Introduction: How to Prepare and Plant a Flower Bed

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I love both flowering plants and cut flowers – seeing them in the garden or in a vase in the house makes my little heart patter in a very good way.

This is how I prepare & plant a flower bed in the spring to ensure a non-stop riot of color all summer long.

Below, I layout the steps I take to preparing and planting a bed. And, be sure to check out the video How To Prepare And Plant A Flower Bed.

Step 1: Planning

I plan out how many plants I will need according to how wide each one grows. Because I am planting annuals in these beds, they will grow fast.

Step 2: Removing, Dividing & Pruning

The unwanted perennials, annuals from the previous season & weeds get removed.

Perennials to remain get divided & moved to other beds. The remaining perennials & roses get pruned & cleaned up.

Step 3: Soil Prep

The soil gets turned over & then smoothed out to fill in the spaces were plants have been dug out. When planting annuals, I don’t get too crazy with the digging because they don’t root too deep.

Step 4: Plants Are Laid Out

The plants are laid out. I like to plant in blocks of color - it’s more restful on the eyes. The walkway bed is done in shades of pink & rose while the fairy bed is done in reds. Both are accented & tied together with accents of blue lobelia.

Step 5: Planting

Holes are dug & the planting begins. I believe in enriching the soil with composts only but when it comes to annuals, I use fertilizer too. The blend we use is 2 parts rose & flower food, 1 part alfalfa meal & 1 part composted chicken manure - all organic of course. We use a tablespoon or 2 per plant depending on the root size.

Step 6: Composting & Adjusting Irrigation Tubes

The soil is smoothed out again & the drip irrigation tubes adjusted if necessary.

2” of compost is spread on top. This is a natural way to feed plants & conserve moisture. In this garden, it also hides the irrigation tubes.

Step 7: Watering

Be sure to water the plants well after planting them.

The growing begins & a colorful masterpiece will evolve.

Flower beds require a little extra prep and care but it's well worth it. Who doesn't want to add a little color to their summer world?

If you are a plant love, c'mon over to Joy Us garden where I share all things garden.

Nell Foster