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Writer's pictureTimothy Jacobs
Jun 172 min read

How to Choose and Care for Summer Bedding Plants

Summer bedding plants are a fantastic way to add vibrant color and dynamic textures to your garden during the warmer months. Whether you're filling a border, sprucing up window boxes, or adding pizzazz to patio containers, bedding plants can make a major visual impact. At Lawn Harmony Landscaping, we love helping our clients select and care for their summer blooms. Here’s your essential guide to choosing and maintaining beautiful summer bedding plants.


Choosing the Right Bedding Plants


1. Consider Sunlight:

  • Full Sun: Choose plants like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias that thrive in six or more hours of direct sunlight daily.

  • Partial Shade: Impatiens, begonias, and lobelia perform well in less intense, indirect, or filtered sunlight.

2. Think About Color and Height:

  • Color Themes: Decide if you want a harmonious color palette (e.g., different shades of purple) or a vibrant mix of contrasting colors.

  • Height and Structure: Plan your garden so that taller plants are at the back (or center, if viewing from all sides) and shorter, border plants are at the front.

3. Check Bloom Duration:

  • Select varieties known for their long blooming period or those that bloom repeatedly throughout the season to maximize color impact.


Planting Your Bedding Plants


4. Soil Preparation:

  • Prepare your beds by removing weeds and incorporating plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and drainage.

5. Planting Time:

  • Plant summer bedding plants after the risk of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer, depending on your climate.

6. Spacing:

  • Give plants enough space to grow. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, which increases the risk of disease.


Caring for Your Bedding Plants


7. Watering:

  • Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Bedding plants in containers may need daily watering. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist, not waterlogged.

8. Feeding:

  • Feed your bedding plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

9. Deadheading:

  • Regularly remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage new blooms and extend the flowering season.

10. Pest and Disease Control:

  • Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases. Treat infestations early with appropriate organic or chemical treatments, always following manufacturer instructions.


Seasonal Transition


11. Transitioning to Fall:

  • As summer ends, some bedding plants can be replaced with autumn and winter varieties to maintain interest in your garden year-round.


Contact Lawn Harmony Landscaping


Need help selecting or maintaining your summer bedding plants? Contact Lawn Harmony Landscaping for professional advice and services:



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Summer bedding plants are not just flowers; they’re a celebration of color and life that bring joy and beauty to any garden. With the right selection and care, your garden can become a stunning showcase that lasts all season long.



Bedding Plants

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