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Another great article Lee Ann!
I do let my annuals self seed, haven't planted Cosmoms or Snapdragons in 3-5 years. Calendula is one I didn't realize would so now I must get me some, and the Cleome is new to me. A DG just set me some seeds so now im excited to plant them and have them come back year after year! Thanks for the wonderful tips!!
3g, do you have to give up mulching to get the volunteers? I never spade, but do lay a mulch of straw or chopped leaves over the whole garden each fall to prevent weeds. My flowers & veggies are mixed willy-nilly.
You don't have to give up mulching. I put a 4-5 inch layer of compost on the gardens twice every summer. The first time in the early summer, after all of the self-seeders have come up and then again in the fall before the seeds drop.
Hmm, calendulas haven't self seeded for me...must try again.
I planted portulacas two years ago, but only a few came back.
Several years ago I bought some seeds for dwarf cleome. They were ok but I decided I would rather have the taller kind. However, for the next three years they kept popping up in nooks, beds, and paths all over the place. The tall varieties don't seem so prolific!
Some petunias seem to be generous self-seeders as well.
LeeAnn: You are a kindred spirit! I have a petunia blooming now that "volunteered". I adore portulaca, too, and it never disappoints.
I planted Cosmos this year for the first time since moving to a new house. I didn't realize they would tolerate shade! So thanks for that info! Maybe I won't have to concentrate them in my one full-sun spot!
LeeAnn - agree with others great article...I was happily nodding while reading your mention of Nicotiana (so excited mine are sprouting up various places), Portulaca the gift that keeps on giving even in the dead of summer when everything else wants to turn brown...my petunias and stock have and are popping up as well...makes for nice surpises as I'm sure I'll have more beneath my bird feeder out back...LOL
