Step 4 -Choosing plants and seeds. Read helpful information you should know when choosing flowers and seeds. Know what to look for when buying flowers for you garden.
Review The flower garden is now ready for plants. You know the soil and light conditions in your garden. You now know the climate and hardiness zone of where you live. You learned about a plant's name. All these help you choose flowers and seeds that will grow well in your garden.
Observation- Write a list of all your garden's growing conditions. Sunlight, climate, soil and drainage, and hardiness zones. Having a record or checklist to look at is a quick way to see if a plant will grow well in your garden. Making a list of flowers and seeds you would like to plant in your garden is helpful too. To get an idea of what you would like to plant have a look at some books. There are many books on flowers and gardening for kids in the library. Local gardening centers or Garden Nurseries usually have gardening guide books with pictures of the plants and seeds they sell. They offer all the growing and caring information you need when choosing plants or seeds.
Ideas Where To Get Plants From -Gardeners love to share. Ask friends and family if they have any seeds they are not using. Many gardeners save seeds from their own plants, and like to share them with other gardeners. Sometimes a gardener will have a plant that has grown very big and has to be divided. The divided plant can be replanted or shared with other gardeners who have room for new plants. -Local greenhouses and Nurseries -Garden Centers at your local stores -Summer Garden Markets -Local Plant Sales
To get you started Here is a list of fun and easy to grow flowers to look for. They all grow well in a sunny garden.
Tips For Buying Plants And Seeds When you are shopping for plants at a local greenhouse, don't be afraid to ask questions. The more questions you ask the more you will learn. Take a list of the names of flowers or seeds you are looking for, and a list of your garden's growing conditions. Plant name and information is located on the pots or plant tags that are in the soil. Seed packages have the growing and plant information right on the packet. This information tells you where a plant likes to grow. Don't forget to compare these to your garden's growing conditions. Pick plants that will grow best in your garden.
When you have found a plant you want to buy, you want it to be healthy. Here are some things to look for: - Pick a plant that is full, and strong, not long and spindly.
-pick plants that have full, plump flower buds, and no wilted leaves -Make sure no roots are trying to come out of the bottom of the pot. The roots should just fill the pot and not be crowded. You can have a look by gently tipping the plant out of the pot to see root ball. -Pick a plant that has no insect activity. Little bugs flying around or chewed leaves are a sign of insect activity.
If buying seeds just remember to check the information on the packet for best growing conditions. Also check for a stamped date. This tells you when the seeds should be used by. Kind of like an expiration date. Seeds are a great way to start a garden! It costs less than buying plants, and can be very rewarding to watch the seed you plant grow. Plant a favorite vegetable too! Just plant it on the edge of your garden for easy pickings later.
Here is a list of plants that are easy to grow from seed. They all grow well in a sunny garden.
Botanical Name Rudbeckia hirta Cosmos bipinnatus Tagetes erecta
Annual Annual Annual
Common name Black-Eyed Susan Cosmos Marigolds
These flowers are great to collect and save seeds from. You can share with friends and family!
Starting a Garden Journal Make and start a garden journal at the same time you start your flower garden. Read fun journaling ideas too! For instructions and ideas click here.
