Planting Bedding Plants Or Vegetable Seedlings
- Dig the whole area incorporating well-rotted garden compost, planting compost or soil conditioner or improver into the top 15cm (6in) of soil.
- Dress the soil with a controlled release plant food.
- Dig individual planting holes and fill with a planting mixture made up of soil mixed with equal quantities of well-rotted garden compost or other organic matter or planting mix.
Full Answer
How do you prepare a bedding plant for planting?
Water the bedding plants well while still in their original tray or container. This gives them time to absorb the water as the bed or border is prepared. Prepare the site by turning over the soil with a garden fork or spade.
How do you make a border for a small backyard garden?
Use summer bedding plants of different heights to create an informal, cottage garden style border. Position taller flowers such as sunflowers, Nicotiana and Cosmos towards the back, graduating to shorter bedding plants at the front such as petunias, marigolds and annual phlox.
What are bedding plants used for?
From elaborate public garden designs and street planters to the smallest front garden, bedding plants provide a temporary decorative seasonal display for beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets.
Can You Grow your own bedding plants?
Bedding can be grown from seed, bought as young seedlings (plug plants) or purchased as pot-grown specimens, often in multi-packs and cellular trays, ready for planting. Gardeners planting out carpet bedding at RHS Garden Wisley in late May.
How to design a bedding plant?
What does planting out bedding do?
How to get rid of compacted soil?
How to fill gaps around plants?
What is a group plant?
Can you compost bedding?
Do bedding plants need watering?
See 4 more
About this website
Can you put bedding plants in borders?
We recommend that you: Place taller plants, such as ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana) or cosmos at the back of beds and borders, graduating to shorter bedding plants at the front such as petunias, marigolds and pansies.
How do you plant a mixed border?
1:132:32How to plant a perennial border with Thompson & Morgan. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a good idea to position plants in groups of three of the same kind to give the appearance of aMoreIt's a good idea to position plants in groups of three of the same kind to give the appearance of a larger clump. It's not essential but it does look better than dotting them about randomly.
What can I plant in the middle of a border?
Check out some of our favourite plants to grow in the middle of a border.Echinaceas. Bright-pink echineceas. ... Thalictrums. Light-purple, starry thalictrum flowers. ... Euphorbias. Tall spires of lime-green euphorbia flowers. ... Clematis. Purple clematis growing up an obelsik. ... Salvias. ... Monarda. ... Dahlias. ... Phlomis.More items...•
How do you arrange plants when planting?
There are two basic rules when arranging plants in the beds: 1) space the individual plants so that they touch each other when they reach their mature size, and 2) overlap the masses of plants and connect them so that they flow without space between them. Avoid gaps or large open areas between masses.
How do you arrange flower borders?
Consider your soil type. ... Work out how much sun your garden borders get. ... Think about the size and shape of your new garden borders. ... Choose the best plants. ... Pick a theme. ... Maximize the impact of your borders with different heights. ... Build up a pattern. ... Design the perfect backdrop.
How do you fill a garden border cheaply?
This border gap can be filled very cheaply with mulch, such as bark chipping, or even recycled rubber, which looks exactly like bark, and does a great job of keeping your borders looking neat and tidy. Using mulch just around the edge of your borders will keep your costs down, whilst keeping your plants healthy.
What bedding plants are best for borders?
Geranium Pelargoniums, commonly known as Geraniums, are versatile bedding plants for summer and include trailing, climbing and upright varieties which are perfect for beds, borders, patio containers, hanging baskets and obelisks.
What plants look good in a border?
20 Plants to Use as Lawn and Garden BordersMonkey Grass (Liriope muscari) ... Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) ... Hosta (Hosta spp.) ... Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.) ... Mop Head Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) ... Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln') ... Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)More items...
What is a good border plant?
Ornamental grasses such as fountain grass are ideal for planting along borders, paths, or driveways in that receive full sun. Dwarf varieties grow to two to three feet tall, and three feet wide, adn feature fine green foliage in the summer that produces pinkish "foxtail" blooms in late summer to early fall.
How many plants should you group together?
Using at least three plants ensures the group will have some substance. But there are times when you can't follow this rule.
How do you group plants together?
The Must-Have Guide to Grouping Your PlantsArrange in Odd Numbers.Combine Around Seating Areas.Display Different Sizes and Shapes Together.Join Based on Leaf Textures.Gather Based on Leaf Colors.Cluster by Care Requirements.Ready to get grouping? Here are a few specific ways you can put these tips into practice:
How do you layer a flower bed?
This is a technique known as "layering." In the context of planting flower beds, "layering" means you put the tallest flower bed plants in the back, the shortest in the front row, and the remaining plants in between. A nicely layered flower bed provides maximum visual appeal when all the plants mature.
What does mixed border mean in gardening?
A mixed border is exactly what its name suggests: A mixture of perennials, annuals, and shrubs in a garden bed edged on at least one side by a structure, fence, driveway, walkway, wall, or other boundaries. This style of garden bed has been utilized for centuries and with good reason.
What is a mixed border?
A border is a cultivated area of land set aside for growing decorative plants. Mixed borders combine different types of plants in one place: trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, grasses, bulbs and climbers on obelisks or against a wall.
How much space should be between plants in the border?
Spacing plants Planting distances will vary depending on the varieties selected, but as a general rule, when designing a mixed border, allow 30-45cm between plants of the same variety and 60-90cm between groups of different varieties.
How deep should a plant border be?
You will need to consider the size, proportions and shape of your border. If you're opting for a longer border, it should be deeper (90cm – 1.2m depth – 3-4ft) but if you're doing a super long border then double this up!
How to grow bedding plants | Thompson & Morgan
Bedding plants are incredibly versatile and can be used in beds, hanging baskets, patio containers and window boxes.They’re also a cost-effective way to plug gaps in perennial borders with quick and easy colour. A fantastic choice for beginner gardeners, bedding plants allow you to be creative and try completely new designs each year.
How to plant bedding plants in a bed?
Plant Bedding Plants in Beds & Borders. 1 – Come and visit Massams to choose your bedding plants and grab everything else you need. 2 – While they’re still in their original tray or container, water the bedding plants well to give them time to absorb the water while you prepare the bed or border.
How to keep bedding plants healthy?
4 – Help keep your plants healthy by enriching the soil with nutrients. Do this by mixing in a generous load of multi-purpose compost and a soil improver or manure. If you fork the compost deeply the roots of your new bedding plants will grow down into it in search of nutrients & moisture.
What to use to support bedding plants?
Use climbing bedding plants such as sweet peas, morning glory and Ipomoea lobata to add height to bedding schemes. Trellis, obelisks or a teepee of bamboo canes are all that's needed to support their stems. Don't underestimate foliage bedding plants - they are invaluable for breaking up swathes of flowers!
What is a bedding plant?
Bedding plants are annual or biennial plants which flower for one season, and although short lived provide a continuous profusion of colour for many months. From spring bedding plants such as forget-me-nots and wallflowers to winter bedding plants, you can keep your garden in colour for most of the year! For many of us the term ' bedding plants ' ...
What plants break up flowers?
Don't forget to incorporate foliage bedding plants which are invaluable for breaking up swathes of flowers. Senecio cineraria 'Silver Dust', the Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis ‘Impala’) and Coleus are excellent examples. Plants like Nigella ( love-in-a-mist) provide feathery foliage with the added bonus of beautiful flowers too. You could even choose edible plants such as kale or Swiss chard ‘Bright Lights’ for a unique, multipurpose bed.
How long do bedding plants need to be in containers?
Summer bedding plants in containers will normally have enough nutrients for 6 weeks of growth, but after this time they will benefit from a weekly feed with a balanced fertiliser. For more information on feeding plants in containers, read our 'Plants for containers' article.
What to plant in a summer garden?
Use summer bedding plants of different heights to create an informal, cottage garden style border. Position taller flowers such as sunflowers, Nicotiana and Cosmos towards the back, graduating to shorter bedding plants at the front such as petunias, marigolds and annual phlox.
How to loosen a plant from a pot?
Loosen plants from their pots or trays by tapping the pot or pushing plants up from the base.
What to plant in a climbing bed?
Add climbing bedding plants like sweet peas, morning glory and Ipomoea lobata for height and interest. Plant supports like teepee trellis, obelisks or bamboo canes can be positioned wherever required.
What does bordering with plants add to a garden?
Bordering with plants adds a splash of color, movement, and texture to garden beds, pathways, and any landscaped edging.
What is a classic garden border plant?
A classic garden border plant are hostas. This leafy favorite is a herbaceous perennial that thrives in a variety of conditions.
What zone is lavender grown in?
Lavender thrives in USDA zones 5-9, enjoying a wide range of temperatures. Lavender can typically withstand the cold and the heat, but doesn’t appreciate dampness caused by wet soil or high humidity. Ensure there is enough airflow and plenty of sunlight to keep damp from killing your lavender.
What is the best edging plant for a landscape?
If you’re looking for a simple yet outstanding edging plant, look no further. Black mondo grass has deep midnight blades that add contrast to any landscape. Its dark colors pair well with bright flowers (as long as they grow in the same conditions).
Can lavender be planted in a hedge?
Lavender is, without a doubt, a garden staple. This classic plant finishes any bed perfectly. Or, for an interesting touch along a pathway, plant a lavender hedge. Here’s why you should grow a lavender hedge and how to do it.
Do hostas like loamy soil?
Hosta’s aren’t fussy about the kind of soil they’re in either, so long as it’s well-draining. Of course, if you’re wanting the best for this edging plant, it’ll appreciate rich, loamy soil.
Suitable plants for bedding
To provide quick, easy to grow seasonal flower and foliage colour, and for ease of planning and setting out, bedding plants are usually chosen from the following:
Designing with bedding plants
Fashionable since Victorian times, the latest plant introductions and creative planting designs help to keep them popular.
Starting out with bedding
Sow seed under glass with or without heat from January to early April. Additionally, as soil conditions allow, you can sow seed directly into the soil outdoors from March onwards. Many hardy annuals can be sown in September and overwintered in mild areas. Cuttings of tender perennials can be taken from late summer to early autumn.
Calculating the number of plants needed
Where the bedding design is made up of large square or rectangular blocks, a simple calculation can be made to determine the number of plants required. The supplier or seed packet should give a guide to the plant’s ultimate spread.
Planting out
Plant out young plants after hardening off. Make sure the soil and compost is moist at planting time:
Problems
In a greenhouse, damping off of seedlings, cyclamen grey mould and impatiens downy mildew may be problematic. Good glasshouse ventilation and sufficient plant spacing will minimise powdery mildews.
Book references
Succession planting for adventurous gardeners by Christopher Lloyd (BBC Books 2005, ISBN 0563521104)
Learn how to plant a border for year round color with our expert tips
From planting bulbs to choosing the right bushes, these are the handy garden design ideas and planting tricks to consider when planning how to plant a border for year round color.
1. Assess the specific conditions of your garden
When planning on doing anything in your garden, I always start with the essentials. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or are just starting with a brand new space, there are constantly changing conditions in the great outdoors that need to be recorded and acknowledged and observed over time, in order for us to get the most from our gardens.
2. Think about the time you have available for maintaining a border
It's important to be honest with yourself about about how much work you can do in your garden. If you want your garden to thrive and have a succession of color all through the year, even low maintenance garden ideas will probably require you to put aside a couple of hours a week in the spring/summer to take care of it.
3. Plan your year of color
In most northern hemisphere countries we have four seasons. However, in recent years it’s become increasingly obvious that drastic weather changes are here to stay. So in many places the traditional seasons are now somewhat blurred.
4. Decide on a look for your planting scheme
It might help at this point to start thinking about what style of planting you like.
5. Pick a range of different plant colors
There are so many colors that you can squeeze into an outdoor space. Often when I show clients a planting moodboard they’re initially taken aback and think I’ve picked out too many different shades or clashing colors, but what you have to remember is that most plants only flower for a few weeks at a time.
6. Build up your base of evergreens
Think about which bit of your garden you see the most when considering how to plant a border for year round color.
What plants can be used as a tropical border?
There are a number of foliage plants that can be incorporated into the tropical border. Foliage plants give tropical borders height and texture while mimicking the look and feel of a real jungle oasis. Nearly anything will work here – the possibilities are endless. For starters you could try: hostas. ferns.
What is the best plant for a tropical border?
Once asparagus crops have faded, their feathery foliage looks exceptional in a tropical border. Tree spinach is a vigorous and attractive plant for tropical borders, with lush purple and green foliage and bearing long spikes of tiny reddish flowers.
What flowers have burgundy pods?
Rhubarb has lovely cream-colored flower stalks that fit in nicely with many plants. Both the red and yellow forms of rhubarb can look striking in the tropical border. Once asparagus crops have faded, their feathery foliage looks exceptional in ...
Can ornamental plants be found in tropical borders?
Did you know that ornamental plants and vegetables can find a place in the tropical border too? It’s true. You can fill in empty areas of tropical borders with vegetables. For example:
Do you have to visit the tropics to plant tropical plants?
You don’t have to visit the tropics to enjoy tropical foliage and flowers. Many jungle-like plants tolerate the same conditions as your commonly planted bedding plants, making them suitable in a variety of landscapes. Choose the right plant and you can both create and enjoy a beautiful tropical border anywhere.
Follow our advice on what to plant when for seasonal color in the garden
No matter the conditions of your garden, you can enjoy sowing and growing plants in every month of the year. Whether you're looking for options for garden borders or want to add stunning seasonal color to your container gardening idea s, there is plenty of inspiration in our guide on what to plant when.
January
Beds and borders Create a sensory overload this month by seeking out the best winter flowering shrubs. Most have small flowers tough enough to withstand bad weather, and are usually highly scented to attract pollinators. Daphnes are a must-have, particularly D. mezereum, which has a neat habit and is perfect for the smaller garden at 3ft (1m) tall.
February
Beds and borders One idea for how to plant daffodils (which will be springing up this month) is that they look good in drifts along the edge of borders. Planted in autumn, daffodil bulbs spend several months developing roots before the flowers burst forth in early spring.
March
Beds and borders Now is the time to sow hardy annuals such as sweet peas, nasturtiums, nigella, calendula and cornflower, in pots or where they are to flower. More tender annual climbers can be started in a propagator, not only are these plants quick-growing, they’re easy and cheap to do from seed.
April
Beds and borders Make getting your summer bulbs in the ground this month part of your spring garden jobs if you haven’t already. For instant color get other bedding plants into gaps in your borders. Pansies appreciate moist but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Buy in plug plants this month.
June
Beds and borders It’s around now that you will see any obvious gaps in borders, so take a trip to a nursery and take your pick from the perennials on offer. Try astrantia, bearded iris and hardy geraniums and the bees will thank you. Planting groups of the same plant dotted along a border is a good way to lead the eye.
July
Beds and borders Although July isn’t the ideal time to plant shrubs and perennials, especially if you’re going on holiday and will be unable to water them, you may be tempted by the beautiful blooms of some of our favorite suggestions for what to plant in July .
How to design a bedding plant?
How to create a bedding plant design. With your bedding plants chosen and a bed or border selected, think about how they’ll look when planted. We recommend that you: Place taller plants, such as ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana) or cosmos at the back of beds and borders, graduating to shorter bedding plants at the front such as petunias, ...
What does planting out bedding do?
Planting out bedding can add instant colour, scent and a decorative display to your garden with very little fuss.
How to get rid of compacted soil?
Prepare the site by turning over the soil with a garden fork or spade. This will aerate it and help to break up any compacted lumps, providing a better structure for roots to grow into and allow for better drainage.
How to fill gaps around plants?
Use your hands to gently fill any gaps around the plant using more compost or surrounding soil, so that the plant is well supported whilst roots remain below the surface of the soil.
What is a group plant?
Plant in groups for a statement block of colour or drifts between perennials and shrubs, rather than as individuals.
Can you compost bedding?
Bedding can be taken up and composted. Learn how to create your own compost with our how to guide.
Do bedding plants need watering?
The foliage of many bedding plants acts as an umbrella, so even after rain; always check the soil around the plant to see if it still needs watering.
