For an exquisite flower garden that remains healthy, first consider its location. Choose an area that receives sunlight all day long.
Avoid working wet soil as this will harm its structure. Make sure the spot you choose for planting flowers is easily navigable so you can water, trim and fertilize without accidentally treading on any flowers!
Location
Flowering plants require sunlight, so the first step in creating a flower garden should be selecting an area in your yard where there will be ample sunshine. It is wise to create separate beds from lawn areas; otherwise the flowers could fall prey to mower blades while in their beds. Beds can take any shape or size–from expansive rectangles to petite corner beds–while retired garden designer Donna Hackman advises new flower gardeners choose perennials for year-round color as well as adding some bulbs for spring blooming and fall hues.
Once you have selected a location, take note of how much sunlight it receives throughout the day. Different flowers require differing amounts of sun; knowing this amount will help determine which seeds or plants to purchase. Also keep an eye out for whether shade may appear during afternoon hours as this could significantly change what species of flowering plants you can grow there. Finally, clear away any debris such as weeds from the spot before beginning planting.
Soil
Your soil choice is absolutely essential to the success of any flower garden. By providing plants with the nutrients they require for growth and blooming, the proper type of dirt can ensure your garden flourishes beautifully.
When it comes to growing flowers, ideal soil for cultivation typically features an ideal combination of sand, clay and silt – known as sandy loam – as well as sufficient organic matter content to ensure water retention and nutrients content.
Clay soil tends to be dense and compacted. To loosen it up, lots of compost or organic material such as mulch will need to be added in addition to amending it with organic matter and light application of mulch. Also important is installing an irrigation system for your flower garden.
Water
Most flowering plants thrive best in well-balanced, moisture-retaining soil. All require water for their survival; some require specific amounts. Rainwater and meltoff snow provide the optimal hydration source; otherwise distilled or boiled water is an acceptable substitute. Tap water that contains chlorine or fluoride can damage plants.
The frequency and amount of water required depends on both weather and soil conditions. When dealing with young plants or seeds that require constant care such as young flowers or seeds, more regular watering is needed than with mature ones. When soil temperatures become warm and dry, signs of overwatering include drooping stems, moldy roots, stunted growth or mold. Timers on your sprinkler system or soaker hose allow you to monitor when and how often water reaches root zones – early morning is ideal as surface evaporation decreases while foliage dries off by evening reducing surface evaporation as well as helping prevent fungal diseases.
Tools
To properly care for a flower bed, a variety of tools is needed. Shovels or spades should be used for digging while trowels can help plant annuals, perennials and bulbs. A weeding fork comes in handy for pulling deep-rooted weeds out while gloves provide important protection from thorns while protecting hands from itching.
Mulch can help maintain soil moisture, keeping temperatures consistent and decreasing watering needs. Soaker hoses reduce evaporation by soaking water into the ground instead of running off into streams or rivers; watering early morning helps avoid over-saturating soil, while improving root health.
Most flower plants require regular fertilization to produce abundant blooms. An effective feeding schedule begins in spring and continues through summer if necessary in mild climates, choosing from liquid, granular and controlled-release fertilizers to deliver essential nutrients when they’re most needed.