Annuals
True annuals germinate, flower and die in one growing season. Biennial plants usually live for two years, blooming and dying in their second year. Many perennial plants from tropical or subtropical areas are grown as annuals in colder climates like ours because they cannot survive the cold winters.
Tips for Successful Container Gardens
•Make sure your container is adequate size for your plants and additional potting soil. When choosing a pot remember small pots and unglazed clay pots dry out fast.
•Always have drainage holes in the bottom of your container. You may want to cover the hole with a piece of screen or broken pottery to keep the soil in and let the excess water out.
•Use a potting soil mix, not garden soil. Good potting soil mix is light and will drain well yet retain moisture. Fill your container to about an inch or two from the top; this will leave adequate room for watering.
•Select plants with the same cultural requirements; sun, shade, water needs etc. Most full-sun plants will benefit from some shade in the heat of the day.
•Your container garden will probably need to be watered at least once or twice a day especially when it is hot. Hanging baskets dry out very fast and should be checked several times a day. We also recommend a polymer like ‘Soil Moist’ be added to the soil before planting to help hold moisture in the soil.
•Mix in a time released fertilizer like Osmocote, when planting, for continuous feed, and also use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
•Don’t be afraid to change out some plants with the change of seasons or just to refresh your containers. No plant can bloom forever.
Remember - foliage is just as important as flowers, choose interesting textures and colored leaves so the flowers don’t have to carry the show.
