With the recent spate of cooler weather, it also means that it is time to plant all those cool-season annuals. I have always advised on waiting until Halloween (or November 1) as the jumping off point for planting such flowers. And since Halloween is in just a few days, you couldn't have asked for a better time to do this work.

That's not so much the Tip of the Week per this email, rather I thought I would share the four best tips I use, and have used for years, when planting any annuals, perennials and small shrubs. It's a technique that has never failed me.

First, I add some additional rose soil to the area in which I'm planting, especially for annuals and perennials. I usually move whatever mulch is there to the side, and lay down one to two inches of new rose soil. Then, I just lightly till it into the existing soil. By the way, this is assuming I already have some pretty decent beds to begin with. In some instances I don't even add the new rose soil to the area, especially if the soil profile seems rich enough.

Next, I make a "transplant" solution of Medina Hasta Gro and water. Sometimes I add a drop or two of Super Thrive (this is totally optional), but the more important aspect is to make a solution of some kind of organic liquid fertilizer and so you have a no-brainer transplant solution. I don't normally recommend chemical root stimulators in this instance because the "fertilizer" in the root stimulator can often burn the delicate roots of flower transplants.

Thirdly, I use a side-dressing of Nelson Color Star (or any slow-release blooming plant food) around each and every transplant. You can incorporate it into the soil as well before you plant any flowers, but I've always done it as a side-dressing and have never been disappointed with the results.

Last, but certainly not least, it should also be noted that I also drench the entire area with the leftover water from the transplant solution, or if I've seemingly run out, just make another batch for the drenching. If for any reason you have run out of the liquid organic transplant solution such as Medina Hasta Gro, and then just wet the area with water.

Now, how would you like to get your hands on any or all of this stuff for free? As an email tip subscriber, all you have to do is bring a copy of this email to Plants For All Seasons this Saturday at Hwy 249 & Louetta. (click here for more details on their location.)

And/or if remember the technique by heart --

1. Rose Soil

2. Medina Hasta Gro

3. Nelson Color Star.

4. Drench with leftover solution.

Just come see us on Saturday and recite the technique. Either way, you will get a free sample of Rose Soil, Medina Hasta Gro and Nelson Color Star. That's right, all you have to do is buy some superior color, which they will have at a place like Plants for All Seasons, and I will arm you with everything else for free so you can succeed with color pockets like I do.

Now, if you've already done your color in the ground, there are still plenty of other reasons to come to Plants for All Seasons this Saturday. How about a chance at a $100 dollar gift certificate, free copies of my book, free Nitro Phos and Green Light products and free flats of flowers??? There will be a drawing every half hour, while we are broadcasting from there this Saturday, so I can think of no better reason to come pay us a visit any time between 8 a.m. and noon. One fair warning: All of this is WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. So, if you wait until after 12, you may not be able to partake in all the freebies. Heck if you wait until 11:00 a.m. there may be few things to pick from. Doors will open up at 8:00 a.m. So, get there early! Plants for All Seasons, Highway 249 and Louetta - serving Spring, Tomball, Cypress and Champions areas.

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In case you have not ordered your copy of it yet, here's the link for ordering my new book "Gulf Coast Gardening with Randy Lemmon."

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