Gardening Mistakes To Avoid If You’re Growing Zinnias This Year

Watch Gardening Mistakes To Avoid If You’re Growing Zinnias This Year - Rizzle on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00Gardening mistakes to avoid if you're growing zinnias this year.

00:04Overlooking pollinator and beneficial insect attraction.

00:08Zinnias attract pollinators, but companion flowers, shallow water, shelter, and bare soil

00:13greatly increase visits and natural pest control.

00:17Starting seeds or transplants too early.

00:20Planting before nights exceed 55 degrees Fahrenheit stunts growth and invites damping off.

00:25Wait for warm soil or hardened transplants gradually.

00:28Neglecting soil preparation.

00:30Zinnias prefer rich, well-draining soil.

00:33Incorporate compost and sand to improve fertility, structure, and beneficial soil life.

00:40Overcrowding and poor spacing.

00:42Crowded zinnias trap humidity and weaken.

00:45Space 8 to 12 inches, taller types 18 inches to improve airflow and branching.

00:51Planting in too much shade.

00:54Full sun yields compact plants and blooms.

00:56Excess shade elongates stems, reflect light or relocate for better flowering.

01:02Failing to thin seedlings or sow too densely.

01:05Thin, dense seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart at 2 inches tall, reducing competition and encouraging

01:11stronger branching and growth.

01:14Overwatering or underwatering.

01:16Maintain consistent moisture.

01:18Deep, weakly watering, drying top inches between.

01:21Mulch carefully, avoiding stems, to prevent rot and stress.

01:25Over-fertilizing with high nitrogen.

01:29Excess nitrogen promotes leaves, not flowers, and pollutes water.

01:33Use balanced 5-10-10 sparingly at planting and mid-season.

01:37Skipping deadheading spent blooms.

01:40Remove fading flowers above healthy leaves to extend bloom time.

01:43Limit self-seeding and keep beds tidy and productive.

01:46Not supporting tall varieties.

01:49Steak or cage giant varieties early to prevent flopping, protect blossoms, and improve airflow

01:55during storms and heavy blooms.

01:57Do not