Beginner Gardening: *I need some advice PLZ?!*, 0 by PchesNCrm157

PchesNCrm157 wrote:
*Hello, I have just planted my first flower garden on May 20th, 2009, 1st question I have is...how much do you water your flowers? I heard you are supposed to water your flowers very good when you first plant them but how long do you do that for? When using the finger method, if your finger comes out with soil on it (Not soaked) is that good enough or too much water used? 2nd question...my gerbera daisies have started to get brown patches on them??? :( I have heard this is because I water them with cold water and pour the water on the leaves...is this true?? What water temperature should you use on your flowers? 3rd question...I have Miracle-gro Shake 'n Feed Continuous Release All Purpose Plant Food that feeds up to 3 months (Haven't used it yet)..is this good to use on my flowers and when should I start to use it?? And do I just use a dime sized amount for each flower?? 4th question...Do you have to fertilize them, how much do you use, how often, and what is the best kind?? 5th question...I have mulch around my flowers...should the mulch come right up around the flowers or not?? And will my flowers still be able to grow and spread out with the mulch over top?
Sorry about all the questions but this is my first time gardening and I want it to be right and have a beautiful flower bed! Thank you all in advance!!* ;)

I am in Ohio, Zone 5b
I mixed my flower bed with the original soil from the ground, Miracle-gro potting soil, and soil conditioner.

My flower bed consists of:
*Gerbera Daisies (White, pink, neon-like orange, and neon-like pink)
*Regatta Lobelias (Blue and white)
*A New Guinea Impatien (White/pink mix)
*Persicifolia Blue Bellflower Campanulas (Purple and white)
*Peace Hybrid Tea Rose Bush (Yellow edged with pink)
*A Pink looking snow bush flower??
*And a few others I'm not sure what they're called

Hanging Baskets:
*Gallery Dahilias
*A Regal Geranium
*Noa Blue Legend Calibrachoas
*Scopia Great Pink Ring Bacopas
*Scopia Gulliver Blue Sensation Bacopas