FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is it safe to plant annuals in the spring?

Around the first week of May, take a look at the 7-day forecast. It’s usually safe to start planting your annuals in the Cincinnati Tri-State area by May 15th. We have encountered a killing frost past that date, but sometime between May 15th and Mother’s Day weekend is usually a safe bet.
My annual’s tag indicates a part sun, part shade exposure. How do I know where to put it?"

Part sun/part shade annuals do best in early day sun. Choose a spot in your yard that gets some sun until about 11a.m. Late day sun is too hot and harsh for part sun annuals.
What are the easiest annuals I can choose that need little or no maintenance?

For an annual that reequires little attention but gives you great curb appeal, try periwinkle “Vinca”, wax begonias or wave petunias. These varieties thrive on little maintenance and flourish in sunny locations. Bonus—they’re deer resistant.
Which annuals can I plant with my tropical plants?

Most tropical plants do best in somewhat shady areas. If you think of their native habitats, they mostly live under dappled light. Tropical annuals pair very well with shade annuals like Coleus, impatiens, angel wing or devil wing begonias, Torenia, Browallia and Hypoestes (the polka dot plant).
How often should I water my window boxes and planters?

Watering schedules depend on several factors: Soil type. Some potting soil holds onto moisture longer than others. Feel the soil once a day down to a depth of your index finger. If it feels dry, go ahead and water. Container size. It goes without saying that larger pots hold more water. Some pots also have larger holes at the bottom that allow more water to escape. If the water seems to run out of the pot quickly, wait 5 minutes and water again ensure the soil is completely saturated. Location. As a simple rule, most pots in sunny locations could use a daily watering. Pots in shady locations can go 2-3 days between watering. Plant variety. Some plants have shallower root systems and need more frequent watering. Check your plant tag to find out the watering requirements of your plant variety.
Should I replace the soil in my pots every year?

Yes and no. If your soil still seems good (it's loose, fluffy and free of old plant roots) there’s no need to replace it. However, watering your plants throughout the season causes the nutrients in the soil to be used up or leached out. So while you do not need to replace the soil itself, you do need to replenish the nutrients inside the soil. Usee a slow-release fertilizer like osmocote to keep your plants healthy and blooming.
What type of soil should I use in my pots?

The best choice for potted plants is a good bagged potting soil with plenty of nutrients already mixed in. If your soil doesn’t already have nutrients, add a slow-release fertilizer like osmocote as you pot your plants. Fertilize again in mid-to-late July, regardless of what soil you buy. If your container is large or plastic with one hole at the bottom, use a regular potting soil. If it’s small or made of coconut coir or unglazed clay, use a moisture control potting soil. Never use garden soil in your pots! It doesn’t drain well and can become too compact and dry for you annuals to survive.
Do I need to dead head my annuals to keep them blooming?

Most annuals do not need deadheading to continue blooming. However, there are exceptions. Varieties like geraniums, cosmos, heliotropes, marigolds, some snapdragons, zinnias and basic petunias require frequent deadheading to encourage new flowers to grow. If deadheading isn’t your thing, steer clear of these varieties.
By mid-summer, my annuals start to look leggy and sad. What can I do to perk them up?"

Annuals in pots or window boxes need frequent grooming to keep them looking their best. Pruning them back several inches every few weeks encourages new growth. That's also a great time to mix in a slow-release fertilizer.
Why aren’t my annuals blooming?

This could be due to a number of things. Here are a few tips to help get your annuals blooming: Fertilize. Annuals are heavy feeders. Try working in a slow-release fertilizer like osmocote to the top inch of your potting soil. Give them a boost. Water your annuals weekly, watering with a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle Grow Bloom Booster. Pay attention to sunlight. Some annuals need more sun to bloom, and some need partial shade. Try moving them to another location for optimal sun exposure.