Growing geraniums directly in your garden beds is a rewarding way to add vibrant color that lasts all season. You can plant these popular flowers once the danger of frost has passed.
Getting Started with In-Ground Geraniums
To successfully grow geraniums in the ground, focus on the right timing, location, and soil preparation.
When to Plant Geraniums
According to the HGTV gardening tips, you should plant these flowers after your last hard frost. This ensures the tender plants are not damaged by cold temperatures.
Choosing the Right Spot
Geraniums thrive in a location that receives plenty of sunlight, ideally at least six hours per day. Good air circulation is also important to help prevent fungal diseases.
Preparing the Soil
Proper soil preparation is crucial for healthy geranium growth. The HGTV video reference suggests planting in a mix of recently tilled nutrient-rich soil and compost. This combination improves drainage and provides essential nutrients.
Here's a simple soil preparation guide:
- Clear the area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the planting site.
- Till the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6-8 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
- Amend the soil: Mix in a generous amount of compost and potentially other organic matter like aged manure. This creates the nutrient-rich soil that geraniums love.
Planting Geraniums
Once the soil is ready and the frost danger is gone, it's time to plant.
- Dig the holes: Dig a hole for each plant that is slightly wider and just as deep as the plant's root ball.
- Space your plants: The HGTV reference advises spacing them anywhere from six inches apart up to two feet apart, depending on the desired look and variety size. Closer spacing creates a fuller bed, while wider spacing allows individual plants more room to grow.
- Place the plant: Gently remove the geranium from its container. If the roots are tightly coiled, gently loosen them. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill and water: Fill the hole with the prepared soil mixture, gently firming it around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Caring for Your In-Ground Geraniums
After planting, ongoing care will help your geraniums flourish.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Avoid overhead watering if possible, as wet foliage can encourage disease.
- Feeding: While planting in nutrient-rich soil with compost provides a good start, you can feed geraniums with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for continuous blooming.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers (deadheading) by pinching or cutting the stem just above the next leaf or bud. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
- Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or whiteflies and diseases like fungal spots. Address issues promptly using appropriate methods.
By following these steps, incorporating recently tilled nutrient-rich soil and compost, planting after your last hard frost, and providing adequate spacing (from six inches apart up to two feet apart), you can enjoy beautiful geraniums growing directly in your garden beds.
