DIY Project: Starting your First Spring Flower Garden

Entry #2130, March 21, 2013

The weather is warming, the sun is out and color is a must for this spring to plant a flower garden.  So starting your own garden would be the perfect addition to your exterior appeal.  When beginning your own garden it can seem to have an all-at-once effect but if you take step by step then it shouldn’t be so bad. Try it out and see how it works out for you!

Cymbidium Orchids

Image via: Wedding Aces

Choosing the Right Location

Now you want to keep in mind the climate and humidity within the area you live in and wherever you plan to put the garden make sure that it will obtain at least 5 hours of sunlight each day. The best time to plant is when you are sure that the frost of the year is absolutely done and it is spring. You will need to dig out under the top layer of soil and mix it with decaying leaves, branches and fertile soil. Also remove the weeds while you are in the process of digging.

Purchasing the Plants

Pick the plants that satisfy your taste and wants.  Depending on the type of plants you would like to get will determine the maintenance, spacing and order of the flowers. Lilies, dahlias, heliotrope, petunias, gladiolus, and balsma are great starter plants because they are easier to maintain and they grow back better than before each year.  If you would like to use other plants, which is fine, then go a the plant nursery or plant store and select from there.

What flowers do you want to plant this spring

Image via: Designing Nature Inc.

Transitioning from Pot to Ground

Think about the placement, color variation, and sizes of the plants when you are ready to actually plant them.  If the plants that you have chosen are known to get bigger or grow larger as the years go on then leave enough spacing and room so that they plants do not become crowded and begin to fight for sunlight. You want to start by digging the hole for the plant (keeping sizes and colors in mind) that is wider and larger the expected root ball with a trowel.  Once the hole is dug, handle the plants by the root ball versus by their breakable stems.  You want tip the container sideways and gently wiggle/shake the plant until the plant is completely loose from the container.  Next, stand the plant in the hole and cover the root ball with soil, then gently pat down the soil around the plant and water.  Repeat this process for each plant that you want to use. Keep the plant well watered until it is sustained.

Flowers Being Removed From Container

Image via:123 RF

Keeping a Healthy Garden

Water your flower garden early in the day so that the rays from the sun do not create water damage on the leaves.  Put down pebbles, smooth stones or mulch so it will become much more difficult for weeds and insects to grow and habitat within your garden.  After all of this work you will become more of an expert than a beginner in no time.

For more gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.