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4 Tips for Planting an Annual Garden This Spring

Are you wondering about when to plant annuals? Find out for yourself in this article.

Annuals are plants that need to be re-installed each year, as opposed to perennials which are plants that come back year after year. Generally speaking, annuals are the very colorful flowering plants that make a beautiful addition to any landscape, and can be used in beds, pots, or large containers. Like anything worth doing, a beautifully colored landscape takes time and effort. That’s what we’re here for. However, for those of you who want to work on your own garden, here are some tips on using Annuals to create the most beautiful yard, patio, or porch in your neighborhood.

When to Plant Annuals

In Plymouth and on the Cape in MA, the best time to plant annuals is after Memorial Day, when night time temps are reliably above 50 degrees F. Now is the time to prep your garden for planting.

Soil Preparation is the Key

When it comes to great annuals, soil preparation is the key.

  • For beds: rototill in peat moss, cow manure and lime prior to planting.
  • For pots: use good quality, well drained potting media.

Small or No Yard? Use Containers!

The best way to plant containers is to use a combination of annuals. We call them Spillers, Thrillers and Fillers.

  • Spillers: Scaevola, Sweet Potato Vine, Lobelia, Vinca Vine
  • Thrillers: Tropicals (Hibiscus, Palms, Mandevilla, Caladium and Canna Lilies), Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, pennisetu, etc), Larger annuals (Cleome, Pentas)
  • Fillers: Salvia , Dusty Miller, Petunias Pumbago, Coleus

Beginners – Use Low Maintenance Annuals

Annuals do need some care – like watering, dead heading (removing old blooms), fertilizing, and weeding, in order to maximize blooms. Annuals that need less care are those that don’t not need dead heading or pinching. These annuals may offer a great way to start some beautiful beds or containers this year.

Are you interested in planting your own annuals? Here are some low maintenance annuals to try:

  • Begonias
  • New Guinea Impatiens
  • Angelonia
  • Portulaca
  • Salvia

Gardening is a great way to relax, and it’s so rewarding to see the beautiful results of your efforts. Good luck with your Annuals this season! If you would rather just enjoy the view our Master Gardeners are just a click or call away and available to install or maintain your garden.

Click here to request a quote and learn how you can save up to $350 off your ExtraCare Gardening package. Our team provides complete landscaping and property maintenance services to Southeastern Massachusetts and the entirety of Cape Cod.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re wondering when to plant annuals in Cape Cod or Plymouth, MA, the ideal time is just after Memorial Day. By late May, nighttime temperatures typically stay above 50°F, creating the perfect conditions for annuals to thrive. Planting too early can expose delicate flowers to cold stress, so it’s best to wait until the soil and air have warmed up.

Now is a great time to start prepping your garden beds—remove weeds, enrich the soil with compost, and plan out your layout so you’re ready to plant when the weather is just right.

If you’re looking to brighten up your landscape with low-maintenance annuals, Cape Cod’s growing season offers plenty of options. While all annuals require basic care—like watering, occasional fertilizing, and weeding—some are especially easygoing and don’t require deadheading or pinching to keep blooming.

These easy annuals are perfect for garden beds, borders, or containers, especially for beginner gardeners or those with busy schedules:

  • Begonias – Thrive in shade and partial sun with minimal upkeep
  • New Guinea Impatiens – Offer vibrant color and don’t need constant deadheading
  • Angelonia – A heat-tolerant, upright bloomer perfect for Cape summers
  • Portulaca – A drought-resistant option ideal for sunny spots
  • Salvia – Attracts pollinators and grows well with little maintenance

These low-maintenance annuals are not only beautiful but also ideal for Cape Cod’s unique coastal climate.

Watering needs for annuals in the spring can vary due to the variety of weather we may receive on Cape Cod. During a hot, dry week, watering everyday may be required. During cooler temps and rainy weeks, watering may not be needed. General rules of thumb for the spring are recommended as follows:

  • 3-4 times per week depending on temperature, rainfall and soil type
  • Keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist
  • As plants establish (2–3 weeks post-planting), adjust based on weather and soil drainage

Avoid shallow frequent watering; aim for deep, less frequent watering to encourage deep root growth.

Annuals thrive in well-drained, organic-rich soils. Enhance your beds with:

  • Composted organic matter before planting
  • A balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting
  • Monthly water-soluble feedings during the growing season for heavy bloomers

Yes, mixing annuals and perennials is recommended for:

  • Seasonal color and extended bloom periods
  • Filling gaps while perennials establish
  • Attracting pollinators

Ensure annuals don’t crowd out slower-growing perennials, and choose compatible species based on light, water, and soil needs

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