Spring Planting Tips

Spring Planting Tips

And you can start planning before the snow melts

Planning your gardenFor 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

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.

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.