How to Plant Mums in the Ground

Mums are popular fall flowers that add color and beauty to your garden. Planting mums in the ground is easy and can provide you with stunning blooms for the entire autumn season. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to planting mums in the ground.

Choose the right location

The first step in planting mums in the ground is to choose the right location. Mums are sun-loving plants that require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Therefore, it is important to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight.

Prepare the soil

Once you have chosen the right location, it is time to prepare the soil. Mums prefer well-draining soil, so it is important to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches with a garden fork or tiller. Remove any debris such as rocks or roots and mix in a generous amount of organic matter such as compost or peat moss.

Plant the mums

After preparing the soil, it is time to plant the mums. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently remove the mum from its container and carefully loosen the roots. Place the mum in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Water and fertilize regularly

After planting the mums, it is important to water them regularly to keep the soil moist. Mums require 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. Additionally, fertilize the mums every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and blooming.

Deadhead regularly

To ensure that your mums continue to bloom throughout the fall season, it is important to deadhead them regularly. Deadheading involves removing spent blooms by cutting them back to a leaf or bud. This will prevent the mums from wasting energy on producing seeds and encourage more blooming.

Protect from frost

Mums are frost-tolerant but not frost-proof. To protect your mums from frost, cover them with a frost cloth or blanket on nights when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. This will help to protect the plants and prolong their blooming season.

In conclusion, planting mums in the ground is a simple process that can provide you with stunning fall blooms. Choose the right location, prepare the soil, plant the mums, water and fertilize regularly, deadhead regularly, and protect from frost to keep your mums blooming throughout the fall season.