The Gardening Year for Annuals & Biennials

Spring

Hardy annual seed may be sown outdoors in early spring, whilst half-hardy annuals may be grown indoors in a heated propagator in the greenhouse or on a windowsill indoors. In mid-spring, prick out half-hardy annual seedlings or pot them up in containers, and then plant them out into prepared ground in late spring, once all danger of frost has passed. At this point, hardy biennial seed may also be sown outdoors.

Make sure that growing plants are watered regularly. Supports should be provided for tall plants or climbers. In late spring, pinch out (or 'stop') any plants that need to be encouraged to produce sideshoots and develop a bushy habit.

Summer

Plant out annuals, biennials and plants grown as annuals. Seeds of annuals and biennials may be sown outdoors until mid-summer. Hardy annuals and biennials may be sown in pots in late summer, ready for planting in autumn.

Keep plants watered as necessary, and make sure that tall plants and climbers are adequately supported. Deadhead spent flowers unless seed is required.

Autumn

Plant out hardy annuals and biennials for spring bedding. Hardy annuals that can overwinter outdoors may be sown in early autumn.

Deadhead spent flowers, unless the seedheads are needed, either for decorative purposes, or for the seeds themselves. Remove dead annual plants in late autumn, and cut down perennials grown as biennials to the base. Lift out any perennials grown as annuals and pot up.

Winter

Browse through planting catalogues and order seeds ready for planting in spring. Prepare the ground for spring planting.

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