Publisher's Note

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Page added on June 25, 2011

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GARDENER’S CORNER – ANNUALS

In most of my past articles I’ve mainly dealt with perennials. Reason being of their durability to this harsh climate. However annuals can produce some glorious displays. Although they only last the season, some like poppies, clarkia, viola and calendula will self seed. Nasturtium, sweet peas, sunflowers, hollyhocks will grow planted after the last frost. The majority need to be started 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Some annuals need special conditions to sprout and developed, like petunias, lobia, geraniums and panies which have such tiny seeds that climate control is necessary. Professional establishment can produce better quality stock and for the amount most homeowners require it’s more feasible to purchase your selections. If you have the space and well lighted location leaf cuttings can be started for next year. It works even with tomatoes. However for what it’s worth most gardeners just purchase what needed every spring. A word of caution, climatize your annuals for a week before planting out permanently. Also plant a week after the last spring frost. Many a time I’ve seen a few hot days in mid May, restless gardeners would plant out there beautiful annuals, a week or so later along comes a late spring frost.

There are a lot of varieties in annuals that are not available in perennials. Lobelia, pansies, nasturtiums and petunias have some fantastic colors and bloom all summer and fall, till freeze up. I find that annuals are more suitable for plant containers. Almost anything can be used provided it can accommodate the root ball. Make certain to provide several drain holes, an inch of pebbles on the bottom to prevent the soil from blocking the holes. Fill with a mixture of compost and loam to the top. Press the soil down an inch for water space. Depending on the size of the container plant 1 annual for every 20 square inches. Those quiet locations such as corners, fences window sills can support containers with annuals. Fertilize your plants with 20-20-20 soluble solution once a month as per instructions on the can. Place the plants in a location that is suitable for their light exposure. Do deadhead your annuals which simply mean to remove dead flowers. This keeps the plants looking neat and tidy. It also prevents self seeding and encourages more flowering.

Happy gardening

H. W. Kriaski

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