When you want a large number of flowers to fill a border or several containers it can get expensive if you buy individual plants. In this situation one answer is to grow your plants from seed. One packet of seeds will produce all the plants you need for what it would cost to buy a single plant. Of course some flowers and herbs are easier to grow than others so this article by Kim Gamel which I found on the Houzz website describes eight that are foolproof.
I love growing container gardens and keep many of them throughout my landscape. While I love the instant gratification of a 4-inch starter pot, buying dozens of them to fill all those containers gets expensive. One way to combat this is starting a number of easy-to-grow flowers and herbs from seed.
Another good reason to grow container plants from seed? You can get your gardening fix while the garden is just starting to wake up. Most seeds will need to be started indoors prior to the last frost. Be sure to follow planting instructions on the seed packets; they are a wealth of information, including how deep to plant and when to start.Zinnia
Zinnias are perfect for container gardens, as they bloom nonstop until frost. They are also very sun and drought tolerant. Their mounding growth habit makes them a perfect filler for containers. With a variety of colors to choose from, they will be useful in many of your designs.
Zinnias are simple to start from seeds. Put the seedlings out after the last frost date or when overnight temperatures stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Botanical name: Zinnia angustifolia
USDA zones: N/A; treat as an annual
Water requirement: Dry to medium moisture; well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 9 to 12 inches tall and wideMarigold
Another constant bloomer is marigold. It has cheerful yellow and orange blooms, and it forms a nice, 6- to 10-inch clump when mature. But its natural ability to repel bugs and even deer may be even better than its appearance. This makes marigolds ideal companions in your edible container gardens.
Marigold seeds are long, very light and can blow away easily, so be sure to sow in a spot free from drafts. Wait to plant your marigold seedlings outside after the last frost.
Botanical name: Tagetes patula
USDA zones: N/A; treat as an annual
Water requirement: Medium moisture; well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall and wide
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