• Wait until about May 15th to plant annuals which, on average, is the last frost date each spring in Colorado Springs
• To harden off plants before planting them, place plants in a cool spot on the north or east side of the house—bring them into the garage anytime the temperature is going to drop below 40 degrees—this is to get the plants slowly adjusted to the sun’s intense rays as well as cooler outdoor temperatures
• Plant in the cool of the day—early morning or late afternoon
• When planting, amend the soil with a sheep peat compost and perhaps a tablespoon of bone meal per plug mixed in with the compost and existing soil
• Loosen the soil around the roots before placing the plant in the ground
• Immediately after planting, provide each plant with a good deep drink of water each day for the first week  Do not let dry out.
• After plant is established, water preferably in the cool of the early morning as needed—usually every other day depending on type of soil
• To keep plants healthy, apply a good liquid fertilizer about twice a month—follow directions carefully on the fertilizer container
• Over-fertilization can kill plants
• Deadhead faded blooms to promote additional plant blooms in the future.

For more information, contact  Phelan Gardens at 574-8058.