Landscaping 101

How to plant flowers

5 min read

how to plant flowers in your yard

Have you ever planted flowers in your lawn area? If not, here’s the thing. A lawn dotted with annual wildflowers is a sight to behold. Even more so when you live in a suburban area. Not just that, but flowers attract butterflies and birds, and who doesn’t love seeing those in a garden?

So, if your outdoor space is looking dull, here are some useful tips on how to plant flowers to brighten up your home.

Wild vs. exotic flowers

What kind of flowers do you want to cascade your manicured lawn? If you wish to have wildflowers, then your work is much easier. You can decide to stop mowing your lawn. Then, be on the lookout for those wildflowers sprouting all over.

Or, you may choose to overseed your garden with assorted wildflower seeds. Better still, bring in some plug plants. You know those seedlings you get in a tray from your local garden store?

But what if you want to create your statement with your choice of flowers? Then, start removing some of your lawn grass to create space for some choice flowers.

Pick an ideal location

Confirm the soil texture and drainage levels so you know what you’re working with. Use a jar with water to drain the soil and observe its water retention capacity. How much silt do you have settling at the bottom after five minutes of pouring the soil? Soil with at least 75% sand content will need lots of watering.

Prepare the soil

The best approach on how to plant flowers in your lawn starts with preparing the soil. You want to make sure that the ground has all the right nutrients to nourish your new plants for seasons to come.

The soil test

Not every homeowner has an abundant garden loam in his yard, so the soil test results will show if your soil is lacking in a vital nutrient. You may add some organic matter to nourish it, or if your land is too sticky, bring in some gravel or sandy soil to loosen it.

As you pick the flowers you want, ensure the earth’s PH can support their growth. That is, if your soil is too acidic, add some ground limestone to raise the PH. In contrast, a little cottonseed meal, compost, or sulfur will lower the PH for alkaline soils. Use a home test kit to determine and correct the soil PH.

Finally, confirm the soil texture and drainage levels. Use a jar with water to drain the soil and observe its water retention capacity. How much silt do you have settling at the bottom after five minutes of pouring the soil? Soil with at least 75% sand content will need lots of watering.

Wait for the favorable season

As a rule of thumb, aim at planting your flowers in spring, at least two weeks after frost. This way, you can be in time for the flowers to blossom in due season. Although keep in mind that some flowers will stay dormant, awaiting the hot summer season to sprout. If you’re still not sure how to plant flowers in time for their seasons, you can find lots of information in a farmer’s almanac. Usually, anytime between February and July is a safe planting season. Transfer your seedlings to the ground at night when the temperature is cold.

flowers blooming by front walkway

Planting tips

Are you planting your flowers from seeds? If so, then dig holes of at least a quarter-inch deep. But if you want to transplant a seedling, the hole should accommodate the length of the roots. Add several tablespoons of fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Use your fingers to mix it up with the soil.

If you used pots for your seedlings, first water the seedlings to loosen the soil. Next, break the lump with your fingers before transplanting the seedlings. Now transfer the seedlings or the seeds into the respective holes. Use your fingers to cover any open spaces with soil after transplanting.

Flower maintenance tips

Conclusion

Finally, arrange your flowers to create a focal point in your outdoors. At this focal point, use a ceramic or metal vase with an artistic appeal to make your flowers stand out. Then, develop some cascades around the vessel. Or, add a birdbath to replace the new stillness with happy chirpings of birds at sunrise and sunset.

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