What is an Annual?

Seedbed Preparation

Annuals for Specific Locations

Planting Annuals

Maintenance

A good garden plan and quality plants are two of the main ingredients of a successful flower garden. Nevertheless, you will not usually succeed without a good, well-prepared seedbed prior to planting. This is especially true if the flowerbed is in a new location. After determining the size and shape of the bed, and laying out the area, cut and remove all grass and weeds prior to tilling the soil. An alternative to the physical removal of sod, weeds, and other unwanted plants, followed by repeated tilling operations, is to apply a herbicide containing the active ingredient, glyphosate, or some other non-selective herbicide to the area. It will kill off the existing grasses and most broad-leafed vegetation. After the vegetation has died off, it can then be tilled into the soil. Read and follow all label directions carefully to avoid unwanted damage.

Organic Matter
Most garden soils will benefit from the incorporation of organic matter. This will improve soil texture, tilth, aeration, and drainage. Apply 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) of organic matter, such as compost, peat moss, leaves, grass clippings, or manure, and till into the top 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) of soil. The area should also be fertilized using a general-purpose fertilizer such as 5-10-5, 10-10-10, 12-12-12 or similar analysis at the rate recommended on the container. After thoroughly working all of the material into the bed, rake the area level and you are ready to plant.

Soil pH
Most annuals grow very well in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, although some will tolerate levels above or below that level. Most of our soils fall within this range, and there would not normally be cause for any drastic pH adjustments. Nevertheless, specific plants may have decided preferences for a particular pH, and you should determine such information before choosing such plants for your garden. If pH is suspected as the cause of poor annual plant performance, you should have your soil analyzed by a soil-testing lab. After results are reviewed, an informed decision can be made as to the best course of corrective action. Before blaming fertility or pH problems for poor annual performance, be sure you have adequately prepared your seedbed. This is the key to quality plant performance.

Soil Moisture
Working soils too early in the spring, when they are still wet can result in damage to the soil structure. These soils can become very hard, poorly drained, and poorly aerated and this may adversely effect your flower garden.

Before you begin, test by taking a handful of soil and squeezing it into a ball. If the ball crumbles readily when you touch it, the soil is dry enough to work. If it remains in a tight ball, it is too wet, and you should not work it until it has a chance to dry further.