It’s time to plant! The weather is getting warmer and flowers are starting to bloom. Now is the perfect time to get color in your landscape by planting annuals in your garden.

For container planting tips and tricks visit our blog Container Gardening Made Easy. Here are some tips when you’re planting annuals in garden beds.

Choosing your plants

First, determine where to plant your annuals and how much sun or shade does the area gets. A full-sun annual will need 6-8 hours of sun a day. Things like Marigolds, Petunias and Angelonia are great options for sun. While part sun to shade only need 4-6 hours. Begonias, New Guinea Impatiens, and Fuchsia are great for shaded areas.

How Many Plants to Use

Next, check the plant tag to determine the recommended spacing for each plant. Use that as your guide for how many plants to use. Buy a few more than recommended and plant slightly closer together. The quicker plants cover the soil, the better they’ll thrive.

The Right Tools

Then, find the digging tool that fits your needs. A multi-purpose hand tool with a serrated edge can be a good option. The sharp tip helps cut through any small roots you encounter and the tapered end helps dig holes.

Watch out video Essential Digging Tools for more information.

Preparing the Soil

Next, prepare the soil. This is key to a successful garden. Flowering plants need a higher level of phosphorous to encourage good blooms. Use a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote or Bio-tone when planting to give your plants a head start. Mix fertilizer into the topsoil you’re using to plant.

Watch our video Plant Fertilizers Made Easy for more information.

Know what kind of soil you’re planting in. Clay, sandy, or normal are the basic types. Planting methods vary by type. For more information on how to properly plant in your soil’s conditions take a look at our planting guide.

Planting

Time to plant. Plant your annuals to the same level they are growing at in the pot.

Squeeze the sides of the container and gently wiggle the plant free. Tease the roots gently before dropping it in the hole you’ve prepared.

Push a mixture of topsoil and ground soil into the hole, and around the plant. Compact the soil around the plant, leaving the base of the plant exposed.

Finish the area with a top layer of mulch to hold in moisture and help prevent weed growth.

Watering

Most annuals will need water daily. A good rule of thumb is an inch of water a week. If this isn’t coming from mother nature, then you’ll need a supplemental source. Whether it’s a sprinkler system, drip irrigation or with a hose, watering consistently will have your annuals looking their best.

Feed

Last, feed your annuals. Annuals should be fed bi-weekly with water soluble fertilizer. We recommend Proven Winner Water Soluble Plant Food.  Follow package instructions for best results.

Watch Rick Vespa demonstrate planting annuals.

For more information on planting annuals visit any English Gardens locations and talk to an expert.