Q.
Besides fertilizer what a good way to start small bedding plants?
I just planted some [24 pack] bedding plants. What can I do to make sure they grow?
A.
Moisture and lights are the most important. If you used a soil mix made for starting seedlings it probably has fertilizer in it. Don't use more until you put them in the ground. Keep the soil just slightly moist and warm it from the bottom if you can. Most flower seeds take a couple weeks to germinate and so do a lot of veggies so be patient. If the potting mix did not have fertilizer wait until the seedlings have their second set of leaves and then add a general purpose fertilizer like Miracle Grow to the water you water them with. Too much fertilizer too soon will result in leggy plants without good root growth.
Q.
When you purchase bedding plants from a nursery, how long have the plants typically been growing?
In an effort to save money, I plant a lot of my bedding plants from seed instead of buying blooming plants. Does anyone know how long those plants that nurseries sell have been growing? It seems like my seedlings (particularly dianthus, sweet william, and snapdragon) are very straggly that whole first growing season, winter over nicely (we have fairly mild winters), and look great the following spring.
A.
Probably, seven or eight weeks if light and moisture conditions are ideal. It is best to protect the seedlings in a greenhouse like environment prior to transferring to outside conditions. The attrition rate will be less and the strength of the plant triples. However, it depends upon the type of plant. If grown from a bulb, they could be up to 6 months old.
Q.
Why are my bedding plants turning yellow?
The bedding plants that I have planted in containers (large ones) have started turning yellow...I have not had this problem in years before. They are regularly watered and fertilized and are planted in adequate sun or shade. Any suggestions? Thanks.
A.
When plants turn yellow it's usually too much water. However, make sure you are using the proper fertilizer as yellowing can also indicate a nutritional deficiency.
Q.
What bedding plants will look best in a a small garden?
I have a small garden (it is just 3 borders along the patio edges). I want to put some nice plants in it so that I can have some color. I am not sure what plants will give a good show of color. I already have a rose and some red poppies in it but that is all. What can I use to go with them?
A.
Red and whites always look good in a small area. You want something relatively low lying to draw the eye back and create the illusion of length. Anything too tall might appear to 'box' the garden in.Why not try some red and white petunias interspersed with blue lobelia? Simple colors, but in my opinion, hard to beat. Plus, you'll get a summer long show of color from these plants without having to do much maintenance.
Another option is Portulaca which comes in various colors, red, pink, yellow, white, etc. They are self seeding and, depending on your "zone," are green all year 'round. They are about 2 inches high and look similar to a succulent. Makes a great ground cover.
You could also try phlox, begonias, aubretia or snap dragon.
Q.
How many bedding plants should I plant a 14" hanging basket with?
And how many plants would you reccommend for a window box about a yard long?A.
It depends on what plants you want to plant. If you wanted say a fushia or large begonia in the middle you could then plant say six trailing lobelia of contrasting colour around the outer edge with dichondra' silver falls' a trailing silverygreen plant, sweetpeas, and petunias interspersed. So long as you can get your fingers in to poke the plants in it doesn't matter how many. The more you plant the bigger the profusion.
However, you must water well each week, and in the height of summer daily, and feed once a week.
However, you must water well each week, and in the height of summer daily, and feed once a week.
With the window box, you're using bedding plants, about 12 medium sized plants would work well as these should spread out and fill it nicely!
Q.
What are some good bedding plants that last all year long?
I am a complete beginner at gardening. I want the names of some plants that last all year long and flower in the spring/summer. Preferably, inexpensive plants that are commonly found at a greenhouse or other retailer.
A.
Impatiens and pansies will last for a large part of the year in warm areas; in cooler areas, these will also last quite a long time, but will have to contend with cold winters and frost, snow, and ice. To find what is best for your area, check with a nearby nursery; they will generally stock plants that are good for your area. You might consider growing your own bedding plants from seed. It's an inexpensive way to have a nice garden if you have more time than money.
If you want to forgo annual planting, perennials will come back for each season and you will only have to plant them once. Weeding and fertilizing will be all you have to do.
