PLAN YOUR GARDEN:
Sketch the area on graph paper. Put groups of similar plants together for pleasing color effect from a distance. Allow space (one to one-half times plant height) for plants to grow and spread.
EVALUTAE AND PREPARE SOIL:
Select an area that's well-drained (no puddles after rain). Improve soil by adding plenty of organic material before establishing your garden, and do so every year thereafter. Loosen soil by tilling or digging to a depth of 6-12 inches. Turn over well, forking in the organic material. If a soil test indicates, spread a balanced fertilizer over the area, and work in. Smooth the soil surface and mark the locations for planting. If starting a new garden in spring, wait until your soil has passed the ""clump"" test. A palm-full of soil should stick together when squeezed, then break apart into medium-sized particles. At this point, it’s safe to work soil.
PLANTING:
Scatter seed in bands, groups or rows, according to packet instructions. When seedlings have several pairs of leaves, thin then out and mulch around each plant (a 2-3 inch layer).
WATERING:
Water well daily, so seedlings will emerge quickly and begin to bloom. After plants are established, water weekly.
Other than removing faded flower heads and regular watering, annuals are pretty carefree. For early-flowering annuals, cut plants back when flowers have stopped appearing. This will encourage new flowering. If you've planted annuals for cutting, be sure to cut frequently because this will encourage more flowers for future bouquets. Enjoy!
FAVORITE ANNUAL FLOWERS FROM SEED INCLUDE:
African daisy, ageratum, alyssum, amaranthus, aster, baby's breath, bachelor button, balsam, basil, calendula, California poppy, candytuft, cardinal climber, catmint, cleome, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, dianthus, four o'clock, geranium, globe amaranth, gourds, ornamental grass, hyacinth bean, impatiens, flowering kale, larkspur, lobelia, marigold, melampodium, moonflower, morning glory, moss rose, nasturtium, nicotiana, nigella, pansy, petunia, phlox, pincushion flower, rudbeckia, salvia, scarlet runner bean, Shirley poppy, snapgragon, statice, strawflower, sunflower, Texas bluebonnet, tithonia, verbena, vinca and zinnia.