How to Grow Annuals

Most gardeners start their journey with annuals—and for good reason. They're rewarding, colorful, and relatively simple, provided you follow a few key practices. Here's a complete guide to getting annuals off to a strong start.

Soil Preparation

Plants thrive in loose soil that allows oxygen and water penetration. Use a shovel, spade, or rototiller to break ground and chop clods. Spread 3–4 inches of organic matter (compost, peat moss, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold) over the area and turn it in to a depth of 10–12 inches. One shovel's depth is usually sufficient unless soil needs major rehabilitation.

Hardening Off

Greenhouse-grown plants need gradual exposure to sun and wind. Set them outdoors in a sheltered, lightly shaded spot, increasing exposure daily. After about a week, they're ready for the garden.

Planting

Check potting mix moisture; water if dry. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot. Remove the plant by grasping the rim, inverting, and tapping against your hand. If root-bound, gently tease apart circling roots. Set the root ball so its top is level with the soil surface. Backfill, firm soil, and water thoroughly to settle.

Watering

Moisture is critical for new plants. Water deeply after planting. Check daily for the first week: if wilted on a hot day, test soil 1 inch down. If dry, water; if moist, provide shade instead—the roots haven't caught up yet. Within a week, roots should establish.

After the first week, soak once a week during summer unless rainfall exceeds 1 inch. Established plants need less, but most prefer evenly moist soil. When in doubt, don't water—overwatering causes more problems than underwatering.

Fertilizing

At planting, scatter a timed-release fertilizer around plants or apply water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at half or quarter strength. Once established, feed every other week in summer at full directed strength.

Container Gardening

Containers dry faster—water daily in summer heat. Nutrients leach quickly, so use a container-specific potting mix with timed-release fertilizer incorporated. Supplement with balanced water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) as directed. Deadhead spent flowers and prune vigorous growers regularly for best appearance.

Follow these steps, and your annuals will deliver season-long color.