Summer is the perfect season to refresh your garden with vibrant colours and lush foliage. Bedding plants are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create stunning visual displays quickly and effectively. At Thompson's Plants & Garden Centres, we have a wide variety of summer bedding plants that will breathe life and colour into your outdoor spaces. This guide will provide insights into the best summer bedding plants, ideal times to buy and plant them, and how to care for them to ensure they thrive all season long. Visit your local Thompson's branch to explore our collection and get started on your summer garden today!
Top summer bedding plants at Thompson's
When it comes to choosing bedding plants for your summer garden, consider varieties that will flourish in warmer temperatures and bloom throughout the season, offering prolonged displays of colour and texture. Here are some popular options:
- Petunias: Known for their bright and varied colours, petunias are a staple in summer bedding. They can create an impressive impact in hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds.
- Marigolds: With their vivid orange and yellow blooms, marigolds are not only beautiful but also beneficial, as they can help deter pests.
- Begonias: Offering a range of colours and suitable for shaded areas, begonias are versatile and provide continuous blooms with minimal care.
- Geraniums: Excellent for containers and window boxes, geraniums are robust, drought-resistant, and come in a variety of vibrant colours.
- Zinnias: Ideal for a sunny spot, zinnias flourish in warm conditions and add a brilliant pop of colour to any garden setting.
When to buy and plant summer bedding?
The best time to purchase and plant summer bedding plants is after the risk of frost has passed, typically from mid to late spring. This ensures that the young plants are not damaged by unexpected cold snaps and can adjust smoothly to outdoor conditions. At Thompson's, our selection of summer bedding plants is ready for planting at the optimal time, ensuring robust growth and blossoming throughout the summer months.
Caring for your summer bedding plants
To keep your bedding plants looking their best, follow these care tips:
- Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Aim to water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Make sure the water penetrates the soil rather than just wetting the surface.
- Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Bedding plants are fast growers and heavy feeders, so they will benefit from the extra nutrients.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and extend the flowering period. This also prevents the plants from using energy to produce seeds, redirecting it to new growth and flowers.
- Positioning: Ensure that your plants are in the right location according to their needs. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Check the care instructions for each variety to maximise their health and vibrancy.
Visit your local Thompson's branch
To get the most out of your summer gardening efforts, stop by your local Thompson's Plants & Garden Centre. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the best summer bedding plants for your garden's conditions and design preferences. We also offer a range of gardening supplies, from compost and fertilisers to tools and decorative containers, everything you need to create a stunning outdoor space. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, Thompson's is your go-to destination for all your gardening needs. Make your summer garden a vibrant sanctuary with a little help from Thompson's!
