If you have a spot in your garden that is begging for a bit of color, you can plant flowers there. These flowers are easy to grow, but you will need to pay attention to the soil and sunlight in order to keep your blooms happy and healthy. Some common garden flowers include roses, tulips, petunias, and daisies.
Before you start digging up and transplanting your flower plants, take a step back and see how the garden will look once everything is in place. Especially if you purchased your plants from a nursery, make sure to follow the label instructions for height and spacing. You may want to draw out a detailed landscape plan on paper before you start digging. Once you have your plants in the ground, water them and make any necessary adjustments.
When choosing the location for your flower garden, find a place that receives full sun throughout the day. Many flowers need full sun to thrive, but some do better in partial shade. It’s also important to keep in mind that the area you choose needs to be out of the way of any backyard activities, like backyard BBQs or kids running around. The last thing you want is for your beautiful new blooms to get trampled!
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the container your flowers came in and a little wider. Set the container in the hole to test the soil depth and ensure it’s deep enough. Gently remove the container and press the dirt back around it, packing it lightly to help the soil retain moisture.
A good quality potting soil works best for most flowers. Before you plant, mix in some well-rotted manure or garden compost to improve the quality of the soil and help the roots grow quickly.
Once you’ve prepared the soil, prepare the planting area by clearing out any weeds and grass with your garden spade or sharp shovel. Digging breaks up the surface of the soil, allowing the flower’s roots to easily absorb nutrients.
When you’re ready to plant, give your flowers a fresh watering with a hose attachment that sprays a fine mist. This will prevent the flowers from getting knocked around or damaged by direct water pressure and can also eliminate any potential fungal problems.
After planting, water your flower garden and weed regularly. Unless it rains daily, flowers need 1 to 2 inches of water a week to thrive. Water the garden slowly and thoroughly, soaking the soil to prevent root rot and promote proper drainage.
As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to plant your new flowers. Be sure to check your USDA growing zone to determine which flowers are best suited for your yard and climate. Most flowers will only grow to their peak in your area if they are planted before the first frost of the season. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with your area’s first and last frost dates, as this will tell you when it’s safe to plant and harvest your flowers.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://diygardeningtips.com/beginners-gardening/soil-testing-nc-how-accurate-is-it/