by Connie Oswald Stofko
When you have a mixed container of annuals that includes flowers such as petunias, the plants are supposed to be in a tall, rounded mound with no flat spots.
If yours don’t look like that, you’re probably watering wrong, said Jen Weber, vice president and manager of Mike Weber Greenhouses, 42 French Rd., West Seneca.
To water prevent holes and flat spots, use a watering can and water slowly. If you have a spikey flower in the center of your container, you can aim for that spike. Or lift the trailing flowers up and water the soil with your watering can.
If you have flat spots, you’re probably using a hose with the spray nozzle on. This is a problem because that spray pounds on the foliage, creating flat spots and holes.
If you want to use a hose, take the spray nozzle off and insert the hose further into the foliage so you’re watering the dirt directly. Or lift up the trailing flowers and water the soil slowly with that single, gentle stream of water.
That way, you won’t create any holes or flat spots in the foliage.
There is still time to buy annual containers to brighten up your landscape. Mike Weber’s will be open through Sunday, Aug. 5. See details on their current sale here.
