TIP OF THE WEEK
Plant in winter for spring flowers

Some favorite old-fashioned annuals should be planted in December or January for spring flowers.

Scatter seeds of larkspur, cornflowers and poppies in prepared beds.

Rake lightly, scatter the seeds, lightly cover and then water gently.

After the seedlings appear and have true leaves, thin to four to six inches apart and water again.

Another favorite annual is sweet peas.

There are several different varieties such as early flowering, climbing and new giants.

Select a location that gets at least a half day of sun and protection from North winds.

These seeds should be soaked overnight in water for best results.

Work soil eight to 10 inches deep and plant about one-inch deep and two inches apart in the bottom of the trench.

Climbers need a fence or trellis to grow on.

When they begin flowering, sweet peas should be cut every day to insure continuous blooming.

This is a great job for children or grandchildren.

Pat Massad, Smith County Master Gardener