As the seasons shift, fall is the perfect time to prepare your cut flower garden for a vibrant, healthy bloom come spring. Taking a few simple steps now will not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also promote stronger, more resilient plants. From soil preparation to strategic planting, a little effort in the cooler months can lead to breathtaking results when warmer days return.
Let’s be honest, gardening for Spring really begins in January and February. Wondering what you can be doing now to prepare for a cut flower garden this summer?
Here are 5 Things you can do now:
1.Create a garden plan.
What plants do you want to grow this year? Where are you going to put them? Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your cut flower garden. Early preparation involves assessing and optimizing the location to ensure the best conditions for your blooms.
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2. Research:
Research and plan the flowers you want to grow. Consider factors like bloom times, colors, and compatibility. Order your seeds and spring planted bulbs early. Here are some of our favorites:
- Mixed Oriental Lilies (8 Pack of Bulbs)
- Mixed Gladiolus Flower Bulb Value Bag – 30 Bulbs
- Zinnia Seeds – California Giants Mix – 3000 seeds
- Seed Needs Cosmos Flower Seeds 12 Varieties – 3K seeds
Where possible purchase bulbs in-store as some may not travel well and affect germination. Costco always has a great selection early Spring.
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3. Clean and prepare:
Clean your seed area. Make an inventory of what you already have and make sure it’s clean and ready to go. Furthermore, it may be worth considering a designated area indoors in order to keep everything in the same place and ultimately a little less messy. Below is a great solution if you are limited with space.
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4. Order/purchase seed supplies:
Order seed starting supplies such as soil, trays and soil blocks etc. Again I’d say to pop into your local nursery or Home Depot to explore the options. Alternatively we love these Amazon Favorites:
- Sondiko Seed Starter Tray with Grow Light, 80 Cells Seed Starter Kit with Humidity Dome –Grow lights included.
- Burpee Greenhouse Indoor Starting Herbs, Flowers and Vegetables | Includes Dome, Watering, Seed Starter Tray, Coir Pellets – no soil necessary!
5. Start “cool flower” annuals indoors:
Early Spring is the perfect time to start your “cool flower” hardy annuals like sweet peas, snap dragons, bachelor buttons, Larkspur. Snapdragons are especially cold hardy so these can definitely be started early. Make sure to save the seeds at the end of the season for a lifetime supply of snapdragon bouquets.
For the best flower choices head over to : The Top 7 Flowers for a Cut Flower Garden
As you embark on the journey to prepare your cut flower garden, keep in mind that early preparation is the key to achieving a flourishing and vibrant display. In addition to choosing the right location and planning your flower selection, enriching the soil and starting seeds indoors are crucial steps that will set the groundwork for a successful growing season. Ultimately, as the first blooms emerge and your garden transforms before your eyes, you will see that all the effort you invested in the early stages will undoubtedly pay off. Therefore, embrace the joy of cultivating your cut flower garden, and truly revel in the beauty it brings to your outdoor space. Not only will you enjoy the stunning visuals, but you will also create a peaceful retreat that enhances your overall well-being.
Happy gardening! x
If you live in Zone 7a consider reading this article as it covers it all: Everything you need to know about Gardening in Zone 7a:
