Planting flowers is one of the true joys of gardening. There's something pleasurable about walking around the garden every day to observe your plants and all the beautiful flowers and little pollinators doing their job.
While they make the garden look marvelous, flowers are a source of everyone's happiness. To make your wish a reality here are listed the steps on how to plant flowers.
Plants need sun, shade, or a combination of these depending on the characteristics of the plant. Start by arranging and dividing the plants so they get the light condition they prefer. Plants that are grown in the sun should be planted and open spaces, and plants that require shade should go into space where they get covered.
Some space where your plant can be overlooked will be the perfect spot to plant varieties. The spot can be your front space of the house, backspace, beside the house, or can be at your balcony. Spot makes a huge impact on the look of your garden.
Step 2: Select Your Flowers
Choose flowers that are suitable for your climate and the chosen location. Consider picking flowers that are suitable for you to handle at season end. It requires lots of work after the bloom. Consider your choice and the accountability you can take towards the plant. Not all flowers can grow on their own.
Most of the flowers generally require special attention during the season and off-season. Calculate the time and effort that are required for you to maintain your garden. Planting undesired flowers can be a burden later.
Any weeds, rocks, or debris that are present in the planting spot needs to be removed. Remove all the unnecessary things that can hamper the plant growth. Air circulation is important for plants to grow healthily. Grass that is not necessary and other plants that are not required also should be removed.
The waste materials being gathered from the spot can be used as organic fertilizer and can be used for the plants later. Avoid using any chemical components as far as possible to remove the grass to maintain the soil quality of the plant spot.
Step 4: Add Compost to the Soil
Gardens with beautiful looks are the result of healthy soil. Usually, most flowering plants grow best in loose and well-drained moist soil with plenty of organic material available. You don't need to dig huge spaces for your garden, but you should dig soil and a large amount to add organic compost to improve soil structure and provide nutrients.
It is recommended to avoid digging or handling when it's wet to prevent compaction. Plants require a certain amount of space between soil particles for root development.
It differs from planting flowers from nursery plants and planting from seeds in the garden. You should follow the guidelines given in the seed packet to know about the space between each plant. In a potted garden plants need to be planted at the soil level same as the pot, but it will be helpful to follow the instructions mentioned on the plant tag.
Step 6: Water the Flowers
Water the flowers that are in your container space. Flowers take at least one day to establish properly in the new space. This causes dehydration and the plant starts to dry which may result in death later. To avoid this water all over the leaves and the roots of the plant. This will help the plant to keep moisture and hydrated.
Keep watering till the roots soak the necessary water requirements. Gently do this task and consider avoiding root exposure and soil removal from the plant.
Remove the desired plants from the pot gently. Plants are sensitive and cannot handle harsh treatment. To avoid any damage and loss of the plant follow the necessary guidelines of shifting the plant. Consider the roots and avoid any damage to the roots. In case the roots are tightened try to loosen them gently.
Ensure the plant in case it is exposed to any pets or diseases before shifting it to another space. Remember the rule healthy plant produces healthy flowers. In case, the plant is exposed remove the foreign objects else change the plant.
Step 8: Plant Your New Flowers
According to the directions in the package sow flower seeds in the soil of your garden. In the case of potted plants, gently take each plant from its container. If roots are tangled to each other clean them and tease some of the soil from the roots before shifting the rootball to the space you created for planting.
Make sure to clean up roots with clean water and mix soil with compost to provide essential nutrients to the plant. Also, trim the extra roots to make it fit in your pot or the garden space.
Planting the flower from the container to the pot you should water it again. Flowers require moisture to survive. Water on the root's surface until the roots absorb enough water. This will also help remove air pockets and support the plant in settling into the new spot.
Add an extra layer of soil on every step of watering in case the roots are exposed. Plants are sensitive and can get at risk of root rotting if water is provided more than required. Consider checking the soil on the surface to figure out the moisture of the soil.
Step 10: Mulch
Mulch is essential to retain moisture, maintain soil temperature, and avoid weeds. Apply the much around the surface of the stem. Consider maintaining the gap from the stem of the Plant. Mulching is also essential to protect the plant from being frozen.
Also, mulching helps to slow evaporation and decrease the number of watering the plants. If you have a busy schedule and can't water regularly then mulching will help the plant to keep hydrated. The quantity of the mulch needs to be according to the plant you have in your space.
Fertilization helps the plant to get necessary nutrients and supports the development of the flowers. Mix it well with the upper layer of soil of the plant to make it easier. The quantity of the soil needs to be according to the requirements of your plant. Consider the amount before applying else it can damage your plants.
Plants generally require three chemical elements, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply these elements by testing the soil prior. Else the best way to keep your plant and soil healthy is by using organic compost.
Step 12: Support Tall Flowers
Usually, flowers need support when they are mature or when they are young. Due to the weightage of the flower during bloom, they may not sustain the weight which can cause damage to the flower including the plant. Plants are weak in comparison to woods and trees.
Use a bamboo stick as a support or other alternative available in the market. Apply rope by fencing around the plant with a stick. Do it gently else it may cause damage to the plant. Tall flowers generally require this technique in comparison to shorter ones.
Prune the plants from time to time on a weekly or monthly basis. Pruning helps to make space clear for the plant surface that can invite harmful pests and diseases. Also, this will support the plant to maintain airflow and support the plant to absorb water properly.
Plants grow daily and the leaves and flowers change accordingly. The remaining may not suit your garden and look unhygienic. Pruning also supports the plant to regenerate and prepare for the next season. It is recommended to prune after the season ends.
Step 14: Monitor for Pest and Diseases
Pests and diseases harm the plants physically which may cause them to die. Be aware of the pests and diseases regarding the plants in your garden. Prior information and knowledge help you to prevent the plant from being exposed to pests and diseases.
In conditions, where plants suffer from diseases and get exposed to insects try to handle them on your own at first condition. Avoid using chemical products as far as possible. Use organic materials or remove the infected parts just in case.
Maintain your flowers present in your garden by watering them regularly. Check soil condition, moisture, and weed to sustain a healthy plant. Apply fertilizer and mulch in time. Avoid dryness to avoid damage to the plant. Use organic materials to deal with the pests and diseases.
Check the condition of your flowers if they are lacking the requirements. Considering these things will help the flowers to sustain in your garden and make it look attractive in every season. Flowers are considered natural jewelry to decorate your home.
When to Plant Flowers
1. Spring
Spring flowers should be planted in early spring after the last frost has passed. This timing allows the soil to warm up sufficiently for the plants to establish strong roots while being able to beat the heat. This means planting in late April to early May in colder climates.
In milder climates, planting can occur from March to early April, and in warmer climates, late February to early March is ideal. It's important to check the needs of the flowers you are planting and prepare dates according to the region.
2. Summer
Planting flowers in the summer requires careful timing and selection of heat-tolerant varieties. Summer planting should be done in early summer once the cold season ends.
This will support the plants to have established roots before the peak summer heat. Additionally, water the plants and do mulching to retain soil moisture and protect them from the intense summer sun.
3. Annual Flowers
Annual flowers should be planted in the spring after the winter. This timing allows the soil to warm up sufficiently for root development and growth. This typically means planting in late May to early June in colder climates, whereas in milder climates, planting can occur from April to early May.
In warmer climates, annuals can often be planted as early as late March to early April.
4. Perennial Flowers
Perennial flowers should be planted in either early spring or early fall when temperatures are mild. In spring, this allows them to establish roots before the summer heat, while fall planting helps to develop the roots before winter. For colder climates, plant in late April to early June.
In warmer regions, late September to early November is ideal. Make sure the soil is well-prepared and provide adequate water.
Watering flowers is important for the flower's health and development. Water the flowers daily helping them in their root growth. The best time to water is during the morning period.
It reduces the task of evaporation and allows the plants to absorb water before the mid-day. Before watering check the moisture of the soil with a finger and water it accordingly.
2. Pruning
Pruning flowers is essential for maintaining the plant's health and supporting continuous blooming. Regular pruning helps to remove dead and diseased parts of the plant, which can later invite pests and be exposed to diseases.
To prune start with the head, damaged, or faded flowers, which help the plant to produce buds and flowers. It contributes to both the beauty and health of the plants.
3. Cleaning Debris
Cleaning debris simply means removing all the plants remaining. This includes the removal of dead flowers, leaves along with roots. You can rake the soil to make sure nothing is left behind.
Cleaning debris is important as it helps to lower the chances of pests and diseases overwintering in your garden. Cleaning Debris also makes it easier to prepare your garden to plant long beans for next season.
4. Fertilizing
After cleaning up the debris, you need to fertilize the soil because the soil could have been depleted of nutrients. You can add fertilizer to meet the nutrient requirement of the soil.
Make sure you add the fertilizer as per the written instructions. You can work the fertilizer into the top few inches of soil using a garden fork or tiller.
5. Mulching
Mulching flowers helps the plant to maintain moisture in all seasons. Applying a layer of mulch around your flowers provides various benefits like conserving soil, reducing watering time, helping in regulating soil temperature, suppressing weed growth, etc.
Also, it helps to maintain soil structure. While mulching keep extra space from step to avoid rot. Choose organic mulches like wood chips, bark, or straw for extra benefits.
Pests and diseases are imminent in any plant. You have to keep a close eye on them and be ready to face them. These are the pests and diseases you be aware of after planting flowers:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plants. They live in large colonies on the leaves, stems, and buds. They can cause leaf damage, yellowing, and a substance known as honeydew that attracts ants.
2. Snails
Slugs and snails are common garden pests that feed on leaves, flowers, and other plant parts. They are mostly active in moist, cool conditions and can cause damage to plants.
3. Caterpillars
Caterpillars are larvae of moths and butterflies that can cause damage to plants by eating the leaves and flowers. They hide on the undersides of leaves or in the soil during the day and feed actively at night.
4. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that is white, powdery spots that appear on the leaves, stems, and buds of plants. This disease is generally seen in warm, dry environments with poor air circulation.
5. Root Rot
Root rot is a serious condition caused by various fungi that infect the roots of plants and decay. Its symptoms are wilting, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and a foul smell from the roots.