Now that the threat of frost is over, it’s time to plant out all your tender bedding plants. Here’s Clive Edwards’ guide to how to do it right
Preparing the soil
Good soil will need only to be forked over lightly. Add a general purpose fertiliser such as Growmore turned in as you go, about 1-2oz (28-56g) (a handful) for each square yard (0.8sq m).
If your soil is heavy clay, remember next autumn to add in organic matter such as well-rotted compost, manure, peat or shredded bark. Smooth over and level the surface with a rake.
What to plant
Edging plants such as all these dwarf plants up to 8in (20cm) tall including ageratum, lobelia, alyssum, tagetes and verbena.
As dominant group plants up to 2ft (60cm) tall such as petunia, zinnia, begonia, bedding dahlia, salvia, geranium and antirrhinum.
And for dot plants choose tall and showy flowers or foliage to break up block planting such as standard fuchsia, kochia, abutilon and canna.
Planting out
Water the plants thoroughly before planting them out, but don’t water the bed.
Start planting from the back in a border and from the centre in an island bed. Lay a board across the ground to spread your weight and avoid compacting the soil.
Ease apart the roots of plants grown in trays. Slide the plants and root ball away from hard sided pots.
Plants in peat pots can be planted in their pots straight into the soil.
Check on the seed packet or plant label for the spacing between each plant. Use a trowel to make a planting hole no deeper than the soil mark on the plant stem.
Set the plant in the planting hole – making sure the roots are not bent back or cramped. Firm down the soil around the base of the plant with your hands.
Aftercare
As soon as planting is finished, hoe carefully to remove any prints from your feet or the planting board.
Spray the plants with water and water daily until the plants begin growing.
Hand weed and put down slug pellets to prevent damage to young plants. Water with a general fertiliser every two or three weeks, remove faded blossoms to encourage flowers.
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