Annuals
An annual plant is a type of plant that completes its entire life cycle—from germination to flowering to seed production—within a single growing season. Once the growing season ends, the plant dies. Annuals typically need to be replanted each year because they do not survive through the winter. While they may require more maintenance compared to perennials, annual plants are often chosen for their vibrant blooms and ability to provide instant color and impact to gardens. They’re ideal for gardeners looking for seasonal beauty or wanting to experiment with new plant varieties each year. Examples of popular annuals include petunias, marigolds, and zinnias.
At our nursery, we proudly carry a full selection of locally grown annuals that are organically cared for. Our commitment to organic practices ensures that every plant is nurtured without the use of harmful chemicals, creating a healthier environment for both the plants and the surrounding ecosystem. We offer a wide variety of annuals, including vibrant bedding plants that can instantly enhance your garden with seasonal color. Additionally, we carry a complete assortment of culinary herbs and vegetable starts, perfect for gardeners looking to grow their own fresh produce at home. To further support our organic approach, we use beneficial insects to naturally manage any pest problems, promoting a healthy, balanced garden environment. Whether you're planting in containers, raised beds, or traditional garden plots, our locally grown, organic annuals are the ideal choice for a sustainable and thriving garden.
Where should I use annuals?
Bedding plants are primarily designed for containers, offering a quick and easy way to add vibrant color to patios, decks, and garden beds. However, with rich, well-drained soil, many bedding plants can also thrive when planted in the ground for the season. Some of our best success in creating in-ground color actually comes from using annuals. These plants provide intense, short-term blooms that add a stunning visual impact throughout the growing season. We often encourage gardeners to consider planting annuals in their flower beds, as the results can be truly breathtaking. Despite their fleeting nature, annuals can bring a dynamic burst of color and beauty, and we wish more people would experiment with them in their in-ground gardens for a truly vibrant landscape.
What should I know to avoid the most common mistakes with annuals?
The most common issues with annuals often stem from a few key factors: not fertilizing regularly, allowing the plants to dry out too much, and using old, depleted soil. Annuals are heavy feeders, so it’s crucial to fertilize them on a weekly basis to encourage healthy, consistent growth and vibrant blooms. Letting annuals dry out to the point where they can no longer recover is another mistake that can easily be avoided with regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make, however, is reusing old soil. Old soil loses its nutrients and can lead to poor growing conditions, resulting in weak, unhealthy plants. If you don’t replace at least half of your soil each year—if not all of it—the difference in plant health will be noticeable. For the best results, we highly recommend using Fox Farm Happy Frog Soil and Fox Farm Soil Conditioner. These products help rejuvenate the soil, providing your annuals with the essential nutrients they need to thrive and ensure a successful growing season.
What do you carry at Urban Garden?
We’re known for offering both variety and quality at our nursery. At our location, you’ll find a "little bit of everything" — from unique and hard-to-find plants to well-loved, reliable favorites. Whether you're looking for vibrant flowers, robust vegetables, or hardy perennials, we have something for every gardener's needs and tastes. In addition to our wide selection of plants, we also carry a full line of seeds, bulbs, and high-quality products that we’ve carefully chosen as the best for plant care. We take great pride in selecting products that help ensure your garden thrives, from organic fertilizers and soil conditioners to tools and pest management solutions. Our goal is to provide everything you need to make your gardening experience successful, enjoyable, and rewarding.