The key to healthy strong plants is a healthy soil. To
build and maintain good soil health, cover crop annual beds after frost with winter rye
and hairy vetch or another cover crop suited to your area, and add compost or manure. For
established perennial beds, top dress with compost or well-rotted manure and scratch in.
Annual flower gardens need a sunny site with at least 6 hours of sun a day. When a ball of
soil crumbles easily under your thumb, it's ready to work.
Loosen the soil to a depth of 1
foot for annuals and 2 feet for perennials. Work in a 2-4" layer of organic material
such as manure, compost, or peat moss. It's best to have a soil test to determine what
additional nutrients, if any, need to be added. A pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is best. Rake the bed
smooth and water gently to settle. Now you are ready to sow annual seeds or transplant
your annual and perennial seedlings.
Firm rows lightly with a board and sow seed thinly.
Cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil and tamp lightly. Shade areas in hot sun
with row cover or scattered straw, and keep from drying out until the seedlings are well
established.
Final spacing for annuals is 6-8" apart. Final spacing for perennials is
12-24" apart.
