Selection

Introduce yourself to the new varieties of annuals each spring. Look for shade tolerant annuals for shady locations and sun loving annuals for hot, sunny locations. Decide where you require color in your yard for the months of May to September. For the best success choose vigorously growing plants that are dark green, short in height, and just about to bloom.

Soil preparation

Garden and Bed Soil Preparation Ideally, soil preparation for the planting of seeds and seedlings will be done in the fall. If this is not possible, however, organic material, such as compost or manure, should be worked into the soil in the spring. This will help the soil retain moisture, improve drainage, add oxygen and improve root growth.

Fall soil preparation

Remove all garden debris from planting site and add to composter for future use.

Spread layer of organic material several inches thick over area. Compost or manure is ideal for this.

Turn organic material into existing soil using a gardening fork. Note: Large lumps should be left in the soil at this point. Frost helps to break soil into a less dense soil structure, ideal for plant growth and moisture retention.

Turn again in the spring, shortly before planting. Break down large lumps of soil with a garden fork.

Note: Slow release fertilizer can be turned into the garden at this point, if desired.

Spring soil preparation

Remove all garden debris from planting site a few weeks before planting.

Turn existing soil using gardening fork, breaking up lumps.

Add 4-6" of organic material and turn over again.

Note: Gypsum can be added to heavy clay soil to make it easier to dig in organic material.

Pre-planting care

Store bedding-out plants that can not be planted the same day they are purchased in a shady location. Water the packs or flats well to prevent wilting.

For instant results, or a quick start for plants that need more time to complete their life cycle than Calgary's climate allows, seedlings are the perfect fit. They can instantly add greenery and colour to your beds. In Calgary, spring frosts can last until late May. For that reason, many area gardeners wait until at least June 1 to plant their seedlings outdoors.

The best time to plant annuals is on evenings or cloudy days when it is cooler outside. If planting on warm, sunny days make sure that annuals are watered immediately. Apply a root start (10-60-10) which stimulates rooting. Individually packaged annuals are easy to remove from their packs for planting. If plants are not individually planted, gently separate one plant from another, keeping as much of the root ball together as possible. In either case plant the root ball just below the soil line. If annuals are planted in peat pots, plant the peat pot below the soil line to prevent the pot and the root system from drying out due to air exposure. Be sure to leave adequate room for annuals to develop.

Placement & Planting Tips

Place plants according to sun/shade tolerance. Also consider growing conditions, such as downspouts, and shady spots.

Plant slightly deeper than pot level, usually about 1cm. Cover the old root ball.

Start seeds indoors according to the seeding dates on pages 11 & 12 of this book. Beginning gardeners might want to try the Jiffy Professional Greenhouse.

Seeds for annuals can be planted outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked. McKenzie Seeds offers a huge variety of quality seeds.

Watering Tips

Water slowly and deeply, soaking the root ball regularly depending on conditions. More water is required when the temperature is warmer.

Feeding Tips

Aerate the soil with the mineral Zeolite, which helps to promote the slower release of nutrients and also helps to break up clay.

Feed annuals with regularity using a good quality fertilizer. A good choice is Nurseryland Power Bloom.

Maintenance Tips

Deadhead flowering annuals to extend the flowering season. Deadheading is removing spent flowers to encourage re-blooming.