Flower gardens that bloom from spring through the first frost are every gardener’s dream. Flowering plants come in a limitless array of textures, sizes, colors and varieties. Successful gardening happens by following a few simple rules. Getting your flower garden to produce an abundance of colorful, fragrant blooms is no different. Read on to learn how to grow flowers.
Prepare the soil for planting. A loose, healthy soil is essential to a thriving flower garden. A soil that is perfect for planting will be easy to work. You should be able to dig a hole in it with your hands. If your soil is not yet ready for planting you can improve it easily. With a shovel cover the soil with 3 to 5 inches of organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Rototill the organic matter into soil to a depth of 1 to 2 feet, then rake the area smooth.
Choose the right flowers for your garden. Because of the endless varieties available today you can find flowers suited to nearly every garden. Perennials are not only beautiful and come in a wide array of colors and textures, but they will return year after year. The downside is that most perennials bloom for a short period of time, many for no more than a week. Annuals, on the other hand, produce a season-long frenzy of blooms lasting for three to four months or until the first frost kills them back. Annuals will need to be replanted every year. Read gardening books and catalog and talk to you local gardening specialist to decide which plants are best suited to your area of the country.
Plant your flowers. Using a large shovel, dig a hole 2 to 3 inches larger than the plant’s root ball. With you fingers, gently loosen the soil around the plants roots. Place the plant in the hole into the newly dug hole so that the top of the plants root ball is level with the top of the hole. Using your hands, fill in the hole with dirt, pressing it down to prevent air pockets from forming around the roots.
Water your new plants. Use a water hose or watering can to give the flowers a thorough soaking. Flower gardens need to receive 1 to 2 inches of water a week. This amount will need to be increased during the hot summer months. The best time to water your flower garden is early morning.
Mulch your flower garden. Using a shovel or your hands, apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the plants. Applying an organic mulch such as bark or pine straw will keep the soil moist. This means less watering time for you. Organic mulch will also prevent pesky weeds from overtaking your flower garden.