1. Where are you planting?   Sun or Shade

           8 or more hours of sun is considered full sun

           Shade plants may burn in sun, sun plants may not bloom well if in shade 

           What else is planted in that location? Bushes, bulbs, perennials etc...

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2. What color theme

           again, be mindful of what is already there.

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3. Watering conditions:

           plants that need more water (Bacopia, Hydrangea) do not mix well with                  drought tolerant, cactus or succulents

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4. Watch your heights

          tall plants in the back (or center if using a pot) short or border plant in front

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5. Front of plant

          Think of the sunflowers all facing the sun

          Every flower has a front and back (if you are looking at the flower, it should           be looking back at you) Begonia with pointed leaf, points need to go out                 side of pot cascading or crawling plants need to flow out side of pot 

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FOR PLANTING SEEDS AND CUTTINGS ALWAYS "WATER IN" YOUR POTS TO INSURE MOISTURE IN SOIL. THIS IS DONE BY WATERING THE SOIL A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES. POT OF SOIL WILL BE HEAVY AND WET NOT LIGHT AND DRY.

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CONGRATULATIONS YOU ARE FINALLY READING TO START PLANTING

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6. Dirt level is very important!!!

          Do not cover up the :crown" or center of plant. The majority of plants do                 not like to be buried alive. Do not plant too deep or put soil down in crown             of plant. Some plants like Azalea even gives directions to plant crown 2 to 3 

          inches above soil level and mulch around covering roots. (Shade the roots)

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7. Gently pack down soil around the plant so it stays upright when watering. Over            watering causes leaves to turn yellow.

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8. Water (never fertilize when soil is over dry or plants have no root system...it will            burn it)

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9. Trimming: For best results for a healthy plant, cut off any flowers or buds. This 

          process cuts off the color when planted so the plant branches off and gets

          bigger and healthier. Where ever you cut, the plant will "fork" at the poin

          making a new knuckle where leaves and new growth will form. Trim 

          plants to shape or let them grow natural.

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10. Dead Head spent flowers...it is always best to cut off dead blooms to                             encourage new growth

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Perennials come up every year, but only flowers at certain times (first year they sleep, 2nd year they creep, the 3rd year you can reap the benefits)

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Annuals are one year and are mostly continual color but do not winter over.