• Choose a spot in full sun that is not hit by overhead sprinklers.

• Dig the ground deeply and mix in a generous layer of organic soil amendment.  Add a complete fertilizer recommended for annual flowers, according to package directions, and mix it into the top 6 inches of soil.

• Use the garden hoe to make a dike of soil 3 or 4 inches high all the way around the seedbed; it will hold the water in when you irrigate.  Rake the seedbed level. (If you can, install a drip system that will water the bed at ground level — drip systems make water basins unnecessary.)

• Pour some seeds into the palm of your hand.  Grasping them one by one place each seed right where you want it to grow, in a continuous diamond pattern all over the bed or drift. (As for all bedding plants and ground covers, alternate the rows when planting so that the plants grow all over, evenly, rather than standing like soldiers in foursquare rows.)  Follow the directions on the package as to spacing.  (Large varieties should be spaced about 12 inches apart, small varieties about 6 inches.)

• Cover the seeds very lightly with about 1/4 inch of soil- zinnias need light in order to germinate- and pat it down gently.  (If you're planting in clay soil, cover the seeds with potting mix rather than soil so they won't have to break through a hard crust.)

• Mist the seedbed thoroughly after planting.  Continue to mist it at least twice daily ( more often if it's hot and dry) until the seeds germinate.  (Covering the bed with a floating row cover can help keep the seeds damp and speed germination in hot, dry weather.  After seeds have germinated, take the row cover off.)

• Sprinkle the ground with granulated cutworm bait containing Sevin or diazinon.  (If using a row cover, sprinkle on the bait before covering the bed.)  Bait again a week or two later.

• Once the zinnias are up and firmly rooted, stop misting and start irrigating with the drip system or by putting the hose on the ground inside the dike.  (Aim the hose into a sideways flower pot to break the force of the water.)  A good rule of thumb for zinnias is: Always water zinnias on the ground, never overhead, or you'll ruin the foliage.

• When the plants are 3 or 4 inches high, start watering them more infrequently and deeply until you're applying 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on your soil and climate zone.

• To encourage branching, pinch out the first flower bud on each plant or pinch above the third set of leaves.

• Pick and deadhead zinnias throughout the summer.