Basil
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1/4" deep and space 6"-9" apart. Once plants are about 8" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more stems. To harvest, cut in the morning to help prevent wilting. Waiting until the base of the stems feels woody also helps with premature wilting. Thrives in full sun.

Celosia
Can be started inside about 6 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1/8" deep and space 6"-9" apart. Once plants are about 8" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more stems. To harvest, cut when flowers are full formed, but before black seeds appear. Thrives in full sun.

Cosmos
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1/4" deep and space 9"-12" apart. Once plants are about 8" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more blooms. To harvest, cut stems just as petals are opening. Regular deadheading produces more flowers. Thrives in full sun.

Dahlia (from seed)
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1" deep and space 12"-18" apart. Once plants are about 12" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more blooms. These plants get top-heavy, so they will need some sort of support. Thrives in full sun, but will appreciate afternoon shade. *Tubers saved from a plant you like will remain as a true offspring, so you can save and plant them the following year. If you choose to save your own seed, the offspring will NOT be true to its parent type*

Frosted Explosion Grass
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Note that young plants can look like weeds, so take care not to pull them out. Plant about 1/8" deep and space 9"-12" apart.  To harvest, cut stems when plumes are fully open. Thrives in full sun.

Marigold
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1/4" deep and space 9"-12" apart. Once plants are about 8" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more blooms. To harvest, cut stems when flowers are fully open. Regular deadheading produces more flowers. Thrives in full sun.

Phlox
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1/4" deep and space 6"-9" apart. To harvest, cut stems when about 50% of the flowers are open. This plant enjoys the sun, but will do better with afternoon shade. We have found that it performs best in the spring and fall.

Strawflower
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Barely press seed into the soil because they need light to germinate. Space plants about 9" apart. Once plants are about 12" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more blooms. To harvest, cut stems when the first few rows of petals have opened, but before you can see the center. Regular deadheading produces more flowers. This is also a great flower for drying. Thrives in full sun.

Sunflower
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1/2" deep. For smaller flower head size, plant close together. For larger flower head size, space further apart. We have found that 4"-6" spacing gives us the most usable sizes for bouquets. For branching varieties, once plants are about 12" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more blooms. To harvest, cut stems just as petals are lifting from the center. The petals will continue to open in the vase. Thrives in full sun.
*Beware: Deer LOVE to eat this plant. If you have deer activity in your area, please plan accordingly*

Zinnia
Can be started inside about 4 weeks before the first frost, or directed seeded after first frost. Plant about 1/4" deep and space 9"-12" apart. Spacing further apart helps to prevent powdery mildew. Once plants are about 8" tall, pinch out the middle to create a bushier plant with more blooms. To harvest, gently wiggle the stem. If the flower head sways and is not rigid, do not cut. If the flower head stays rigid, you can harvest. Thrives in full sun.