The key to keeping annuals healthy and in bloom is consistent nutrition. Gilmer suggests fertilizing with half of the manufacturer's recommended dosage, but doing so twice as often. Fertilizing generously and regularly gives annuals a stable diet, encourages more consistent blooms and will keep this finished project looking beautiful. FYI: - Make sure to thoroughly mix the water and fertilizer so that the fertilizer doesn't simply settle at the bottom of your watering can.
- Water the bed after fertilizing (figure A) so that the nutrients are sent deep into the root zone. This technique will make any fertilizer you use more effective. You should fertilize your annuals every two weeks.
- Adding potted plants can gave your bed more visual interest. For example, these cobalt blue pots provide contrast within the layout and help accent the beauty of the plantings (figure B). Think of pots as pieces of art, the equivalent of adding the right sculpture or painting to a room.
Expert Tip (Wendy Proud, Monrovia Growers): The best fertilizer for bedding plants is one that is high in phosphorous. On product labels, the number indicating phosphorous content is the middle number. The higher the number, the better.
RESOURCES :
Plants from Ball Horticultural Company
Various plant material
Ball Horticulture Company
Website: www.simplybeautifulgardens.com
Round Flared Planter
Model: #8519-03-FB
32"W x 20"H (model #8519-03-FB in Falling Blue)
Campania International
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-538-1106
Website: www.campaniainternational.com
GUESTS :
Wendy Proud
Grower/Manager
Monrovia Growers
Email: wproud@monrovia.com
Website: www.monrovia.com
| 
)
)
)
