Choose a location with well-drained soil. Pansies will not grow well in soil that stays constantly wet. Work 4 to 6 inches of organic matter, such as garden compost, peat moss, soil conditioner or well-rotted leaves, into the soil with a shovel or tiller. Ideally, you should perform a soil test to determine how much fertilizer and limestone to add to the soil. Contact your county extension agent for instructions.
Pansies grow best in a soil with a low pH, so little if any limestone is usually needed.
They don't need a high amount of fertilizer, so fertilize sparingly. Plant pansies in the bed at about the same level they were growing in the packs or just slightly higher. Don't plant them too deep, with soil covering the stem. After planting, cover the surface of the soil with 4 to 6 inches of mulch such as pine straw, pine bark or wheat straw. Water the bed thoroughly, immediately after planting to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches.