Choose shade loving plants for shady areas and sun loving plants for areas exposed to full sun. Look for deep green, vigorous plants that are not spindly. Scout for insects and disease before you purchase the plant. Avoid purchasing plants that are root-bound. Select plants just beginning their blooming cycle or first flowering.
Selections are best when the new shipments arrive.
Purchase plants for the appropriate season. Bed Preparation Soil for most bedding plants should be slightly acid to neutral with a pH of 5.5-7.0. It may be necessary to add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Spade or Rototill your planting site prior to planting. This will break up compacted areas and incorporate air back through the soil to increase root development.