Spring is just around the corner and that means one thing… flower gardening! While growing flowers is generally simple and fun, there are a few rules you should follow when planting Annuals such as zinnias and daffodils. The first rule of thumb when planting annuals is that annuals require at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day during their growing season. More sunlight means the flowers will be more prone to disease and cold, but the blooms will also be extra beautiful. Spring bulbs, such as crocuses, tulips, and hydrangeas are an excellent choice for early spring bulbs as they tend to be very colorful, full of flowers and fairly low maintenance.

The second rule of thumb for planting flowers is to allow the flowers to spread out before transplanting them. This rule is especially important with bulbs since they may not always reach their maximum potential if planted too close together. If you have selected a spot that allows for good growth of your chosen flowers then leave some space between them for healthy growth. Don’t forget to check the area under the plants for compacted soil that could become a root system for the new bulbs. Be careful when digging, taking care not to break the roots of the flowers. If necessary, add organic mulch to the area to help retain moisture.

One of the most versatile flowers you can grow in a flower garden is long stems such as lavender, orchids, and roses. Long stems are beautiful when cut into long sections, but make sure you don’t cut them too short. Longer stems provide lots of room for the blooms to bloom. You can also create interesting designs by separating the sections with a small hedge or trellis.

Another consideration when planting flowers in your garden soil is the quality of the soil. A well-drained garden soil will retain moisture better for the plants. If you have clay or extremely soggy garden soil, be sure to apply organic mulch to avoid that condition.

Sunflowers should be planted in the sunlight because they love the sun but can handle drought more easily. Cut flower garden sunflowers in half or more to allow them to dry more completely. When the flowers have dried sufficiently you can separate them from each other and store them separately. Store sunflowers tightly wrapped in cellophane for up to two weeks.

When planting a flower garden, it is important to remember to prepare the soil surface before planting. A layer of peat moss will help hold the soil in place and also add some organic matter to the soil to give it nutrients. To prepare the flower garden area you will need to rake the earth to remove any grass, weeds or stones. It is best to not use your trowel on the ground as the ground may become muddy. You can also use an old garden rake or a shovel to accomplish this task.

The next step in preparing the flower garden is to choose the plants you want to plant. Most annual flowers prefer full sunlight. For planting perennials you should consider placing them in groups that are closely staggered. Small cut flowers such as hydrangeas and crocuses can grow very large and take over an area quickly. You should also consider planting annuals that can tolerate partial shade.

One last tip to consider is the climate of the area you live in. Some annual flowers grow better in areas with milder temperatures. Other plants need more sun to grow and thrive. You will need to find out what plants need what climates before planting anything.