Gardens come alive the moment beautiful weather kicks in. A quick and easy way to start a garden of your own is with nursery-started annual transplants (or “bedding plants”). Bedding plants are sold in most garden centers and nurseries, as well as in many mass merchandise outlets. They’re great for adding a burst of instant color to the landscape, as well as filling any bare spots in the garden.
Annuals bring instant color, texture and beauty to planting beds.
Photo Credit: ©2000 Dolezal Publishing/Tim Butler
During the gardening season, local stores receive a good selection of fresh plants every week from growers. If it’s early in the planting season, when you buy your plants, ask a knowledgeable garden center employee if what you picked is ready for transplanting directly into the ground. If the answer is no, your plants will need a short period of hardening off when you bring them home. Prior to planting, simply put your plants in a sheltered, shaded place outside, water them well, and let them acclimate to life outside (bringing them indoors in the event of frost). Prepare your bed before planting, amending the soil by adding compost and starter fertilizer according to package instructions. Then take the easy planting steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions:
Planting Annuals
Planting Annuals - Step 1
Gently invert the container and, supporting the plant with your fingers around the stem, carefully slide the container away from the root ball. (Never pull plants out by their stems!)
Photo Credit: ©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting Annuals - Step 2
Loosen matted or encircling roots with your fingers or a hand fork to avoid girdling after planting. (Girdled roots prevent plants from getting the proper water and nutrients they need to thrive – and survive.)
Photo Credit: ©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting Annuals - Step 3
Dig a hole twice the diameter and depth of the plant’s root ball. Then place the plant in the hole.
Photo Credit: ©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Planting Annuals - Step 4
Backfill with more compost mix, then lightly compact the soil around the planting by pressing firmly with your fingers and palms. (Just don’t pack the soil down too tightly – roots need some air space around them.) Water immediately to help settle the soil around the roots.
Photo Credit: ©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
