How to Plant Annuals
Annuals live their
life in a year, as their name suggests. They're often also referred
to as bedding plants. They are fantastic because they can give an
instant flowering display, especially in summer, and can be used
to fill in gaps left by more permanent groups of plants. They're
amongst the easiest plants to raise from seed yourself - see the
Workshop: How to Grown Annuals or Perennials by Sowing Seed Outdoors.
You'll find annuals to buy in three forms: seedlings that need pricking
out; 'tot' plants ready to grow on in larger pots or; plants, either
in pots, strips, or trays ready to be planted out. This workshop
shows you how to plant out annuals. You'll be doing this once the
danger of frost has passed. Beware planting too early, as these
plants will die if there is a late frost or a prolonged cold spell!
What You Need:
A piece of prepared ground; annuals ready to be planted out; a hand
trowel; a hand fork; a watering can with rose attachment. Optional:
a rake; thin gardening or rubber gloves; organic fertiliser.
.
Step 1
Make sure your planting area is free of weeds. If it is some time
since it was prepared and the surface has crusted over, use a rake
to break it up and level out lumps and bumps. If the plants are
in a cellular tray, break the pack apart and space them out where
they will be planted. Do the same for plants in pots. Space the
plants out to cover the area. Leave space for them to grow, but
aim for each plant to meet its neighbours as it grows to cover the
ground. They should come with a rough indication of how large they
will grow.
Step 2
Using the trowel, dig a hole for each plant as deep as its rootball.
Put the earth to one side. Each plant should be planted at the same
level as it was in its container. Ease each small plant out of its
container, keeping the rootball and compost intact with one hand.
Drop them gently into the hole.
Step 3
Use your hands to fill in around the plant. Firm the soil around
the plant roots so that there are no air pockets.
Step 4
Continue until you have planted all of the plants. Then gently loosen
the surface of the soil around and between plants with your hand
fork. Shake a little organic fertiliser around each plant as you
do this if you wish. Then water the plants in well, using a rose
on your watering can. This ensures that soil will not be washed
off the plant roots by a minor deluge.
Source: Greenfingers
