“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” - Luther Burbank

Introduction:

Hey there!  This is Louis Green, the main gardener at Greentown Farms and The Greentown Flower Patch.  Today’s blog topic is 10 tips for starting a flower garden.

I like to start with planning.  I am starting with the knowledge that I have gained from over 30 years of planting veggies for food and profit.   I plan based on climate, seed and variety preferences, and doing what makes me happy. I hope you enjoy your planting journey as much as I have over the years!

Here are my 10 tips for starting a flower garden:

1. Know your planting zone. The USDA hardiness zone map divides North America into different zones based on average annual minimum temperatures. This will help you choose plants that will thrive in your climate. You can find your hardiness zone by entering your zip code on the USDA Zone map.

USDA hardiness zone map

2. Pick a sunny spot. Most flowering plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a location that gets plenty of morning sun, as afternoon sun can be too harsh for some plants.

   

3. Test your soil. Knowing your soil pH will help you determine what amendments you need to add to create the right environment for your plants. You can purchase a soil test kit at your local garden center or nursery.  In our area, you can also send samples off for testing via your county agent.

   

4. Start small. It's tempting to go all out and plant a huge flower garden, but it's best to start small, especially if you're a beginner. This will make it easier to care for your plants and ensure their success.

   

5. Choose easy-to-grow flowers. There are many flowers that are perfect for beginners, such as marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers. These flowers are relatively low-maintenance and will reward you with blooms all summer long.

6. Plant at the right time. Planting times will vary depending on your climate and the type of flowers you're planting. In general, it's best to plant cool-season flowers in the spring or fall, and warm-season flowers in the late spring or early summer.

7. Water correctly. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that beginner gardeners make. Water your plants deeply when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid soaking them.

   

8. Feed your plants. Regular fertilization will help your plants grow strong and produce more flowers. However, be careful not to over fertilize, as this can damage your plants.

9. Deadhead your flowers. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers. This will encourage your plants to produce more blooms. To deadhead a flower, simply pinch off the flower head just above the first set of leaves.

   

10. Mulch your garden. Mulching around your plants will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. A good layer of mulch should be about 2-3 inches thick.

    

 By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and thriving flower garden. It doesn’t matter if you are planting a small area or several acres. I believe that you can be successful! 

With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy the beauty of flowers all season long.

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