How to... Plant a Bedding Plant

Elaine, our Plants Team Manager, explains how to plant up bedding plants to create a stunning spring pot and matching hanging basket. 

1. Firstly prepare the soil by digging it over and adding some multi purpose potting compost, such as Meadow Croft own brand. This will break up the soil and give a great start to your plants by providing nutrients for up to 6 weeks after planting. Remember to water your plants thoroughly before planting. 

2. When planting the pack bedding they should come easily out of the packs by pushing the bottom of each square with your fingers. Push one plant out at a time and set them out ready for planting. The potted ones you will need to give the pot a little squeeze and tap the bottom until the plant pops out into your hand. NEVER try to pull the plants out by their tops!   

3. When planting in containers, fill your basket or tub to the top with Meadow Croft compost, also add some slow release fertiliser to the compost to give you continuous feeding every time you water, these can be found in our garden shop area. Start by planting an upright variety in the middle of your container to create some height, then plant your trailing plants around the edge, taking care to balance out the more vigorous varieties.   

4. Remember to keep your plants well watered, especially in dry or windy conditions. Feed your plants fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser such as Miracle Gro All Purpose to keep your plants growing and flowering. Pinch off any dead heads regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the summer months and to stop your plants from going to seed. 

Plants used in the video are: 

Skimmia Rubella (Centre of pot) 

Polyanthus 'Purple' 

Saxifraga 'x arendsii picotee' 

Aubrieta 'Audrey Purple' 

Pansy 'Primrose' 

Ivy 

Did you know? Meadow Croft Garden Centre is well known for bedding plants. We have been growing plants and selling them to retailers in the South-East of England for 80 years. Our entrance glasshouse at the garden centre is a showcase for the products grown on our own nursery, including our free range vegetables and homegrown bedding plants.