Welcome to Gardening Memos
Gardening Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Gardening. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Gardening with annuals
from: Tony RobinsonAnnuals are among the most popular of all flowering plants, and
it is hard to beat annuals for low cost, beautiful blooms and
ease of planting. All most annuals need in order to thrive is
proper water, sufficient sunlight and a good well balanced soil.
Let's take a quick look at each of these important elements for
growing a spectacular bed of annuals.
Soil Most types of annuals will do best in when given a well
drained soil containing a moderate amount of humus. If you start
a compost bin at home, you can provide your own high quality
humus, or you can buy prepared humus from your favorite garden
store. If your soil is very dry or contains a lot of clay it can
be supplemented with manure or high quality compost.
Sunlight Most varieties of annuals need to have at least six
hours of full sunlight per day. Many types of annuals, such as
argeratum, browallia, coleus, fuschia, dianthus, pansy, and
impatiens, do well in partial shade or in filtered sunlight, but
few if any annuals will thrive in complete shade. It is
important to take these sunlight needs into account when
planning your flower bed.
pH Level Most annuals tolerate a pH range from 6 to 7.4. Soil
that is too acidic to fit this range can be amended with lime,
while soil that is too alkaline can be amended with aluminum
sulfate.
Water The watering needs of annuals vary according to variety,
and it is important to provide water in accordance with the
needs of each plant.
Choosing the best plants Finding the best plants is very
important, and it is important for the gardener to determine
whether to grow the annuals from seed or buy transplants. When
purchasing ready to plant stock from a nursery or garden enter,
it is important to choose the plants carefully. It is important
to buy only deep green, healthy looking plants. Most varieties
of annuals do their best if they are transplanted before they
have fully bloomed. It is also important to provide the plants
with shade and water if they cannot be planted immediately.
Planting times Most annuals should not be planted until all
danger of frost has past. Most varieties should be planted in
warm soil, while hardy and half hardy varieties can be planted
while the evenings are still cool.
Planting annuals The best time to plant most annuals is during
the late afternoon. In most cases you will want to water the
plants and the soil in the bed before the annuals are planted.
When transplanting the seedlings, it is important not to disturb
the roots. The hole in which the seedlings are planted should be
dug slightly larger than the root ball, and the plant should be
planted at the same level it had been in the transplant
container. After the plant has been put into place, the soil
should be carefully arranged around the roots and watered
thoroughly after planting. It is important to keep the plant
moist until the roots have established themselves.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is an international author and webmaster. In his
busy life he finds time to "Smell the Roses". For geat tips,
techniques and articles visit http://www.rose-bloom.com
 |
 |
Gardening News
Gardening notes
Times staff Friday, January 27, 2012 Gardening notes Plants and markets • Baker House plant sale and open house, 9 a.m. to noon the third Saturday of the month, October to May. The historic Baker House is at 5744 Moog Road, behind Centennial Park Branch Library. Plants for sale by Elfers Centennial Garden Club. For information, call (727) 372-9954. • Fresh Market at Wiregrass, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m ...
Read more...Gardening Map Changes for Global Warming
The Plant Hardiness Zone Map has changed to show as much as a 10-degree increase in some U.S. zones
Read more...Gardening tips from Eden Project
The Eden Project is offering urban gardening tips through a series of indoor weekly workshops at Truro Community Library.
Read more...Gardening Map Of Warming U.S. Has Plant Zones Moving North
Gardeners: Take heed. An updated plant map shows that the United States is getting warmer. That means spring planting may come earlier and some plants can tolerate new northern latitudes.
Read more...Gardening class plants practical tips for students
DECATUR - Even after 20 years of gardening, Randy Helm still had a few things to learn.
Read more...