How Do I Start a Flower Garden?
If you’ve ever wanted to add more flowers to your lawn, but just didn’t know how to go about it, or where to begin? Having a flower garden can be a great way to add color and beauty to any lawn, plus it’s a great way for you to get your feet wet in the world of gardening.. And even if you’re an “impatient” kind of person who doesn’t seem to think things through, it really isn’t that difficult. All it takes is some patience, some dedication, and knowing what exactly you want from the flower garden experience. Here are some great tips to help you through the process.
* Which flowers should I plant? First, you must determine which flowers you’re going to plant, since many varieties will bloom better in different seasons. For example, tulips will only bloom in the spring and summer, so look for flowers that will do well in those seasons. Check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the approximate climates of your local area and then plant your chosen flowers accordingly.
* Choose the right location? The next step in starting a flower garden is deciding on the best spot for the plants. Some people prefer a sunny spot because they’re easier to care for, while others prefer a shady spot so that they’re not bothered by too much sun. This is especially important when growing flowers in containers.
* Planting Annuals vs. Perennials? Just like with annuals, some flowers do better than others when planted in the ground. Annuals are generally smaller plants, such as crocus, daffodils, and violets, which don’t grow very big. Perennials, on the other hand, are larger plants, such as hydrangeas, and they generally grow much larger. When it comes to planting annuals vs. perennials, you’ll have more options available to you if you’re trying to decide.
* How much planting space do I need? Once you know where you’re planting, the next question to ask yourself is how much room you have to devote to planting flowers. Are you going to be planting all of the flowers yourself? If so, you’ll need a bit of extra space. Most flower gardeners find that planting two separate rows of flowers gives them enough space. However, if you’re going to be planting seeds or cutting flowers from an existing plant, then you’ll need a bit of room around the new plant, as the roots from the old plant can slip down into the new one when they grow up.
* Which shrubs should I plant? If your climate is quite cold, then some shrubs may not be suitable. However, most flower gardeners find that tall shrubs, such as Serviceberry, Dogwood, and even some ornamental species, such as Acacia, make great additions to their gardens. In addition, some shrubs, such as Java Fern and Pumice, will produce flowers year round, and they’re usually quite small.
* How long do the flowers live? Shrubs and annuals, although they’ll live for a short time, bloom for season long. Annuals bloom for only one season, while perennials – those that live for several seasons – bloom for several years. You should always try to plant perennials in the winter, as they’ll flower the following year in high demand. In addition, you should try to keep your perennials healthy by feeding them with fertilizer and planting them in containers.
* Which seeds do I need? Most flower garden seeds are sold at nurseries or online. However, you should make sure that the seeds you buy are reputable. It’s a good idea to ask local gardeners that seeds they use, as well as reading reviews from other people about seeds. Before planting, read all of the instructions carefully and/or talk to someone knowledgeable about planting plants in your area.