Annuals Tips

After planting apply a light mulch of compost or shredded leaves to help hold in moisture. Put it down after plants are established but well before the July bake-off begins. Large wood and bark chips aren't well suited for the task (for starters, they're flammable). Gravel and stone dust tend to heat up.

For the longest season of bloom, deadhead or snip off spent flowers from time to time. If you wish, leave a few to encourage self-sowing.