How to Plant Annuals in a Sunny Patio Garden

Make your patio brilliant and refreshing with bright, colorful annuals. Choose full-sun loving plants for the biggest and most fragrant flowers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small shovel or trowel
• Annuals
• Water

1. Visit your local garden center or nursery in search of colorful annuals. Decide which colors are best for your patio, depending on personal choice or matching patio furniture, etc. Make sure to look at the plant information tags, to identify full sun plants, height, spacing for planting, watering requirements and other useful information.
   
   Some examples of full-sun annuals include:
   - salvias
   - vincas
   - zinnias
   - marigolds
   - verbenas

2. Decide how many plants are needed, according to spacing directions for each plant. Now is a good time to decide on a design for your patio garden.

3. Use a small shovel or spade to dig holes for each plant. Make sure the depth requirements are met. It is important to 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.

4. Place the plants in the holes, making sure the plants are level. 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.

5. Water in each plant generously.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the plants are specified as full sun.
• 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.

[amylaine]

on 8/7/2008 Great info.