How to Plant Flowers. A Simple Guide to Adding Colour to Your Space.

The benefits to planting flowers in your garden are plentiful; brighten your outdoor space, improve mental and physical health, increase the value of your home, and improve biodiversity in your area. Here’s a few handy tips on how to get your space thriving.

1. Planning and Prep

1. Select Your Flowers: Choose flowers that you like, consider pairing colours to make interesting combinations. Either google which plants you might like or download Hota to choose from a list of plants that will thrive in your garden.

2. Plan Your Garden Layout: Consider the height, colour, and bloom time of your flowers to create a visually appealing arrangement. Group flowers with similar water and sunlight needs together.
   

2. Soil Preparation

1. Prepare the Soil: Dig over the soil where you want to plant. This will allow the roots to access all the nutrients they need. You may need to add compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.

2. Get Weeding: Clear the planting area of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

3. Planting the Flowers

Make sure to dig over the soil, firmly bed in, and water

1. Timing: Planting time varies by flower type. Spring bulbs should be planted in autumn, while summer annuals are planted in spring after the last frost.

2. Digging the Holes: Dig holes that are appropriate for the size of the plant’s root ball or bulb. Generally, the hole should be twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.

3. Planting: Place the plant or bulb in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. For bulbs, plant with the pointed end facing upwards.

4. Backfill and Firm: Fill in the hole with soil and gently firm it down to eliminate air pockets. Make sure you give it a good drink of water, helping to settle the soil and feed your plant.

4. Watering and Mulching

1. Watering: Water the plants immediately after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Make sure you adjust the frequency based on your weather conditions.

2. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (like bark chips or straw) around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

5. Ongoing Care

1. Water Regularly: Ensure your flowers receive adequate water, especially during dry spells.

2. Fertilise: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a flower-specific fertilizer according to the package instructions.

3. Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant health.

Follow these steps, you’ll create a beautiful and thriving flower garden in no time.

Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the process.

For more guidance on choosing flowers and finding out what soil you have, download Hota on the App Store.