Choose perennials and annuals with a range of colors and shapes to bring flowers bloom all season long. Look for repeat performers that won’t become leggy after flowering, and require minimal care or fussing from you after they bloom.
Acquaint yourself with your USDA growing zone, and select plants suitable to thrive in it. Carefully read all planting instructions included on plant tags or seed packets before selecting plants to grow in your climate.
Soil
Your soil’s quality can make an immense impactful on how healthy your flowers grow. A well-drained loam will allow their roots to spread easily and absorb vital nutrients more readily.
Use a shovel and garden rake to loosen the soil. Add well-rotted manure or compost. Remember not to disturb or work wet soil as this could damage its structure.
If your flower garden is replacing a lawn, remove the sod with a flat shovel or dethatcher and water the cardboard to begin breaking it down. A layer of organic material will prevent grass from coming back into your flower bed; best done in spring so it has time to break down before you need to plant again.
Sunlight
First-time flower gardeners should select an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If possible, observe how the sunlight hits it throughout the day before improving soil quality by clearing away rocks and weeds before adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve it. Before planting any type of flowers, read up on recommended instructions so you provide it with sufficient amounts and types of nutrients.
Be familiar with your USDA Growing Zone so you don’t plant flowers that won’t survive your climate. Also consider including annuals in your garden for quick and long-blooming color – particularly during the heat of summer when other flowers may have started to fade.
Water
Flowering plants bring vivid hues to any garden and are sure to catch people’s eyes. Plus, their pollinator-attracting qualities will attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds – further adding vibrancy and color. When choosing flowers for your yard’s landscaping plan, take into account their sun and water requirements so you’re getting maximum value from every inch.
For optimal planting conditions, loosen the soil by digging and adding well-rotted manure or compost to enhance its texture and water-retaining capacity. A great soil prep can reduce how much fertilizer will need to be added over time.
Once it comes time to plant, be sure to select seeds or transplants which are fresh and healthy. Avoid seeds with holes or sticky leaves as well as any that appear root bound in their pots. After planting your seeds or plants in the ground, be sure to water thoroughly to settle down the soil and promote deep root development.
Fertilization
Once the site for your garden has been chosen and grass has been cleared away, the next step should be improving the soil. Most flowers favor loamy soil that drains well that has been amended with organic material such as compost for optimal nutrient conditions.
Work organic material and an all-purpose balanced fertilizer into the top 6-8 inches of your soil where most flower plant roots develop, as this will encourage their roots to develop further. Don’t work wetter soil, as doing so compromises its structure and makes it less conducive for plant growth.
If your flower bed is heavily mulched, row feeding can help provide essential nourishment to each plant or group of plants by moving aside the mulch and spreading 3-inch-wide rings of dry fertilizer around each individual plant. Over time, nutrients will seep down through the mulch into the surrounding bare soil and replenish the blooms’ health.
Pruning
No matter if you have one flower garden or multiple beds, proper site preparation is key. To create the ideal environment for planting without digging, spread several layers of newspaper over your desired planting site and let it decompose in order to add nutrients back into the soil as time goes on.
If you’re growing flowers for cutting, select a site with plenty of sun as most perennial and annual varieties require at least six hours of daily sunshine. By planting perennials with different bloom times throughout spring to fall, you can enjoy a continuous supply of colorful blooms from spring through fall.
Plan the layout of your flower garden carefully, taking into account how tall plants should be placed in the back while shorter varieties should be closer to the front of the bed. Also keep fragrance and movement in mind to amplify their beauty.