TERRA - Planting Annuals

Garden Calendar

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Planting Annuals

Bedding plants are sold in a variety of ways. You may buy them as "cell packs", in flats, or individual pots. If you are not planting them right away, keep them in a lightly shaded area and be sure to water them as needed.

Just prior to planting, water the bedding plants well to thoroughly moisten the soil. Ideally, the garden bed should also be slightly moist prior to planting.

Don't get in a hurry to plant too soon. Most annuals prefer warm soils and stable temperatures to grow well. When you are ready to plant, lift plants from the cell packs or pots.

The best way to do this is to either gently squeeze or push up the bottom of the container if pliable, or turn it upside down, tap it lightly, and the plant will fall into your hand.

If the roots are extremely compacted, it is a good idea to loosen the roots slightly by either breaking the soil ball apart slightly or cutting the sides of the root ball with a knife.

This loosening helps to encourage better rooting in the garden bed. Sometimes plants will come in flats without individual cells. In this case, separate the plants gently by hand or use a knife to cut the plants apart.

Plants should be set in the garden at the same level or just slightly lower than they were grown in the container. Carefully firm the soil around the plant and water well to wash soil around the root ball and eliminate air pockets.

Water plants as needed to maintain uniform soil moisture around the roots. Using organic mulches will help conserve soil moisture as well as retard weed growth.