Liberal amounts of aged manure, compost or other organic materials are beneficial when worked into the soil as it is turned over. When soil fertility and acidity is unknown, a soil test should be made to determine need for lime and fertilizer. If seeds are to be planted in the bed, the surface should be raked until lumps are broken up and a fine level seed bed is developed. If plants are to be placed directly into the bed, small lumps may be allowed to remain. Always make sure that the surface is level, or slightly sloped toward the sides.
Low spots permit the development of disease because they remain too wet too long.
If drainage is generally poor, the bed should be raised or drainage tile installed. Most annual flowers grow and flower best in full sun. A few, however, are suitable for shade. For more specific light requirements see Table 1. After the seedbed has been well prepared, make a shallow trench, scatter seeds thinly into it and cover very lightly.