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How to create a bed of hardy annuals
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Tuesday, 12 November 2019 at 2:48 pm
Find out how to make a colour-packed bed of hardy annuals with just some sand, seeds and a rake.
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If you have some bare ground that you want to fill with colour quickly, cheaply and easily, then a bed of hardy annuals is the perfect option.
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The bed can be any shape or size, but a sunny spot is best to get the most flowers. Weed thoroughly, then fork over the soil, treading to consolidate it, and rake to create a level surface and fine tilth. Sow from late March to May as the soil warms up (a good indicator of timing is when weeds start appearing).
- What to plant in March
Hardy annuals flower best on poor soil, so don’t add fertiliser. Easy, colourful choices include California poppies, cornflowers and pot marigolds. Seed mixes are also available. Try calendula, cornflowers, clarkia and nigella. For a wilder look, why not try creating a mini wildflower meadow.
Get started on creating a colourful bed of hardy annuals, in just four simple steps, below.
You Will Need
- Hardy annual seed
- Rake
- Sand
Step 1
Marking out the beds
Mark out areas for the different varieties, using sand or spray paint. Create irregular shapes for a more naturalistic effect. Within each area, mark out drills in different directions.
Step 2
Covering the seed with soil
Sow the seed in the drills, following the instructions on the packet as to sowing depth and spacing between seeds and rows. Gently cover the seed with soil, using a hoe or rake.
Step 3
Watering the beds
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Cover each row lightly with soil, using a rake, then water the seeds using a watering can with a rose to avoid displacing them. Swish the can from side to side to cover gently but evenly, watering thoroughly.
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