How to Do a Snapdragons Garden

Prepare the soil for a snapdragon bed in an area that receives full or partial sun. Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Amend with a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure. This ensures good drainage and improves aeration.

Determine the color scheme of your snapdragon garden. These striking flowers come in pale pastels, such as pink and yellow, but also sport brilliant hues of red and orange and may be any color other than true blue.

Consider the overall appearance you would like to create. Cool purples and pinks give the illusion of distance and are best used in areas that you want to recede into the background. Warm colors such as reds and orange appear closer.

Select snapdragons of varying heights. Snapdragons are classified as dwarf snapdragons that reach heights of 6 to 15 inches, mid-sized snapdragons that reach heights from 15 to 30 inches and tall snapdragons that reach a height of 30 inches to 4 feet or more.

Plant tall snapdragons in the center back of the garden, if it will be viewed from one angle. For round beds that are viewed from multiple angles, place the tallest plants in the center. Space according to the recommendations for your specific seedlings -- typically 6 inches apart for dwarfs and 12 to 18 inches apart for taller varieties.

Arrange mid-sized snapdragons in front of the tall snapdragons in beds viewed from one angle or around the tall snapdragons in a round bed viewed from multiple angles. Observe proper spacing to allow your garden plenty of room to grow.

Complete the flower garden by planting dwarf snapdragons in the foreground.

Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to the root level. Keep soil moist until seedlings show signs of growth. Reduce watering to once a week or whenever the soil dries 1 inch below the surface.

Fertilize snapdragons with water-soluble fertilizer designed for flowering plants twice a month during periods of active growth.