Pinching plants back stimulates dense, bushy new growth and encourages more flowers.

Prune plants freely to maintain the desired size and shape. Too much fertilizer can actually damage plants so it’s important to follow the package directions to determine how much, and how often, to feed plants. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product with a nutritional balance designed to encourage blooming (such as 5-10-5). Fertilizing Instructionsįertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. If the first 2-4” (5-10cm) of soil is dry, it is time to water. To check for soil moisture use your finger or a small trowel to dig in and examine the soil. Moist foliage encourages disease and mold that can weaken or damage plants. If the garden area is large, and a sprinkler is necessary, try to water in the morning so that plant foliage has time to dry through the day. Hand watering using a watering wand with a sprinkler head attached is also a good way to control watering. A soaker hose is a great investment for keeping plants healthy and reducing water lost through evaporation. Ideally water should only be applied to the root zone - an area roughly 6-12” (15-30cm) from the base of the plant, not the entire plant. Refer to the plant label to check a plant’s specific requirements. Some plants prefer staying on the dry side, others like to be consistently moist. Clay soils hold moisture longer than sandy soils, so expect to water more frequently in sandy settings.ĭifferent plants have different water needs. After that, depending on the weather and soil type, watering can be adjusted to every two or three days. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks. Vining annuals require vertical space to grow, so provide a trellis, fence, wall or other structure that allows the plant to grow freely and spread. New plantings should be watered daily for a couple of weeks to get them well established. The soil covering the planting hole should be even with the surrounding soil, or up to one inch higher than the top of the root ball. Firm the soil down around the plant by hand, tamping with the flat side of a small trowel, or even by pressing down on the soil by foot. Push the soil gently around the roots filling in empty space around the root ball. This is especially important if the roots are dense and have filled up the container. Grasping the plant at the top of the root ball, use your finger to lightly rake the roots apart. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot.ĭig the hole up to two times larger than the root ball and deep enough that the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container. If the plant is in a pot, brace the base of the plant, tip it sideways and tap the outside of the pot to loosen. If plant doesn't loosen, continue pressing on the outside of the container while gently grasping the base of the plant and tugging carefully so as not to crush or break the stem until the plant is released. If plants are in a pack, gently squeeze the outside of the individual plant cell while tipping container to the side. Exceptions to this might be regions with a short growing season, shade plantings which tend to grow slower and fill in less quickly, or a need to fill an area with color quickly such as for a special event or if planning to entertain guests outdoors. Crowding plants can result in fewer blooms and weak growth as the plants compete for light. Give plants an extra boost by adding a granulated starter fertilizer or a balanced all-purpose feed (for example fertilizers labeled 12-12-12).Ĭheck the plant label for suggested spacing. Organic ingredients improve drainage, add nutrients and encourage earthworms and other organisms that help keep soil healthy. Add organic matter such as manure, peat moss or garden compost until the soil is loose and easy to work. Prepare the garden by breaking up the existing soil (use a hoe, spade, or power tiller).

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