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Fertilizing Your Annuals
When perennials bloom poorly or produce little or no seed, they can try again the
next year. Unfortunately, annuals don't get this
second chance. Annuals work hard to form flowers, and a little help from you will ensure they provide the best show possible.Like other plants, annuals need the big three nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium). Healthy soil that is rich in organic matter provides the basic nutrition most plants need, but some annuals will want a boost, especially if they are grown in pots. Every time water drains through the hole at the bottom of the container, nutrients in the soil are carried along with it, and they should be replaced.
Periodic applications of fertilizers containing all three major nutrients will ensure that your annuals are well-nourished. For flowering annuals, use an all-purpose plant food that will provide them with the phosphorous and potassium they need to realize their blooming potential. Foliage plants will flourish with a formula higher in nitrogen (the first of the three numbers in a fertilizer formula).
Types of Fertilizer
Whatever type of fertilizer you choose (granular or liquid, synthetic or organic) remember to follow the directions on the package for how much to use and how often to apply it. Overfertilizing is worse for plants than feeding them too little. Too much fertilizer causes rapid, weak growth that is susceptible to damage by pests and diseases, and excess fertilizer may run off and find its way into the water table, causing pollution.
Granular Fertilizer
For annuals in beds and borders, granular fertilizers are one option. Spread granular fertilizers over the soil around the plants and scratch them in lightly before watering. You can apply synthetic granular fertilizers at planting time and periodically throughout the growing season.
Liquid Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers are ideal for potted plants. There are a number of liquid fertilizers on the market that are environmentally safe yet contain the nutrients needed to ensure good plant growth. During application, you can either follow the instructions on the package or dilute the concentrate to half the recommended strength. A half-strength solution will still provide adequate nourishment while keeping you from overfertilizing your plants. Simply apply your liquid fertilizer every three or four weeks for best results.
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How to Design a Low Maintenance Garden
It may not feel like summer yet, but when it's 90 degrees in late July, the last thing you'll want to be doing is deadheading in the garden. By carefully planning your landscape
you'll be able to create a beautiful, low maintenance garden and avoid these undesirable tasks.Understanding and selecting plants that fit your climate, soil and sun is the key to success. If a plant is unsuited to survive in the area you place it (for example a shade plant in a sunny area) they will require more of your attention and time to survive.
Understand Your Site
Take some time to observe the area you would like to plant and consider these key condition factors:
- Sun - Determine how much sun your site will recieve each day. An area is considered full sun if it receives 4-6 hours, part sun is 2-4 hours, and anything under 2 hours is considered shade.
- Cold - Make sure you know your hardiness zone. Generally speaking, the Yarmouth area is a Zone 5 and can support any plant with a hardiness zone of 5 or below.
- Moisture - Most plants can thrive in a moist, well drained soil, but most sites aren't that easy. Luckily, there are plants perfectly suited for very wet or very dry conditions.
- Deer - They may be cute, but deer can devastate plantings (especially in the winter). The best way to fend off hungry deer is to plant things they prefer not to eat.
- Wind - Many plants are not suited to high wind conditions.
Do Your Research
Once you understand your site, begin researching plants that work for your conditions. You can visit our online plant catalog, ask our staff for plant particulars, or search the web. This could take some time, but can save on costly mistakes and many hours of maintenance in the future.
Follow a Few Basic Rules
Finally, follow these tips to reduce maintenance time:
- Plant more shrubs and trees and fewer perennials
- Plant "blocks" of color (multiples of the same plant) instead of a single variety
- Plant site appropriate groundcovers to inhibit weed growth
- Find plants that require little if no pruning, deadheading, or special care
- Plant native plants that are already perfectly suited to our weather
- Remove unwanted grass and weeds before preparing your bed
- Stay ahead of the weeds - never let them go to seed!
- Amend the soil with organic material
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed growth
If you'd like help designing a lower maintenance landscape, please contact us. We now offer Plan Before You Plant - landscape design assistance for the homeowner.
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 Looking for a last minute hostess gift? We're open all day on the 4th of July! Inspect your trees and remove any sucker growth that may be growing from the base of the trunk or among the branches. Add fresh plants to your home quickly and easily with container plantings. We have a host of pre-made combinations for the sun or shade and even special Independence Day offerings. Tired of the rain? Take your gardening indoors with a fine selection of houseplants and unique tropicals. |
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