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How to Plant Annuals
Annual plants are an economical way to experiment with different colors and texture of flowers. They are available in a wide range of colors and come in three types: hardy, semi-hardy, and tender annuals. Hardy annuals can survive freezing conditions. Semi-hardy annuals can tolerate temperatures as low as 28 degrees F. Tender annuals need warm soil and air to grow. Annuals bloom for one season before fading in the fall, making them the ideal flowers to use for filling in spaces. Growing annual plants requires customary maintenance to keep them blooming throughout the growing season.
With perhaps the exception of the task of having to replant them every year, most gardeners love annuals. They provide plentiful color, require little care besides watering, and tender the flexibility of trying something new the next year. The majority of annuals are commonly planted in spring, although summer and fall may also be suitable for planting in some regions. However, no matter where you live, one thing is the same: Proper planting technique can go a long way towards growing healthy annuals.
To plant annuals, prepare a bed with loose, well-drained soil. Maintain the gap of at least 6 to 8 inches apart and dig a hole deep enough to place the entire rootball. Backfill the hole by gently compacting with the surrounding soil until the hole is completely filled just covering the rootball.
After all your plants are in place, keep in mind to water them for a few weeks, as it will help the roots to establish. Moreover, adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil will preserve moisture and keep the roots cooler. Pine needles and bark nuggets are regular mulches to use. Annuals generally require some fertilization for maximum growth and flowering. Most commonly, gardeners top-dress an all-purpose granular fertilizer by sprinkling it around the plants after planting or incorporating it into the soil prior to planting. (When you water the plants and activate the fertilizer, be sure to wash off any granules that may have landed directly on the plants.)
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