Knowing the proper way to care for your flower garden can be the difference between a beautiful swath of flowers that everyone makes glowing comments on or a so-so garden that seems on the verge of dying all the time. As with all things learning the how to care for your garden can take time , but if you follow some of these basic tips you will be well on your way to having beautiful blooms all summer long.
1. Do you have the essentials covered? Just like any other plant, flowers are living growing organisms and without the proper necessities they will wither and die. They need a consistent water supply, varying amounts of sunlight depending on the plant, and rich fertile soil. The more pampered and cared for they are the better they will respond. During times of intense heat and little rain be sure to water more often.
When planting you new flowers it is important to follow the directions on the packaging they came in. Bulbs need to be planted at the correct depth. Shrubs, perennials, and annuals can't be planted to deep or to shallow. Try to keep mulch and soil from around the stems to allow for proper water drainage.
2. Mix perennials and annuals. Perennials will return year after year, at least for a few years after planting. Annuals will usually only last for one growing season. By mixing annuals in with the perennials you will be assured of always having flowers in bloom.
3. Deadhead your flowers. Deadheading is just what it sounds like. By clipping wilting or dead flower heads from the main plant you will encourage the growth of more flowers. Be sure to pick up any deadheads and put them in your compost pile. Leaving them in the garden can attract bugs or cause plant diseases to attack your healthy plants.
4. Learn about bugs. Most garden insects do more good than harm. Butterflies, beetles and bees are known pollinators. They fertilize plants through unintentional transfer of pollen from one plant to another. 80% of flowering plants rely on insects for survival.
Sowbugs and dung beetles together with fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms are necessary to help in the decomposition of dead plant material, thus enriching the soil and making more nutrients available to growing plants.
Other insects like lacewings and dragonflies are natural predators of those insects that do the real damage, like aphids.
Be sure to give your flower garden a shot of fertilizer every few weeks to keep the flowers blooming longer. It is important to not over fertilize because this can cause the plants to burn.
Following these few simple tips will get anyone novice started on their way to becoming a well rounded gardener. Building on these tips will keep you garden blooming and bringing great satisfaction all growing season long.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Creating flower seeds
By: Teresa55 | 22-04-2008
Can spent flowers be turned into seeds, to grow more flowers?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Gardening Articles
How Did Bonsai Plants Start in China and Japan?
By: Cindy Heller | 11/10/2008
The art of bonsai making has a very long history. In fact, it has been around for centuries. It is believed that in the beginning this practice was called Punsai, which means growing a tree in a pot.
Why Do You Need to Find the Right Bonsai Pot?
By: Cindy Heller | 11/10/2008
Choosing the right bonsai pot is a thing that should be considered carefully if you have an interest in growing bonsai trees. The main value of a bonsai is its aesthetical appearance. A bonsai is a beautiful plant that will decorate your house nicely.
Important Activities to Grow Bonsai Successfully
By: Cindy Heller | 11/10/2008
There are many types of trees that can be made into bonsai and you need to know them if you want to grow bonsai. After you identify the tree that will be made into bonsai, there are certain monitoring and caring techniques that should be implemented to keep the tree grows healthily.
Secrets of Growing Indoor Bonsai Trees
By: Cindy Heller | 11/10/2008
Your house will look more beautiful with the addition of indoor bonsai trees. These plants are mostly cultivated by experts because there are certain techniques that should be used to limit the growth of the plants.
Important Tips for Beginners to Keep Juniper Bonsai
By: Cindy Heller | 11/10/2008
A juniper bonsai is one type of bonsai trees that is suitable for beginners because it is quite easy to be taken care of. The are many types of juniper that can be turned into bonsai, such as Shimpaku, Japanese Garden, Green Mound, Chinese Juniper, Sargents, and Needle.
Easy Swing Set Installation Instructions
By: Dave Text | 10/10/2008
Playing is very important for children. It would help them to become physically strong and psychologically fit. Swing sets offer children the pleasure and benefits of playing.
A swing set is tantamount to childhood. It is an important fact that in their earlier times children are to enjoy their games. A...
Rose Gardening In The Fall: the 4 Most Important Tasks of Autumn
By: Dave Leach | 09/10/2008
Preparing your rose beds for winter is a very important process for the fall rose gardener. Follow these four important steps and your rose bushes will be be well prepared.
Compost Tumblers - The Most Effective Method of Composting
By: Jack Nguyen | 09/10/2008
There are many different methods of composting, and there are a number of products now available to those who compost. The compost bin to buy depends on the needs of the garden or home. With that said, compost tumblers provide an efficient, low maintenance, and reliable method of composting.
One of...
More from Andrew Bicknell
Why an All Inclusive Honeymoon Vacation is a Great Idea
By: Andrew Bicknell | 25/07/2007 | Travel
An all inclusive honeymoon vacation includes everything you need to have a romantic and relaxing honeymoon. And after the stress and craziness of the wedding what couple doesn't need this. The all inclusive package can save couples not only money but countless hours of work and planning.
Using a Natural Acne Face Treatment
By: Andrew Bicknell | 21/07/2007 | Non-Fiction
For anyone who suffers acne having outbreaks on their face is the worst form of this skin disorder and finding an acne face treatment that works is a high priority. Most people rush out to their local pharmacy and buy some form of topical cream which is spread on the offending pimples. While these OTC remedies may work short term they key to treating acne comes from within.
The Bond of Dog Obedience Training
By: Andrew Bicknell | 20/07/2007 | Pets
Getting your dog to understand what you want him do when given certain commands is the purpose behind dog obedience training. It is a communication process between owner and dog that creates a bond that is vital to the safety of the dog, his owner, and those around him.
Speed Your Metabolism and Burn Away Fat
By: Andrew Bicknell | 20/07/2007 | Fitness
Increasing the speed of your metabolism is probably one of the easiest and best ways to lose fat naturally. Form many people this may sound easy but the only way to really do this successfully is to make some lifestyle changes that involve diet and activity levels.
Buying Insurance for Your House
By: Andrew Bicknell | 20/07/2007 | Non-Fiction
One of the most important things any homeowner needs to do is purchase insurance for their house. House insurance is also mandatory with almost all mortgage lenders if you are financing your home through their services.
Bio Diesel Fuel - An Energy Source Now and for the Future
By: Andrew Bicknell | 20/07/2007 | Environment
Bio Diesel fuel is a diesel equivalent, processed fuel derived from biological sources, such as vegetable oils, which can be used in unmodified diesel engine vehicles. It can also be used as a heating fuel in domestic and commercial boilers.
Learning How to Plant a Vegetable Garden Can be Fun
By: Andrew Bicknell | 20/07/2007 | Gardening
Learning how to plant a vegetable garden is not hard, but without careful planning and proper follow through, your garden may perform poorly. If done correctly it pays off with big benefits in so many ways. Before you know it you will be picking perfectly ripe, perfectly delicious tomatoes without having to wonder what chemicals went into growing them.
Prostate Problems and What They Mean
By: Andrew Bicknell | 19/07/2007 | Non-Fiction
There are two broad categories of prostate problems that all men need to be aware of- Benign prostate hyperplasia, which is an enlargement of the prostate that occurs with age or because of the effects of prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
Home and Family 
