Grow perennials from seed

Perennial flowers are more expensive than annuals and the cost can add up if you need quite a few for massing or for various parts of your landscape. But many – Coreopsis, coneflowers, daisies, among them – are easily and inexpensively grown from seed.

June and July are good times to do this. Sow seeds in a bed outdoors or in plastic six-packs you've saved and keep the potting soil damp until they germinate.

Transplant to about 9 inches apart when the plants have reached 3 inches tall. As you water regularly, fertilize with liquid fertilizer or compost tea every six weeks. Next spring, they’ll be ready to move to wherever you need them.