A Flower Garden Adds Color to Your Yard - By: Carol Stack

If you are looking to beautify your home, few things will do it as cost effectively as a flower garden. Just think of it; the garden can be large or small, in one area or spread out, roses, tulips, daffodils or any other kinds of flowers you fancy.

Some people think you have to have the proverbial green thumb to have a beautiful flower garden. While this is true with some types of flowers, if you stick to the easy to grow varieties you can have a gorgeous garden in no time!

Visit your local nursery or check online to discover what flowers grow best in your area. You will want to choose flowers that blossom at various times of the year so that there is constantly some flowers blooming.

Before you begin to plant your flower garden, you will need to prepare the soil, which means getting it ready to receive the plants. This should be done whether you are planting bulbs, seeds or annuals.

You will want to select a spot that is near a water source so you will not have to carry a bucket to and from the flowers every day. Next, remove any weeds or rocks from your new garden. Using a shovel or tiller turn the soil over. This will let oxygen in and help promote healthy roots.

Next, add some slow release fertilizer, making sure to follow the directions. Turn the soil again and you are ready to start planting.

After you have gathered the necessary tools, it may be helpful to arrange the plants while they are still in their seedling containers so you know where you want them to go.

Now, remove the plants and gently loosen plants that are root-bound. You only want to put the plants as far down as the soil it is in now. In other words, do not get over zealous and bury it too deep or not deep enough. A good thing to keep in mind while planting is that the crown of the root ball should be level with the soil.

Now, place the plant into the hole you just dug. Then push down the plant and soil with the side of the trowel or with your hands. You want to make sure the plant is set, but do not manhandle it.

Water the plants right away, the plants will be thirsty. Using a low-pressure garden hose or a watering can, try to keep the water on the roots, not the leaves of the plants.

When planting, do so either in the early morning or later in the evening. This will help prevent the roots of the seedlings from drying out.

If you are going to start your plants from seeds, you will want to do so inside six to eight weeks before you plan on putting them outside.

Bulbs for flowers such as tulips and daffodils should be planted in the fall so they have time to rest over the winter and be ready to sprout in the spring.

With a little work and a little expense anyone can have a stunning flower garden to brighten up their yard. Nothing adds beauty to a yard or patio like some colorful flowers.

About the Author

Carol Stack enjoys writing articles. She lives with her husband and three children in the United States. They have a large yard that they are constantly working on to make more beautiful. Her website, http://www.freegardentips.info covers flower gardens, lawn care, organic gardening, landscaping and more.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Carol-Stack/5622

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