Sprinkle the fertilizer lightly along the row, and scratch it into the soil. If mulch is used, simply scatter nitrogen fertilizer on the mulch and water to wash it in. Insects and diseases Prompt action for insect and disease control is important to maintain annuals in best conditions. Because of the many different annuals, we cannot list their individual pests here. Most, however, have relatively few, and prompt action with a good general insecticide or fungicide will remedy the condition.
Many diseases thrive under crowded growing conditions.
Vigorous plants, well spaced for good air circulation, with good drainage and minimum shade usually have fewer disease problems. Uses of annuals Flower borders. They can fill bare spaces and add color to dull areas. When spring-flowering bulbs can't be removed, annuals can be interplanted to provide cover after the bulbs. Used as a border, these white annuals create a very simple effect.