Planting your best annuals and fertilize

 3 simple steps to planting your best annuals

Annuals add color and beauty to the garden, so make sure they start strong and enhance them by following these 3 simple steps when planting annuals.

Most of the year they face the changing climate and will bloom for a long time with less work from you - which is why they are so desirable, aren’t they? But while all of these are true, you must make sure you have them at the right start, so they look great all season long. Here are three simple tips to help you grow your annuals.

1. Pinch to promote growth

Before planting, as you can see in the Snapdragon (Antirrhinum hybrid) above, pinch or cut off the growing tip of the plant again at the tip of the leaf. This will encourage new, compact growth. Further removal of flowers allows the plant to exert energy to grow larger and fuller before focusing on the recurring flowers.

2. Look at the roots

After removing the plant from its nursery, gently separate the roots. A root ball left in a tight spiral can not spread to the surrounding soil to detect nutrients and moisture and inhibit overall growth.

3. Foliar feed

To feed the leaves, spray diluted liquid fertilizer directly on the annual leaves every three weeks during the growing season. (Do this on cloudy days or in the evening so it does not burn the leaves.)

Leaf nutrition works faster than root nutrition because it stores nutrients that plants can use immediately. Organic fertilizers such as fish broth and kelp are not as likely to burn the leaves as their synthetic counterparts.

How to apply fertilizer in your garden

Granular compost, water-soluble compost, and manure - do you know which is best for your plants? Learn how to properly apply fertilizer in your garden.

Different types of garden fertilizers

Spray, spray, and dig into the soil - you probably understand that there is more than one way to feed your plants. What is it about? Plants take in nutrients in two ways. Most do this through the root system, which is why it is so common to scrape dry matter such as manure and dry, grain fertilizers into the soil around the base of the plant. When moisture is added it breaks down the particles so the plant can absorb the nutrients. But some fertilizers are absorbed by the leaves, especially the water-soluble varieties.

So whether your plant needs granulated manure, water-soluble manure, or compost, there are options for each type of food depending on how it is used. Explore the pros and cons of three types of fertilizers here. Then find the best way to apply compost to your garden.

Grain fertilizer

Which is better?

Granulated compost is easy to propagate in the soil. Some varieties are released quickly if your plants need quick adjustment; Others are released slowly for slow, long-lasting meals (maybe called "time-release" in the package). It is soluble in water and does not need to be used as often.

What are the drawbacks?

It can "burn" leaves and stems if used too much. Grain fertilizer always needs moisture before the plants can use the nutrients. If left in dry soil it will damage the roots.

Tips for applying grain fertilizers

At the flower beds and borders, air the granulated manure by hand and then scrape it into the soil. Use a mechanical spreader in open areas such as lawns. Always wash the fertilizer particles from the leaves. Activate it by pouring water immediately after applying the granulated fertilizer.

Liquid or water-soluble compost

Which is better?

When you mix liquid or water-soluble fertilizer you can dilute it to adjust the strength. Ideal for fast-growing plants because it absorbs quickly and rarely "burns" plant tissues.

What are the drawbacks?

Water-soluble fertilizers go into the soil quickly, so they should be reused frequently.

Tips for using liquid or water-soluble fertilizers

For larger areas, you can use a hose-end sprayer. An irrigation can is suitable for containers or small areas.

Compost manure or compost

Which is better?

Manure or compost can be applied to everything at any time of the year. Both provide a soft, consistent diet that does not burn your plants. Both add humus to improve soil structure.

What are the drawbacks?

Pulling wheelchairs or buckets full of compost can be tiring. It is difficult to produce enough to create a large garden, so you will have to buy large quantities.

Tips for using compost or compost

Be generous, but do not cover the crowns or they will rot. Both of these will break down over time, so when it breaks down, apply another coat every two years. Work an extra scoop of it into the soil when you plant.