Green Fingers: Plant now for abundant summer flowers
Window boxes are perfect for displaying a selection of summer flowers.
We have a great advantage at this time of year to get out and about. The days are longer, warmer and brighter but the trouble is there are also many things that you want or have to do, that you find yourself pulled in many directions. Somethings have to give way.
I do suggest from time to time, when, where and what to plant, and now I would strongly encourage that if you like to grow some patio and other flowers, then the next three weeks would be the last effective time for planting these in order to achieve a good floral display.
I should not bother sowing any flowers at this stage as they will be too late to do any good but there are a few that will make it, such as Sweet Peas and Nasturtium. Otherwise the easiest route to take is to buy the flowers as young plants and then you have a fun time arranging your own display.
If in doubt ask for advice but there will be some ideas for you under the following headings –Bedding, Pots, Window Boxes and Hanging Baskets.
This category refers to the traditional planting out of groups of flowers directly into the ground.
It was once the way the vast majority of people grew their flowers and was very popular up until 15 years ago, when it went into a gradual decline in favour of a new generation of flowers and methods. The only bedding you see now are those planted in parks and roundabouts by local authorities.
Planting up pots and containers are the big thing nowadays and nothing could be simpler.
They can be of any size but something around the size of a bucket or larger would be ideal, as they are easier to look after and will not dry out so easily. They also have the advantage that they can be moved around whenever you wish to create a different display.
As a centre piece use an upright growing plant such as cosmos, begonia, geranium, fuchsia or crazy daisy. Then plant the edges with a trailing plant such as a colourful lobelia, nemesia, bacoba and maybe a million bells or surfinia.
If there is still space in between these layers then use fillers such as marigolds, verbena, ageratum, pansy or salvia.
These can be made of wood, plastic, ceramic or terracotta.
Plant the edge facing outwards with a trailing plant similar to above but also include the trailing petunia or verbena.
The inner and back layer can be planted with a mixture of something similar to that mentioned in the section on pots above.
Hanging basket planting is simple and usually includes some trailing petunias, and perhaps a begonia and some bacoba or verbena.
If you wish intersperse these with trailing lobelia or nemesia.
The main point with either pots, window boxes or hanging baskets is that they dry out faster so will need regular watering and feeding every three weeks, but you can save time by including some water-retaining crystals in the compost, together with a long-lasting food.
There are those that start their vegetables in February, while at the other end of the scale, there are almost as many who, for one reason or another, do not begin to plant or sow until the middle of June, while the vast majority of people get the job done in April and May.
All vegetables, including courgettes, French beans and tomatoes, can be planted directly outside or, if you have one, in a tunnel.
If you have any queries or comments you are welcome to share them with me on 051-384273 or orchardstowngardencentre@hotmail.com and if of general interest I will include it in a future article.
