How To Plant Annuals More Sustainably In 3 Steps

Gardening more sustainably begins with utilizing less water. Planting annuals in the soil can be done more sustainably by using a couple of techniques described below.

#1 – Prepare the soil. Add composted manure, compost, or organic soil with water retaining qualities such as Organic Mechanics Soil to help hold water.

#2 – Plant non-drought-tolerant annuals with water crystals and mycorrhiza added in their planting hole whenever possible. Water crystals help retain water. Mycorrhiza is a fungus that helps roots associate with their surrounding soil, strengthening the plant. (To learn more about mycorrhiza, please go to this link.)

#3 – Mulch. Retaining water is easy when you add mulch as a  top dressing around the plants. My recommendation is a wood chip or compost mulch. Never use that dreaded artificial black plastic cover mulch. “Real” mulch allows an exchange between the soil and the mulch which is nutritive for your plants and good for the soil condition.

In the video below you see before and after examples of two annuals, I planted this season which has grown very well with my planting techniques. I surrounded my vegetable garden with African Taishan Marigolds and Wave Petunias.

Products sponsored by the below supporters. I would be using these products whether or not they are sponsored – I have used them for years and have faith in their quality – –

• Additional information can be found about Organic Mechanics Soil on the Organic Mechanics website – www.organicmechanicsoil.com.
• Additional information can be found on the Wave Petunia at http://www.wave-rave.com.
• Additional information can be found on the Taishan Marigold at http://www.ballhort.com/Growers/plant_info.aspx?phid=040705575006060&dispmode=

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