As any gardener knows, “Make your bed” refers to preparing the soil before planting seeds or bulbs in it.
Choose an area for your flower garden that receives 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil, clearing away grass, weeds and any obstructions from it. When selecting an area to plant flowers on, look for areas with 6 hours of direct sun per day that feature well-draining soil that has ample drainage capabilities.
Ascertain your USDA growing zone to identify which flowers thrive best in your climate. Planting inappropriate flowers could result in their failure.
Location
Flower gardens can add beauty and fragrance to any yard, but before diving in it’s important to think carefully about where your blooms should go; certain species require full sun while others can live happily in partial or even shade.
Consider how accessible your flower garden will be for watering purposes – ideally it should be close to a water source such as a hose or faucet.
Flowers thrive best when grown in soil that drains quickly, while soil testing helps you understand its composition, such as its pH level and nutrient content – this can be done professionally or with a home kit.
Understanding your area’s spring and fall frost dates is essential when creating a planting timeline. Blend perennials with annuals for an ever-evolving display; stagger bloom times so perennials are always in flower while colorful annuals fill out the rest of the season. Include shrubs for texture and four-season interest as well as fruit-bearing or berry-producing species which provide food sources for birds and other wildlife.
Soil
Most flowering plants thrive best in loose, well-draining soil that’s rich with organic matter. Prior to planting, remove all mulch, organic debris or tree roots from the planting site in order to avoid mold growth in the soil that could threaten new blooms.
Check whether the site receives at least six hours of sunlight each day; sunlight is essential for many flowering plants and you want to ensure that they receive sufficient amounts.
Before purchasing plants and seeds in your area, it’s crucial to research spring and fall frost dates so you can create an optimum planting timeline with sufficient time for flowers to get established before harsher climates hit. If space is limited, opt for hardier varieties that thrive in warm or cool environments or can withstand a frosty winter season.
Plants
Your flowers selection will bring life and vibrancy to your flower garden. For beginners, annual blooming flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, petunias and impatiens should provide an abundance of stunning blooms to enjoy throughout the growing season.
If possible, select a garden location that receives direct sunlight; most flowering plants need at least six to eight hours of sun per day for optimal growth. Even if partial shade exists in your location, planting blooms that tolerate less sun can create beautiful flowerbeds that still look stunning!
Avoid overlooking easy-to-grow shrubs that provide texture, four-season interest, and additional color after flowers have faded. Berries and fruit-producing shrubs will attract birds into your garden. Repeating key shapes or colors throughout provides visual unity; using native plants helps promote bee, butterfly, and hummingbird-friendly gardening while helping your flowers adapt to local conditions.
Maintenance
Flower gardens may look lush and beautiful, but to remain flourishing they require regular care to thrive. Watering correctly is vital – too much or too little can damage plants; direct watering on flowers and leaves encourages wilting and disease so water garden beds or containers at their base rather than watering directly onto flowers or leaves directly.
Tender plants need protection from frost and wind in cold winter conditions, and require mulch to retain moisture in their soil. Researching spring and fall frost dates in your region will help determine when is best to plant.
Before diving in with seed catalogs or catalogs of any sort, get acquainted with soil prep. Make sure your planting site is free from rocks and clumps, and amend with an all-purpose balanced fertilizer such as Pennington UltraGreen All Purpose Plant Food 10-10-10 and organic matter layer for optimal conditions. Avoid working the soil when too wet as this damages its structure; additionally practice proper disease control using Daconil Fungicide Ready-to-Use for smaller garden spaces and Daconil Concentrate for larger gardens for optimal success!