How to Plant Annuals in a Sunny Patio Garden
Make your patio brilliant and refreshing with pots and planters full of bright, colorful annuals. Choose full-sun loving plants for the biggest and most fragrant flowers. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Select a mix of sun-loving annuals in complementary or contrasting colors as well as in a range of heights and flower forms. Decide which colors are best for your patio, depending on personal choice or matching surrounding plantings. Look at the plant information tags, to identify full sun plants, height, spacing for planting, watering requirements and other useful information.
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Decide how many plants are needed, according to spacing directions for each plant, though annuals in planters can usually be packed quite close with no ill effects. Now is a good time to decide on a design for your patio garden.
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Fill the appropriate number of pots or planters with potting soil. Pots should have holes in the bottom for drainage.
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Dig holes for each plant with a small trowel. Place plants together in planters according to their water needs. Make sure the depth requirements are met. Tease the plant roots as you pull the plant out of the pot. This can be done using your fingers or scissors. Just loosen the roots briefly.
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Place the plants in the holes level with the soil line. Make sure the plant isn't too far below or above the level of the soil. Place soil around the plant and firmly pack it into place.
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Water in each plant generously. Container plants dry out frequently and may need to be watered up to twice a day.
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Fertilize every week with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer -- 1/4 tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water, mixed in a watering can.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the plants are specified as full sun.
Some full-sun annuals include salvia, vinca, zinnia, marigolds, verbena and petunia.
After a few days, especially in hot weather, make sure the plants aren't wilting. Keep the soil moist.
Annuals typically live one growing season. However, some annuals can seed and possible grow next year.
Patio gardens can dry out quickly so make sure to water as needed.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
