New gardener - what am I doing wrong?

[TastingTheRainbow]

I’m a new gardener as it’s the first time we have a garden! Have dug some beds and planted them. Soil is clay type, have mixed in potting compost and miracle gro plant food to add nutrients. Planted in a sunny location in south facing garden. Planted 5 days ago and have watered well every day since. Some of the plants are looking very dry however despite that fact I watered them until there was puddles of water around them every day. Do they need even more? Is there something else I’ve done wrong?

It's just really warm. Water then again when the sun has gone in.

These are on the other side of the garden where it’s more shaded and they seem to be doing better. Is it possible to be sunny? I bought plants that said they like full sun.

Yeah, new plants are just delicate. Also, the soil looks quite compact and clay like. A top dressing of compost might help.

It is really clay like, new build so it’s also full of builders rubble. I did mix in compost before planting. Maybe I should add more? I’m going to add some mulch this week also.

Yes, I'd say you need to add more goodness to that soil.

Shall I put compost just on the top and then mulch over that or should I mix it in like I did when I first planted?

You can just put it on the top and the worms will work it in.
It has been really warm so just keep watering, a good soak every day. When you first plant they haven't had time to get their roots into the soil, in a few weeks when they are more established they will be happier and you can slow up on the watering

If the soil is clay I'd dig a bigger hole than you need and put some compost in so that the plant has the ability to root down in looser soil.

Is there something else I’ve done wrong? You're doing well! My son wouldn't even recognise the plants were stressed.

They all look fine except for the marigold. Those leaves look like they have been damaged somehow. Just cut them off and water well. Try a gravel mulch around them to keep the soil cool. This will also keep off the slugs and snails who love new plants. It would be a pity if they get eaten. Alternatively slug pellets if you can’t get gravel.The new plants have tiny roots so will need lots of water until they are established. Try watering of a night and then during the day when they look a little droopy. You are not doing anything wrong, it just really hot at the moment.

@IJustWantFiveMinutesAlone I did that when I planted them and mixed compost in the top soil.

Added a top layer of compost today and after a good water last night they are looking better.