One thing that all the plug plants we will be dispatching between now and November is that they are all hardy; this means we don't need to worry about how they will cope with drops in temperature as we head into colder months of the year. my advice would be not to be to kind in terms of temperature to either. As this may initiate early flowering and leggy weak growth. Top growth is not to be forced with heat or high nitrogen fertilisers with young plants at this time of year, we need these plants to concentrate their energy on producing strong roots. To encourage strong basal growth and the development of a strong root system some of the plants we supply may have been nipped, this is standard intentional growing practice at this time of year.
Early August plant deliveries
The plants we are dispatching and how to care for them.
During the first part of August we will be dispatching Biennials and perennial plants only, as we head into mid to late August we will begin to list Hardy Annuals and I will publish a blog post about their care when we begin to dispatch those varieties. It is important to understand the differences in these plant categories when deciding how to deal with your plants.
Watering
Watering is a hot topic this summer, as hose pipe bans come into force in many regions, with many of us not having significant rainfall for months. Whether you decide to pot on your plants or plant them straight into prepared ground, they will need to be watered until they settle into the ground and the ground begins to retain some moisture. here are some tips on watering during August.
If you decide or need to pot your plants on until a space in your borders becomes available then place pots out of scorching sunlight, dont place pots at the edge of potting benches next to greenhouse glass or polytunnel skins as they will scorch in extreme heat.
Watering from a tray of water beneath is an option, but don't be tempted to overwater leaving plant pots in trays of water that is constantly topped up will cause roots to rot. Provide only as much water as the compost can absorb in 1 hr daily.
Pot on or Plant out?
If you are able to find space in your summer garden, biennial varieties can be planted straight out. Infact they will thrive and produce a stronger root system, which will in turn produce more stems of flowers the sooner you can get them planted into their permanent position. Dont be tempted to keep your biennials wrapped up over winter (which I know seems a long way off!). These plants will reward you for bringing them up tough.
Perennial plug plants will, however, establish themselves quicker if you plant them into a 1-2 ltr pot and grow them on for a month, before planting them out.
We have already potted the garden-ready range on for you so they are fine to be planted straight into your growing space.
I hope you enjoy your plants if you purchase some from us over the coming week.
Suzie
