How to grow flowers

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Learning how to grow flowers is easy if you have a basic green thumb!

One sure sign of spring is the presence of flowers. Planting flowers and helping them to grow is a warm-weather tradition for many. Not only is tending to them quite enjoyable, but watching beautiful flowers bloom gives you a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

Flowers make both your outdoor and indoor spaces soft, comforting and oh-so-inviting. Knowing how to grow flowers is a fun activity that creates a gorgeous outcome. And the best part, is you don’t need a green thumb to grow them, as long as take care of your plants properly.

Adhere to the Sun Requirements

One of the most important aspects of taking care of flowers is giving them the proper amount of sun. Many flowers love basking in rays; however, not all do. If you place flowers that require shade in full sun, the leaves and flowers will burn and the plant will ultimately die.

The same goes for plants that need sun. If you place such flowers in the shade, they’ll never grow properly and you’ll be left with a sick and less-than-thriving flower. Some plants are complicated and want both a little sun and shade. Adhering to these requirements can give you plants that are beautiful and full of life.

Plants typically come with care instructions that will indicate how much sun is required. Pay attention to the area in which you want to plant your flowers. Monitor just how much sun or shade it receives during the day before you decide to plant your flowers there. Taking this time can ensure your plants do quite well and like where they are.

To Water or Not to Water

You might think a flower can never get too much water, but you couldn’t be further than the truth. You can actually drown a flower and cause it to rot if you give it too much water. You can also cause damage to the plant if you don’t give it enough water.

When you should water your plant depends on where you live and how much rain you receive. It also depends on the plant. Some flowers like to sit in moist soil, whereas others prefer dirt that is dry. Look at the care tag that comes with the flower for its water requirements.

However, the rule of thumb for many plants is to water it when the soil is dry. Place your finger in the soil near the plant. If the soil feels moist, it likely has enough water and doesn’t need any more. If the soil is dry, however, it’s time to give that plant a drink.

You’ll likely need to play around with how much water to give the plant. It all depends on the size and the type of flower you have. After watering it a few times, you will eventually find out just how much water it needs in order to grow properly. If you feel like you can’t keep up with your flower’s water requirements, products that help soil retain moisture are available and may be beneficial to you and your flowers.

Type of Soil

The type of soil you plant your flowers in also plays a major role in how well it does. Some flowers prefer sandy soil, whereas others may like soil that is acidic.

If you aren’t sure of what type of soil you have, collect a small sample and take it to your local farmer’s co-op or extension; they may be able to test it for you. If your soil doesn’t match up with the type the plant likes, you can place additives in the soil to help it contain the ingredients your soil prefers. If your soil can’t be helped, consider creating a raised bed, in which you take a box or similar item and fill it up with the type of soil your plant likes. You then plant the flower inside. Doing so will likely encourage it to grow properly.

Growing flowers can help you spruce up your space and provides you with an enjoyable activity.

Resources:

The Gardener’s Network: How to Grow Flowers, Flower Plant Care