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How to Grow Annuals in Sphagnum Moss

Contributor
By Erin Ringwald
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

If you do not have a yard big enough for a full-scale garden or if you want to add a little color to a specific spot, containers may be the answer for you. Anything can be grown in a container. One particular type of plant, an annual, does very well in containers. Annuals are plants that only grow once and do not grow back the following year. Using sphagnum moss will help maintain an adequate moisture level in your potted plant when mixed with other potting materials.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Choose a container that is sturdy and has drainage holes. Clay pots are porous and breathe well, however, you will have to water it more often.

  2. Step 2

    Choose an annual based on the environment in which you will be growing it. Determine if your plant will have direct sunlight or moderate sunlight.

  3. Step 3

    Mix the potting soil, sphagnum moss, and perlite together in equal parts. Add the soil mixture to the potting container. Fill up to 1 1/2" from the top.

  4. Step 4

    Arrange your annuals around the container before planting to determine proper spacing and placement. Place taller plants in the center with the smaller plants around the outer ring. If your pot will only be visible from the front, place the tallest plants in the back and shorter ones up front.

  5. Step 5

    Plant the annuals according to the plant's depth and spacing needs. Potted plants need half the space as those planted in a regular garden. Check with your local nursery if you need specifics for your annuals.

  6. Step 6

    Water your plants. Check the soil mixture daily to determine if more water is needed. A plant's water needs vary depending on the variety. When watering, add water until the soil is thoroughly moistened and water leaks out of the drainage holes. Be careful not to over water.

  7. Step 7

    Trim up any dead leaves or flowers as needed to promote healthy plant growth.

Tips & Warnings
  • There is no need to change the potting soil mixture. However, if you experience torrential rains that wash away a lot of the soil, it would be beneficial to replant the annuals as you did originally. Annuals do better if you plant them prior to flowering. Buy young plants and transplant them. If you do not want to use perlite for any reason, you can substitute builder's sand. Both will allow for water drainage. Sphagnum moss is also known as peat moss.
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