How to maintain your annual flowers and plants

There’s really nothing complicated or intimidating about annual plants and flowers. When you choose an annual for that problem spot or for that primary center stage display bed, there are four basic factors to consider. You don’t have to be any green thumb expert to enjoy annual flowers and plants, wherever you live – home, apartment, farm, or even RV.

Sunshine:

Some annual flowers or plants do best in direct sun, while others thrive in partial shade. A few varieties will handle heavy shade but not many so make sure your annual flower or plant is in the appropriate spot. Take into consideration whether the sunlight is primarily morning or afternoon – if it’s in the “heat of the day” plan accordingly. Sunshine provides your plant’s energy to grow. Give your annual flower or plant the right sun and they will reward you.

Water:

Annual plants and annual flowers are available in varieties that like moist soil (e.g. impatiens) or dry soil (e.g. geraniums) or any range in between. Seed packets or flat labels usually give you simple, easy to remember pointers as to which condition the annual plant you’ve chosen prefers. A proper amount of water (no excess) for your annual flower or plant and nature will take its course.

Soil:

Again, different varieties of annual flowers and plants (even annual rye grasses) require different soil types. Some annuals like rich loamy soils and others do best in sandy well-drained spots. Annual plants have evolved (sometimes with human help over the ages) to fit almost every niche a yard, balcony, rooftop or garden can offer. A simple check of the information about each variety lets you match the right annual plant for the right soil condition.

Care and upkeep:

You’ve put your annual flower or annual plant in the right spot to get the right amount of sun, given your annual the proper amount of water to drink, and made sure the soil is just right, now what? Easy really, a quick check can provide the tips you need. Most annual plants and annual flowers are “low-maintenance.” Some require “dead-heading” – that is, removal of blooms when they’ve died, others need a little attention to prevent them from “going to seed.” Basic care will do the trick. None of the tasks require any expertise or expensive tools, its all common sense and a little knowledge. Mostly you’ll just enjoy the beauty and convenience your annual plants and flowers provide with a minimum of fuss.