The spring season is all about watching flowers dance along the field and bloom across roadsides or park boundaries. And if you have a garden, then you can create your own wonderland too! Spring is indeed the perfect time to start your gardening journey and watch your cultivations bloom to their best with minimal effort.
Spring flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, pansies, petunias, etc, are always a good choice for beginners with their easy-to-grow characteristics. They also carry a lot of advantages, from enhancing the appeal of the space to improving one’s mood and well-being. However, spring gardening is still a daunting experience that would require some growing tricks to make the task less challenging. So, if you have chosen this time of the year to begin your journey with spring flowers, this guide will help you with some key details and planting processes. Learn how to care for your spring flowers with the right watering schedules, fertilization, etc. Let’s dive in.
1. Choosing the Right Spring Flowers for Your Garden
The very first step is to choose the right spring flower type for your garden. It is important to note that different flowers require different types of settings to grow, which means you should plant them in their preferred climates and soil types. For instance, if you are going for tulips, well-drained soil and cool temperatures are ideal for growing them. Meanwhile, daffodils can thrive on a wide range of soil types. Therefore, do a quick research on the various characteristics and requirements of the spring flower you are choosing. Research about factors like space, sunlight, climate and soil condition requirements.
2. Planting Your Spring Flowers
After you have picked the desired spring flowers, the next step is to plant them. However, before the final plantation process, prepare the right growing conditions for your spring flower. Begin by preparing the soil and watching out for any weeds, debris, or rocks. To achieve the soil’s fertility and structure, add compost or organic matter to it, which would help the plant’s overall health and growth.
In the case of bulbs:
If your plant has bulbs, then plant them in the fall by digging the ground, which is at least 2-3 times deeper than the length of the bulb. After placing the bulb in the hole, cover it with soil and water it well.
In the case of seeds:
If you have chosen a spring flower with seeds, sow the seeds directly in your garden during the early spring. Keep the soil moist till the seeds germinate. Meanwhile, follow the planting process as indicated in the instructions of the seed packet you have bought.
Also Read: Happy Springtime: Indian Flowers That Bloom in Spring!
3. Watering Your Spring Flowers:
Just like every bloom, the right watering is essential for spring flowers as well. You need to keep in mind factors like frequency and amount of watering, as well as its timing. Mostly, spring flowers need at least 1 inch of water every week. Water them less frequently but deeply to make the roots stronger. It is best to water them in the early morning hours as this will allow the soil to retain moisture before the afternoon heat evaporates it. Avoid watering in the evening to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
4. Providing Proper Sunlight:
As we have always known since school, sunlight is the real food for plants, making it highly essential for your spring flowers as well. Understand the exact need for sunlight for the spring flower type you want to grow. Notice the movement of sunlight in your garden, which spots have low or high sunlight, and plant the flower in the right location based on their specific light requirement.
5. Fertilizing Your Flowers:
Fertilization is another important part of growing spring flowers as it provides them with the right nutrients. There are different types of fertilizers available on the market, including organic and synthetic options. Organic fertilizers are the ones that release nutrients slowly over time but are sustainable in nature, while synthetic fertilizers offer quick nutrients but may not always be sustainable. Use fertilizers during early spring as they offer better growth efficiency. Apply them based on the instructions given on the package.
6. Pruning and Deadheading:
Regular pruning and deadheading are some of the important tasks that may be overlooked by many plant owners. It is utilized to maintain your spring flower’s health and appearance. Prune the dead and damaged parts from your flower to minimize the risk of diseases and improve air circulation. Meanwhile, deadheading faded and dead spring flowers from the plant will enhance its overall appearance.
7. Protecting Against Pests and Diseases:
It is common for flowers to get affected by pests or diseases like slugs, powdery mildew, aphids, etc. Inspect your spring flower growth every day for any signs of trouble. To keep them free of such issues, keep your garden clean of debris, weeds, etc and avoid overcrowding your plants. If you find any pests or signs of diseases, treat them immediately with some organic methods or fungicides. Moreover, always follow the instructions on the product label.
8. Preparing for the End of the Season
The change of seasons calls for extra care and attention for your spring flowers. If you are a newbie, you need to be more careful in the beginning to safeguard your growth from any harsh elements or extreme weather conditions. Some pests are more active during specific seasons, so keep a regular check and use preventive measures with pest controls to eliminate any risks and keep your plants in good shape.
Conclusion
Understanding the nature and growth of your spring flowers is the key to having a flourishing garden. This detailed guide is for all beginners looking to add some vibrancy to their lives. Just remember to be a bit patient and do not shy away from making a bit extra effort at the start, which will only improve your skills further to explore more spring flower gardening the next season!