Gardening Tips and Hints

Caring for Annuals

Annual plants often require the most care in a Lawn and Garden Department; therefore, should not go unattended. They, like other plants, must be attended to on a frequent basis during each day. You should remove old and faded blooms, remove yellowing leaves, consolidate trays, and dress the display on a regular basis. This also applies to vegetable annuals. This can be done by a simple "pinch" to remove the bloom. This is a vital step since it restores the plant to full salability and profitability, and new blooms will develop quickly.

Since most annual varieties are grown in a peat soil mix, they will require good watering methods. If the peat is allowed to dry, the soil will "shrink" from the sides of the container. Watering is the most important function. Sprinkling water on the plant a few times a day will not reach the root zone. Water plants thoroughly. I good way to check if you have watered thorough is to remove the plants carefully and see that the water has reached the bottom of the cell or the roots end. A good determiner if a flat or container needs water is simply to pick it up. If it is light it needs water, if heavy refrain from watering. Also, some annuals are grown in shade, so it is best to keep these annuals in a shaded area.

A good rule of thumb is to water thoroughly in the morning and if possible check the product again in the afternoon. On very sunny or hot days you may need to water twice. Do not water in the late evening or near dark. The plants will be more susceptible to disease when wet and in the dark. Try to avoid watering on cloudy, cool, rainy days. You may have to check product, in the method mentioned above, and only water the product that is necessary.