Spring Planting Tips
And you can start planning before the snow melts
Planning your garden
For beginners it is important to draw a garden layout plan
- Choose plants suitable
for the site (sun vs. shade, soil, etc)
- Arrange plants according to their
height
- Arrange according to plant form and texture
- Arrange according to flowering
periods for constant blooming
- Arrange in groupings by type and color considerations
- Contact us on 01462 734 797 or email for
help.
Soil preparation
Prepare flower beds by spading deeply. Loosen up heavy clay and clay loam soil
with addition of peat moss, sand, ground bark or compost. Add about 2 lbs of
5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 sq ft or 1 lb of 10-10-10 per 100 sq ft and turn
the soil over again. Then rake it smooth, and the bed will be ready. For more
information see soil smarts.
Preplanting care
If you buy bedding plants but can't plant them the same day, water packs or
flats thoroughly and put them in shade to prevent excessive wilting. Evenings
of cloudy days are the best times to plant. If you have to plant during the
heat of the day or on sunny days be sure plants are watered thoroughly immediately
after planting.
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 plants 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 the pot
from drying out by exposure to air.
Water Watering
Bedding plant annuals are thirsty plants. Water them thoroughly to give them
a good start. Thereafter water whenever the soil begins to dry. Do it early
in the day. Don't be satisfied with just sprinkling the foliage since plants
will not receive enough water, and moisture on the foliage for more than 24
hours encourages plant disease.
After planting care
To promote bushy, vigorous growth and more continuous blossoming, pinch out
the central buds of annuals such as tall snapdragons, zinnias and marigolds.
The tops of plant which tend to vine such as petunias should be cut back to
3 to 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. |
