Planting annuals is the perfect way to add interest and provide a focal point to your yard. Most commonly used to frame the entryway of a home, they can transform blank open areas into inviting spaces.
There are a few points to consider when planting annuals, such as where they will be planted with how many hours of sunlight, which soil type, what kind of container, colour combinations and ongoing care.
The first thing is to decide where you need some extra colour in your yard and whether it will be in the shade or full sun. The second point to consider is where they will be planted, in containers or directly in the soil. If you are growing them in soil, add some extra peat and compost to the area, this will add nutrients and lighten the soil.
Some helpful planting tips:
-
Light and airy potting soil is essential for good air circulation and drainage for container planting. You can buy commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing four parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, 1 part vermiculite and 1/4 part compost or composted manure.
-
When choosing a pot, make sure it has a drainage hole in the bottom because if the roots sit in water, they will rot, causing the leaves to turn yellow, wilt and fall off.
-
For huge containers, fill half with closed, empty plastic bottles or packing peanuts. Hanging baskets and container plants require extra care, more water, and fertilizer than plants in the ground. They will dry out faster than garden plants, so you must be vigilant about watering them.
-
To improve moisture retention, add polymer water beads to the soil. One pound of water beads can absorb up to fifty gallons of water. There are also self-watering pots which have a water reservoir incorporated in them.
-
The best, most reliable way to keep your plants hydrated is an irrigation system set up to water all your pots.
-
When you think about colour, limit it to two or three colours and stick to one colour scheme with all your annuals, this will unify and create a more significant statement.
Continual Summer care
A few other points to consider would be ongoing care throughout the summer, such as deadheading, which removes the spent flowers and fertilizes. Some annuals that don’t require deadheading are the Wave Petunias, Million Bells, Alyssum and Impatiens. The most common reason planters look sad in late summer is lack of fertilization.
Annuals are heavy feeders because they are constantly growing and producing blooms. Add a slow-release fertilizer when they first get planted, then in summer, add two heaping tablespoons of water-soluble fertilizer per gallon weekly to keep them blooming longer and prevent their leaves from turning yellow.
Don’t forget to enjoy the process. Gardening decreases stress, increases vitamin D (soak up the South Okanagan sunshine while you still can), and burns calories. So many benefits and a gorgeous outcome!
Are you looking to enhance your yard with lively annuals? Allow us to assist in crafting an inviting sanctuary. Our expertise covers everything from planting to continuous upkeep. Reimagine your area today for a worry-free retreat. Reach out to our friendly West Kelowna-based team today!