...ght, butfew if any annuals will thrive in complete shade. It isimportant to take these sunlight needs into account whenplanning your flower bed.pH Level Most annuals tolerate a pH range from 6 to 7.4. Soilthat is too acidic to fit this range can be amended with lime,while soil that is too alkaline can be amended with aluminumsulfate.Water The watering needs of annuals vary according to variety,and it is important to provide water in accordance with theneeds of each plant.Choosing the best plants Finding the best plants is veryimportant, and it is important for the gardener to determinewhether to grow the annuals from seed or buy transplants. Whenpurchasing ready to plant stock from a nursery or garden enter,it is important to choose the plants carefully. It is importantto buy only deep green, healthy looking plants. Most varietiesof annuals do their best if they are transplanted before theyhave fully bloomed. It is also important to p...

...ovide the plantswith shade and water if they cannot be planted immediately.Planting times Most annuals should not be planted until alldanger of frost has past. Most varieties should be planted inwarm soil, while hardy and half hardy varieties can be plantedwhile the evenings are still cool.Planting annuals The best time to plant most annuals is duringthe late afternoon. In most cases you will want to water theplants and the soil in the bed before the annuals are planted.When transplanting the seedlings, it is important not to disturbthe roots. The hole in which the seedlings are planted should bedug slightly larger than the root ball, and the plant should beplanted at the same level it had been in the transplantcontainer. After the plant has been put into place, the soilshould be carefully arranged around the roots and wateredthoroughly after planting. It is important to keep the plantmoist until the roots have established themselves.