Starting a flower garden can be both exciting and fulfilling; however, to do it successfully it’s vitally important that the area be prepared properly.
Discover which flowers are ideal for beginners, seed planting and more to get your green thumb going! Read through this list for helpful advice to start growing a flower garden from scratch.
1. Know Your Soil
Planting flowers is an easy way to add flair and beauty to any yard, with figures showing that landscaping projects such as flower gardens can increase home values by as much as 1,000%!
At the foundation of any successful flower garden lies its soil. Before you plant, add well-rotted manure or garden compost to enhance its quality and provide optimal conditions for seed germination and root development.
Feel the soil between your fingers to determine whether or not it crumbles easily or sticks together, as hard-packed clay-based soil may not be conducive to growing flowers. For optimal flower cultivation, look for sandy, loamy or peaty soil with an ideal blend of silt, minerals and moisture-retaining particles – these varieties should all allow water to seep into their layers more effectively and hold water better.
2. Know Your Plants
Start Your Garden Or Rework An Existing One is exciting, but finding the perfect plants is essential to success. When selecting your flowers, select those with clear leaves free from holes or sticky stems as well as firm roots without roots poking out from under the pots.
Before planting, read through the seed packets or tags that come with transplants to understand their maintenance requirements. Grouping plants according to their care needs (for instance shade-lovers or water-wise plants together) helps create continuity and balance in your garden.
Repetitions of key shapes or colors provide your garden with a cohesive visual aesthetic, according to landscape designer Piet Oudolf. Additionally, this technique adds rhythm and could add extra elements of interest. Prior to placing new seeds/plants into the ground it is recommended that all seeds/plants be soaked for 30 minutes to help settle in properly and establish themselves more quickly in their new soil environment.
3. Know Your Space
First step of creating a flower garden: Acknowledging your space. This includes both the area in your yard where you intend to cultivate flowers as well as what style of garden you wish to create.
For example, if your landscaping receives full sun, plant flowers that thrive under such light. Furthermore, consider including shade-loving plants into the mix as well.
Understanding the maintenance requirements of your flower garden is also essential to success. For instance, if you plan on replacing grass with flowers, make sure you can accommodate for the time and energy involved with digging up and removing sod. Furthermore, take note of how much water your flowers require; planting your garden near a water source could reduce watering requirements significantly.
4. Know Your Watering Schedule
Flower gardens can add beauty and vibrance to any landscape, and before starting one it’s essential to know how to take care of the plants that compose your garden.
Water your flowers early in the morning for best results; this allows them to absorb as much moisture before sun rises and evaporates it away into the atmosphere. Avoid watering in the afternoon as this could promote fungal growth.
Water your flowers twice weekly at least, checking soil moisture as necessary. If watering more frequently, use a spray nozzle such as Gilmour’s Classic Rear Control Nozzle for maximum convenience.
5. Know Your Pests
Flower gardens add depth and visual interest to any home’s curb appeal, and can also be easier than you might expect to start up.
When planting flowers, be mindful of how much light each variety requires. Popular annual varieties, like petunias and geraniums, tend to flourish best under direct sunlight exposure but may not grow as abundantly in partially shaded environments.
Establishing your garden in a sunny spot will allow the flowers to absorb essential nutrients and moisture more efficiently, and having access to an easily accessible water source such as a nearby hose will make maintaining it simple.
Keep in mind that beautiful flowers require regular water, proper nutrition and prompt pest control measures. Read labels on seed packets or plant tags to understand which blooms need specific care.