DIY Beginner's Guide to Growing Annuals

Spring has arrived and it is time to start sprucing up the garden now that winter's destruction is mostly in the past. The term "annual" refers to a wide variety of flowers that have a life cycle consisting of just one season. Annuals are sometimes considered a beginner level plant, since annuals are relatively easy to plant and care for, but the short life cycle only allows for so many mistakes before the plant withers and perishes, never to be seen again. Fortunately, mistakes are hard to make with the right guide, and there are some rather hardy annuals that are good for beginners.

Good, attractive annuals for beginners include sunflowers, cosmos, pansies, daisies, and many others. Annuals are not difficult to locate, as seeds or flowering plants, in the local garden supply store.

To transplant annuals that have been bought from a store while flowers, use a small trowel to dig a hole for the plant that will bring the transplanted soil just a pinch below the level of your garden. Do not bury too much of the stem. If you are planting multiple plants, make sure the look on the small card that should have come with the plants to ensure that you plant them at least the minimum distance (usually about 8 inches) apart. The card will also provide information about light and watering preferences. Next, it is important to water the transplants somewhat heavily about 2-3 times a week. For the best growth, use a traditional or an organic fertilizer as directed (1).

Planting from seeds can be a bit trickier for a beginner, but it is not impossible. Make sure to plant the seeds in a container or surface that has adequate drainage. It is best to water the soil before planting, so that the newly planted seeds are not disturbed by the watering. Dig a small trench (about ¼ inch deep in the soil), and then tap the seeds from the packet and into the trenches. Use a very, VERY light covering of potting soil, and then use a spray bottle to mist the soil. Since annuals have just one season to grow and seed, it should not take long for the seeds to sprout, but the seed packets should have instructions about growing times (2).

Annuals are some of the most beautiful and common flowers found in gardens. Due to the relative ease of growing and transplanting, annuals are also a stepping stone for beginners that wish to enter the wonderful world of gardening. With a few of the proper tools, such as a trowel, a ruler, a spray bottle, and the desired plants, any garden can look beautiful. So, with spring in full swing, it is time to get gardening.

Sources:

1. "Favorite Garden Annuals." Flower Gardening Made Easy. 2003-2009. http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/annuals.html
2. "Growing Annuals from Seed." DIY Gardening & Landscaping. 2009. http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/gf_annuals_perennials/article/0,,DIY_13831_2269785,00.html