Where do I start?

For instant color, flowering bedding plants are the answer!

They are useful for filling gaps between plants and shrubs the aren't fully grown, for growing in containers or planting up a whole bed for immediate effect.

Although they are short lived (lasting one season only) they grow fast and provide excellent value for money.

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What you'll need?

Tools

• Shovel or hand trowel
• Fork or steel rake-to smooth out soil
• Hoe
• Watering can or hose

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How to plant them?

Preferably start your planting when it's not too hot or too cold.

Water the new plants thoroughly while in the pots of trays.

Plant in large masses or clumps to create impressive splashes of color.

Dig a hole bigger than the roots of the plant for aeration.

Tap the plant out of its pot or six-pack, disturbing the roots as little as possible.

Gently push into the hole, firming the surrounding soil around it. Repeat with the other plants.

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Which plants to buy?

1. First you need to decide the color schemes and plant combinations you want. You will need to consider the area you are trying to fill; what is the sun exposure, think about whether you want to create instant effective patches of vibrant color, or a whole bed. You also need to consider how big the plants will grow and arrange your pattern accordingly.

2. In the Independent Garden Center or Nursery, choose plants that are healthy.

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Looking after your plants

1. If you want to keep bedding plants flowering over a long period, pick off any dead blooms to encourage new flower buds.

2. Feed every one or two weeks with a liquid fertilizer.

3. Keep the area between plants free of all weeds as they will steal nutrients and water and may smother the plants.

4. If bedding plants become infected with an insect or disease ask your Garden Center or Nursery for advice.

5. Slugs and snails can be controlled with one of many remedies available at your local Garden Center or Nursery.

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Spring and Summer Color

Here are a few varieties, which should normally be planted when the danger of frost has passed, usually from the end of April:

• Marigolds: Flowers all summer. Shades of orange and yellow. (8-16 inches tall)
• Begonias: Flowers May-October. Red, white and pink flowers in profusion. (6-8 inches)
• Impatiens: Flowers May-first frost often doing their very best in October. Multiple shades of colors and very vibrant. (10-20 inches)
• Lobelia: Flowers May-October. Blue, white, rose, includes trailing and upright types. (6-8 inches)

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Fall and Winter Color

1. Plants for summer color will usually die after the first frost. Dig them up as soon as this happens and, if you have a compost pile, recycle them!

2. There are many plants that may be planted which look good throughout fall and winter and provide color throughout the duller days. Your Garden Center or Nursery will be pleased to advise you. Try Pansy's, Snapdragons, Iceland Poppies, Ornamental Cabbage/Kale, Primroses or Viola's.

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Shopping List

1. Slug and snail bait

2. Liquid fertilizer

3. Organic matter to enrich the soil

4. Trays or pots of Bedding Plants

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Please Note: These notes are for general guidance only. Consult yourLocal Garden Center or Nursery for further details.