For beautiful bursts of color, easy care and long blooming seasons, you just can’t beat annuals.  Inexpensive and willing to grow in most locations, annuals are the workhorses of the garden.

A true annual completes its life cycle in one growing season;  biennials do so in two.  A plant that is considered an annual here in the northeast might be a perennial in a warmer climate.

Give annuals optimal conditions from the start to really maximize their potential:

• Cold is their main weakness.  For that reason, wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting.
• The light you get determines which annuals you should plant.  Are you growing in full sun, partial sun or shade?  Observe the space at different times of the day to accurately gauge how much sun the plants will get.  There are lots of annuals to choose from for every type of light.
• Start each year with a bed of fresh compost. Feel free to add fertilizer to the soil before you plant. Use either regular or time-release, organic or inorganic fertilizer depending on your preference.
• For the first few weeks of growing, feed the plants a little every time you water. (Annuals love at least an inch of rain or water per week). Again, use water- soluble fertilizer, compost tea, or whatever kind of fertilizer you prefer.
• Until the annuals grow and spread, use a mulch to conserve moisture and hold back the weeds. As always, try to keep up with weeding throughout the season.

Whether you’re trying some new and exciting varieties or relishing old favorites, enjoy your annuals!