Spring is that time of year when we all look forward to blooming flowers. Even if we live in areas where the climate doesn’t favour planting of flowers, we still love the beauty and colours they bring. If you have always wanted to have a beautiful flower garden in the summer, it is time to make it reality. Starting a flower garden in the spring is rewarding and very exciting. Follow these simple rules for beginners and you will be off to a good start.
Know your flower garden: The first step towards starting a flower garden in the spring is to familiarise yourself with the space you intend to plant. Measure the available space on your plot, including any walkways, roads or access points. The flower bed should not exceed one square meter, as this can affect water runoff.
Choose your plants and keep them healthy: Knowing which plants to grow in your area will give you an advantage when it comes to choosing the right plants to grow. Most annual flowers cannot grow in partial shade due to their photosensitivity. In the summer, however, they do well in full sun. Knowing the exact requirements of your plants is very important and can help avoid any difficulties later on.
Perennial plants can also benefit your garden. They don’t need replanting throughout the year. However, you should ensure that you maintain your perennial plants through pruning, harvesting or repotting them. In the winter, it is beneficial to provide cover for your perennials during the months when temperatures are cold.
If you’re growing flowers in pots, you’ll need to prepare the soil prior to planting. Mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, increasing germination and ensuring that plants are not subjected to drought. Pre-emergent weed seeds, however, should be weeded before they take root. Weeds can often be found around planting areas, particularly where there are other plants growing. Deadheading, removing weed edges and spading can help prevent weeds from taking over your garden.
You can start a flower garden indoors by purchasing seeds from a local nursery. Many flower gardeners find it easiest to start small and then expand into larger plants once their garden has developed some depth. For perennials, planting just beneath the surface in a deeper dish of soil is best. This makes it easy to maintain and will result in flowers producing the most flowers throughout the year.
For shade-tolerant flowering plants, you may consider starting a flower garden in a sunny window. Building a trellis or other structure in this spot will provide shade as well as allowing you to sit on the flower bed while they bloom. Planting under a tree will also provide shade. However, be sure to mulch the garden so that leaves do not fall into the water.
One of the easiest ways to start a garden in the summer is to simply add soil to the top of your existing soil. Most plants will do well in slightly enriched soils with lots of organic matter. Mix some peat moss into the soil and make sure it is moistened with water. Then plant your seeds or start your garden. Your plants will be much easier to care for in this way.
Mulching your garden will help your plants stay healthy and happy. Mulch provides good soil nutrients and prevents harmful organisms from entering your plants. It also keeps water out of your plants. So, make sure to mulch your garden after you have planted it.
Most flower gardens in the late summer and early fall bloom better if they are planted in a little earlier. Plant your flowers early in the growing season. Plant your seeds in the spring so that they are ready to sprout as soon as the weather starts to get warm. If your area has frost, take care to protect your plants by shading them. Frost is bad for all plants, but your flower garden cannot tolerate much frost.
Flower gardens need plenty of sunlight and watering. In the winter months, don’t forget to give them a watering. Although flowers only bloom for a short period of time, you want to ensure they stay healthy. If you’re planting flowers next year, be sure to replant everything back into the same pot so that they will grow together again. Having beautiful flowers in your garden is a beautiful addition to your home and all year round.