For those of us non-green thumbs, gardening can be a daunting undertaking. Every year we peer over at the neighbor’s beautiful hydrangeas and we can’t help but yearn for our yards to reflect the same glorious blossom. So what do we do? We promise this year is going to be different, we will come out with the most magnificent garden. Before you set out to grow your own secret garden, we have comprised a few flower bed care tips to lead you to victory. Two of the main reasons new gardeners fail are: they do not pay enough attention to the garden. Or they simply do not know what to look for.
Be Patient
Remember, growing a garden of any sort requires a considerable amount of time; most gardens take two to three years to reach their full potential – especially if you are growing something like perennials. It is certainly true that flower gardens tend to be more high maintenance than lawn or shrub areas, but you don’t need an extra skillset in order to grow a thriving flower garden. Just a little patience.
The Right Plants
Let’s just say you saw the most exceptional flowers on your last vacation, or you even came across them in a catalog. Whatever the case, you are in love and must have them in your dream flower bed. Before you commit the funds to these flowers, it is very important to consider the needs of your flowers prior to bringing them home. Each flower has its own needs, some need more watering than others, others thrive in cooler temperatures, and some not so much. Learn about the needs of your desired flowers. Do they match your environment? Or even your personality, is it high maintenance? Prefer to be indoor or outside? Do you live in an apartment or a house?
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can only choose one type of flower to install in your garden. Mixing plants is not only pleasing to the eye but also attracts pest predators which will help make your gardening job easier. On that same token when growing flowers, try not to grow the same annuals every year; instead put them on rotation to help prevent diseases from building up in the soil.
Caring for Garden Flowers
Once you have decided what plants are going into your garden, you need to establish a care routine. Here are some elements to consider:
Soil
A way to give your flowers a good start is to amend and till your soil. However don’t be surprised if, during the next season, the soil reverts back to its untreated state. There are different organisms that feed on the soil — including your flowers. You will have to continuously add fresh organic matter, like manure or compost every year in order to keep your flowers nourished.
Water
The issue of watering plants can be very tricky and a source of frustration for many amateur gardeners. When? How? And how much? Are frequently asked questions. We know that too much water can cause plants to rot; while too little makes flowers wilt and die. The way you distribute the water matters, too! Pouring overhead can help spread disease. However, with a little investigation, you can find some other suitable alternatives. Also, don’t forget the tag! Plant tags usually give instructions on the best plant care. Keep those tags handy until you are completely familiar with the plant.
Timing
Finally, when it comes to solving gardening problems, timing is everything. You need to walk around your garden frequently in order to discover any impending problems. This allows you to get the problems under control before they turn into a crisis. For instance, if your flowers appear to be declining, it’s important to determine who the culprit is. Is it an insect? Or maybe a disease? If disease strikes, you can treat it with fungicide or pruning techniques. In what seems to be a severe case, it would prove best to simply remove the plant and replace it with a cultivar.
Armed with this guide, you’re ready to take on the dream garden. Remember to use your resources to learn more about each plant and its needs.