That is how all of my beds were done.

Toss out 1/2 of your seeds. And save some for later.
Mine reseed and come back each year. Just wet the soil once in a while.
No plastic, in this heat they would probably roast.

Fall 2011 reseed from spring 2011. This was during last years drought. They got water twice a month once they came up.

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Beautiful, Kathy, I do so love zinnias.........they are such a happy little flower.

The reason I considered the plastic is the part beagle that is free to dig in that newly placed compost and thus the seeds. But, I agree with you, I think the seeds would roast. Thanks for suggesting 1/2 the seeds. I wouldn't have thought of that.

Your flowers are beautiful. Thanks, taterebug

You are certainly welcome.

To keep the part beagle out you could either fence off the area or cover it with hardware cloth. At least, the latter is what I've seen recommended for other digging animals. Evidently, they don't like scratching into it for some reason. :)