problems if you bring them to us, and we will recommend controls. Use pesticides carefully and keep out of the reach of children.