To grow flowering annuals, first check how well the soil drains in your garden. Then have it tested to see which nutrients to add. Call the University's Soil Testing Lab for information at 612-625-3101.

PREPARATIONS
Turn the soil over with a rototiller or dig down at least 8 inches with a garden spade or fork. Unless your soil is nearly perfect, add peatmoss, compost, or other organic matter such as well-rotted manure. Follow soil test recommendations for fertilizer. If you're unsure, it's better to use too little rather than too much. You can always add more.

For best results, choose bedding plants suited to the amount of light you have. Sun-lovers, such as marigolds and geraniums, are bright and beautiful but they are a poor choice for shade. On the other hand, impatiens, coleus, and other shade-tolerant annuals tend to wilt easily or fade in all-day sun.

When you buy bedding plants in spring, "harden" them off before planting them into the soil. Put them outdoors in a partially protected place at first, but bring them back to the shelter of a porch or garage at night. Gradually accustom them to more exposed conditions over the next week.

PLANTING
Use a trowel to dig holes slightly larger than the bedding plants' roots. Plants grown in individual cell-packs pop out with minimal root loss. If several plants are together in an undivided tray, use a sharp knife to slice through their roots.

You don't need to remove young plants from peat pots. However, you MUST tear off any part of the pot that might stick up above the soil, wicking moisture away from roots. It's also a good idea to make several vertical slices through the peat walls.

Finally, plant in late afternoon or early evening when temperatures are cooler and sun is less intense. A cloudy, overcast day is even better. Thorough watering and a dose of mild starter fertilizer will get your plants off to a great start!

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