As temperatures moderate a bit this week, gardeners can assess their gardens to see where they have gaps or holes. The best and cheapest way to plug these is with 4-packs of annuals.
Use them in pots or beds to fill in bare areas. They are easy and quick to plant.
You'll find many nurseries still have a good selection of marigolds, zinnias, salvias, begonias, coleus, sweet potato vine, coleus and petunias. It's definitely not too late to plant and all of these are heat-loving plants.
Just keep them moist for the first few weeks as the settle in. The "Wave" petunias, in particular, will take off quickly and perform beautifully all season.
Annuals such as zinnias or salvia can also be planted in vegetable gardens near crops to lure bees to pollinate vegetables such as cucumbers.
