Flower gardens bring color and dimension to any yard while elevating curb appeal. Although starting a garden from scratch may seem daunting at first, with proper planning and execution you will soon see its beauty bloom into reality!
At first, prepare your garden bed by adding compost and mulch to the soil, which can reduce weeds while maintaining an attractive appearance in your beds.
Decide on a Design
An artistic canvas awaits, so plan the layout of your flowers before beginning planting. Doing this will ensure a balanced, cohesive design as well as save you time when it comes time to plant the seeds!
Consider the bloom times of the flowers you plan to grow. Experienced garden designers employ plants with staggered bloom times so there will always be color in their yard throughout the season.
Consider foliage when selecting flowers; many blooms boast beautiful green foliage that continues to add color and texture long after blooms have faded. If unsure which hues go together best, consult the color wheel; colors next to one another (purple and yellow for instance) look lovely when combined while colors that contrast each other (pink and red for instance) often work better together.
As part of your research into gardening and yardcare, it’s also essential that you have an in-depth knowledge of your soil composition and pH level so you can select flowers suitable for the conditions present in your yard. Most hardware stores sell kits that allow users to test the condition of their soil.
Clear the Area
Your chosen location for a garden depends heavily on what type of flowers you’re planting – make sure it receives enough sunlight so your efforts can thrive!
Use a shovel to clear away grass and weeds from the area where your flower bed will be situated, using it to remove grass and weeds that interfere with healthy root development. For optimal results, do this when soil moisture levels are slightly damp – otherwise compacted soil may prevent healthy roots from spreading into it.
Turn and mix in compost or other organic matter to enrich the garden soil, making planting easier while helping flowers bloom throughout the growing season. Group plants with similar care requirements together; drought-tolerant varieties pair nicely with water-conserving ones and stagger bloom times can ensure your garden remains beautiful throughout its growing season, something which is particularly crucial when growing perennials that take longer to establish themselves.
Dig the Soil
Flowers enhance the exterior beauty and scent of any home while also adding pollinators to your landscape. But curating a perfect flower garden may prove challenging, particularly for beginners. From choosing where and when to plant them to how much water they require – multiple factors will play into whether or not your success as a flower gardener.
Before planting in your yard, select an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Most flowers need full sunlight; those preferring shade will quickly wither in direct light.
Before adding soil, remove any weeds that have taken root in the area and loosen its top layer using a spade or shovel. According to University of Wisconsin horticulturists, loose, breathable soil allows roots to spread outward and reach nutrients easily – perfect for growing flowers! Additionally, consider amending it with organic material such as compost to improve texture, drainage and pH level.
Plant the Flowers
Once your site has been cleared of weeds and debris, amended soil if necessary, and frost risk has passed, it’s time to plant. Typically this should happen about one month after all risk has passed before doing this task.
As soon as you’ve started with seeds or bought plants, read their labels carefully to understand their needs, including lighting and shade requirements. Harden off seedlings before planting them out in their new homes. Dig holes for each flower before backfilling it with soil you dug out – gently tamping down as necessary!
Be mindful when placing flowers in the garden, particularly foundation or island beds. Doing so will prevent them from blocking windows and doors and encouraging fresh growth and blooming. In addition, pruning their stems regularly is vital for encouraging fresh growth while deadheading spent blooms allows the plant to focus its energy into making more.