We’ve finally had some great sunshine! So, with the time change this weekend and cooler temps, it’s the best time to get your fall and winter flowers planted. Planting now gives them time to grow and bloom! Your family and friends will be super impressed with your green thumb and your beautiful flowers for the holiday season.

There are many varieties to choose from for sun and shade. Here’s a few of our faves.

For shade gardens, nothing blooms better than New Guinea Impatiens and Begonias. Both will give beautiful color to brighten up your shade areas. They last all winter with not much care.

Plant in the shade: Begonias, New Guinea Impatiens

For sunny areas, try Petunias, Violas, Dianthus, Calendula, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Geraniums, Stock, Snapdragon, Alyssum and Pansy. All have dazzling colors that will bring your landscape to life.

Plant in the sun: (Clockwise from top left) Alyssum, Calendula, Pansies, Stock, Ornamental Kale, Dianthus 

Here’s a few tips for planting for your best success:

Prepare the soil. Most annuals have fine hair-like roots that require rich loose soil with good drainage. Turn the soil with a digging fork or tiller, add Cotton Burr Compost and mix, rake area, top dress with Natures’ Blend and you’re ready to plant.  The Nature’s Blend acts as a natural fertilizer and helps with controlling certain disease possibilities.  If you are planting flowers in containers, use a good potting mix like Landscapers Pride Potting Soil.

Start planting! It’s important to know how close or far apart to plant your flowers. Most annuals need some space between each plant so they can grow to their potential. We can help you determine the plant spacing when you come in. Set out the plants in a zigzag pattern, equal spacing between each plant, to fill the area. Use Bio-Tone in each hole as you plant. It really helps the roots to grow and be very healthy! Healthy roots-healthy plants.

Mulch, water, fertilize. Mulch makes your new planting look great, helps with weed control and reduces watering. Water the area well with a gentle shower of water; you don’t want to beat up your new young plants. Fertilize with Hasta Gro every week or Rose Glo every month.

Check your new planting every day for water for at least the first couple of weeks, cutting back as the plants grow and temps cool down. If you get worried or just not sure, we are always here and ready to help!

Happy Gardening!

-Debbie