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 Essential Watering Advice
Always ensure that your plants are kept well watered otherwise they'll begin to wilt and may possibly die. Also, plants lacking sufficient water will tend to flower less and may stop blooming altogether.
During really hot weather, plants will need to be watered every day. If planting density is high or when they are growing in containers, you may even need to water them twice a day. In borders, aim to give a good soaking once or twice a week rather than frequent trickles of water. Avoid splashing water on the foilage, as the droplets of water can act as magnifying glasses and scorch the leaves.
The best time to water your bedding plants is early in the morning or in the evening, as this minimises the amount of water lost through evaporation. Late evening watering is a good idea, as the water pressure is often higher at that time of day, which should allow you to get the job finished more quickly.
You can also add water-retaining granules to your pots and containers. These swell when wet and hold water until the plant roots need it, which means you can water slightly less frequently. Water-retaining granules are especially useful in containers that are awkward to reach such as hanging baskets.
Feeding your bedding plants
 Throughout the growing season plants will benefit from applications of plant food. Those plants growing in containers of ordinary compost will have only enough nutrients to keep them happy for about four weeks. After this time, the plants will require feeding on a regular basis.
Some composts, however, are specifically formulated for bedding plants. They incorporate a slow-release fertiliser, a wetting agent and water-retaining gell, which makes them perfect for use in containers. Where extra feeding is required, you should use a liquid fertiliser, as this will be taken up quickly by the plant. Apply it at the intervals indicated on the label, usually every week or two.
Before you plant up your borders, sprinkle a granular fertiliser all over the soil surface and lightly fork it in. Once the bedding is established, all that should be required is a liquid feed once or twice during the summer months.
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