When Your Bedding Plants Arrive

For convenience, we use standard size trays, which are a little bigger than necessary. Consequently, you may find that some cells do not contain a plant. However, please be assured that you have received probably more than the number of plants you ordered.

	Upon arrival, keep the trays indoors in a well lit, draught free area for 24 hours.
	If the compost is a little dry, stand the tray in shallow water.
	Once the compost is moist allow the tray to drain.
	If required, repeat the process several times to ensure that the compost receives sufficient moisture.
	After spraying the plants ensure they are then placed in an area where there is adequate airflow. This helps dry the excess water from the leaves and prevents potential problems caused by damp.

There may be some loose compost or a slight yellowing of the leaves which is a consequence of the plants being shipped. This will not affect the condition of the mature plants.

Growing On & Planting Out

When removing the plants from the tray, push up from the bottom using a pencil or similar implement to avoid damaging the plants.

IMPORTANT: Do not plant your Spring/Summer Bedding Plants outside if there is a danger of frost.

Small Plug Plants

Due to their size, these plants must be grown indoors for 3 to 4 weeks. To do this first transfer the plants into small pots or seed trays filled with good multi-purpose compost. Water them well once, and do not water them again until the compost is nearly dry or the plants are wilting. Place the plants in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight. Apply a liquid fertiliser after 2-3 weeks.

Medium Plug Plants

The Medium Plug Plants can either be grown on or they can be planted straight into your containers or garden beds. Once planted water in well. To establish the growth of young plants, it is important that you water regularly especially during dry sunny spells. i.e. once in the morning and again late evening.

If there is a danger of frost (check your local forecast) then it would be advisable to pot on your Spring/Summer Ready Plants before planting out. To pot on the plants, follow the instructions for Plug Plants.

Large & Mega Plants

As with the Medium Plugs, Large and Mega Plants can be planted straight into your containers or garden beds. Once planted water in well. To establish the growth of young plants, it is important that you water regularly especially during dry sunny spells. i.e. once in the morning and again late evening. If there is a danger of frost (check your local forecast) then it would be advisable to pot on your Spring/Summer plants. To pot on the plants, follow the instructions for Plug Plants.

Top Tips

1. It is best to water plants early in the morning, as this avoids the sun scorching damp foliage.
2. Remove dead flowers regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the flowers from putting their energy into producing seed.
3. Remove dead or damaged growth when first seen as this helps to prevent disease.
4. After use always thoroughly clean old baskets and tubs. Disease and pests can overwinter in old compost and debris. For best results always use fresh compost when planting and fluff up first to increase the amount of air in the compost and encourage good root growth.
5. Common pests are aphid (greenfly), whitefly, slugs, and spider mite. Use an appropriate remedy from a garden centre. Healthy, well looked after plants will offer more resistance to pests.
6. Check plants regularly for pests. Early spotting means you can spray the affected areas only and not the whole plant.
7. Be sure to water hanging baskets well, particularly if they are sheltered from the rain. It is best to grow hanging baskets at ground level prior to hanging to better enable you to check their progress.
8. Avoid overwatering young plants, as this will promote soil-borne diseases such as pythium.