Whenever starting a flower garden, it’s essential to consider both the USDA hardiness zone and type of flowers you plan on growing as well as whether your soil can accommodate these new additions.
Make sure that the area you have selected receives plenty of sunlight; most flowers need full exposure in order to thrive.
Location
Starting a flower garden from scratch can be intimidating for beginners, but there are steps that you can take to help ensure its success.
Begin by selecting an ideal location for your flower garden. A spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day would be optimal, with morning sun providing sufficient illumination without the intense heat that can hamper plants’ photosynthesis process.
Once you’ve found the ideal site, remove any grass present before using a shovel to dig up the soil and gain an accurate impression of its type and drainage capabilities. Soil composition has an enormous effect on flower health – ideal soil would contain plenty of essential nutrients while possessing a neutral pH level.
Soil
Flower gardens require the ideal soil in order to flourish. Most bloom best when grown in loose, well-drained conditions that are rich with organic material. Prior to any digging activities taking place in the soil, test for its pH (a measurement of acidity or alkalinity), as well as its nutrient content – neutral pH is between 6.5 and 7, anything above that marks it as alkaline, while below this mark marks acidity.
Rhododendrons and lavender require acidic soil while other plants like peonies require more alkaline conditions. Knowing your USDA growing zone is also key when deciding what plants will thrive in your garden.
When purchasing garden soil, make sure it has been screened to remove large particles that could obstruct flower roots and inhibit water circulation. Avoid rock-based mixes which block water flow. A shovel or spade are great tools to use when digging for your flower garden and gloves are highly recommended to protect hands against cramped hands when handling it.
Planting
Flowers add a vibrant splash of color to any landscape. Some blooms stand out and draw the eye, while others function more subtly as background details. No matter their purpose, however, it is crucial that gardeners understand what makes a successful garden of blooms.
Start by clearing away grass and weeds from the area where you plan to plant. To improve soil quality, add well-rotted manure or compost.
Next step in creating your flower garden should be choosing when to plant. Generally, planting should take place after all frost risk has passed, however always referring to individual variety specifications for optimal spacing of all varieties of flowers.
Establish an annual- and perennial-rich flower garden to extend blooming all season. Consider including shrubs for year-round structure and height. Also, remember to trim away spent flower heads regularly for an attractive aesthetic as this will encourage the plants to put their energy towards producing foliage and blooms for next year.
Maintenance
Maintaining a vibrant flower garden requires fertilizing regularly using a hose equipped with a fine spray. Doing this is crucial, as many blooming species require nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorous for strong root development and potassium for lots of blooms.
Most flowers prefer loamy soil with proper drainage, so avoid planting them where water accumulates after rainstorms or during spring thaws. Also important: planting at the right time of year – learn your USDA growing zone and read seed packet instructions or plant guides to know when you should start your flowers!
Deadheading flowers regularly helps encourage new blooms to form and conserve water and nutrients by keeping perennial plants like Irises, Daylilies and Yarrow from expending their energy on producing seeds or developing foliage that will soon die off. Incorporating deadheading practices will keep gardens looking their best all season long!