Ornamentals

Spring Seedlings: Growing Gorgeous Blooms Together Spring is finally here! The cold winter days are behind us, and it’s time to step outside, breathe in that fresh air, and get our hands dirty. If you’re anything like me, this is your favourite time of year. There’s something so exciting about picking out new seedlings and imagining all the colour they’ll bring to the garden. But with so many options, where do you even start? Let me help you out. I’ve got five go-to spring flowers that are sure to bring your garden to life: Impatiens, Petunias, Portulacas, Marigolds, and Begonias. Each one has its own charm, and they’re perfect for both beginner gardeners and seasoned pros alike. So grab your gloves, and let’s get planting! 1. Impatiens: The Shade-Loving Superstars Let’s kick things off with Impatiens. These little beauties are perfect for those shady spots in your garden where the sun just doesn’t seem to reach. They’re also super low-maintenance, which is always a win in my book. How to Get Impatiens Going Starting Impatiens from seedlings is really easy. You can usually find them at nurseries as early as spring. Here’s how to give them the best start: Soil: They love well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH. Nothing too fancy—just make sure the soil doesn’t get soggy. Spacing: Give them about 20-30 cm between each plant. I know it seems like a lot, but trust me, they’ll fill in quickly and you’ll have a lush, full garden bed in no time. Watering: Impatiens like their soil to stay moist, so keep an eye on them, especially when it starts to heat up. Regular watering is the key. Fertilizer: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 6-8 weeks will keep them blooming all season. Impatiens are perfect if you’ve got a shaded garden or containers that don’t get much direct sun. And the colour options? Endless. From soft pastels to vibrant reds and purples, you’ll find a shade that works for your garden. Plus, they’re so easy to care for; they almost take care of themselves! 2. Petunias: The All-Around Stars Now let’s talk Petunias. These are the rock stars of the garden world—versatile, vibrant, and oh-so-easy to grow. Whether you’re planting them in flower beds, hanging baskets, or containers, Petunias will deliver. Petunia Seedling Care 101 Petunias thrive in full sun, so make sure they get a sunny spot. Here’s how to keep them happy: Soil: Slightly acidic, well-draining soil is their favourite. Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day is perfect for them. The more sun, the more they’ll bloom. Spacing: Plant them about 30 cm apart. It might seem like a lot now, but they’ll grow into those spaces and give you a beautiful, overflowing display. Watering: Regular watering is key. Petunias can handle a bit of drought, but keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out completely. Fertilizer: Feed them every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep those blooms coming. Petunias are true garden workhorses. They bloom non-stop, come in every colour you can imagine, and they’re easy to care for. Plus, they look fantastic whether you plant them in the ground, in pots, or hanging baskets. 3. Portulaca: The Drought-Tolerant Wonder Looking for a plant that thrives in the heat? Portulaca is your answer. Also known as Moss Rose, these tough little plants love the sun and don’t mind drying out between waterings. If you’ve got a spot that gets full sun and tends to dry out, Portulacas will happily call it home. How to Care for Portulaca Seedlings Portulacas are super low-maintenance once they’re established. Here’s how to get them off to a good start: Soil: They prefer sandy, well-drained soil. No need to worry about fancy fertilizers—these plants are happiest in lean, dry soil. Sun: Full sun all the way! They thrive in direct sunlight. Spacing: Plant them about 15-30 cm apart. They’ll spread out and form a colourful carpet. Watering: Once established, they’re quite drought-tolerant. Water regularly at first, but once they settle in, they can handle dry spells. Fertilizer: A light application of a balanced fertilizer once during the growing season will do the trick. Portulacas are perfect for those tricky areas of the garden that get too much sun and not enough water. Their bright, jewel-toned blooms will add a burst of colour, and since they close up at night, they add a bit of charm to your garden routine. 4. Marigolds: The Pest-Repelling Powerhouses Marigolds are garden superheroes. Not only do they brighten up your flower beds, but they also help repel pests like aphids and nematodes. If you’re planting a vegetable garden, mix in some Marigolds to keep your crops safe while adding a burst of sunny colour. Marigold Care Made Easy Marigolds are wonderfully low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners: Soil: They’re not too picky about soil, but well-draining soil works best. Sun: Full sun is a must. Marigolds will give you their best blooms when they get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Spacing: Plant them 15-30 cm apart, depending on the variety. Watering: Marigolds prefer the soil to dry out a bit between waterings. So, let the top layer of soil dry before giving them a good soak. Fertilizer: They don’t need much feeding—a slow-release fertilizer once during the growing season is all they require. Marigolds are cheerful, easy to grow, and tough as nails. Plus, they’re functional—plant them near your veggies to help keep pests at bay while brightening up your garden with their vibrant yellow, orange, and red blooms. 5. Begonias: The Shade-Loving Beauties Lastly, let’s talk about Begonias. If you’ve got a shady area in your garden that needs some colour, Begonias are your best friend. With their bright flowers and beautiful foliage, they’re a favourite for adding a pop of colour to containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds. How to Care for Begonia Seedlings Begonias are