How to Plant a Flower Garden From Seeds

Few things are more beautiful than a garden full of flowers in various stages of growth and bloom. A flower garden can soften architecture and add value to property. The maintenance of a flower garden can also be a great way to get exercise while reducing stress.
Another benefit of growing a flower garden from seeds is the savings; purchased plants can be costly. The process of planting a flower garden from seeds is surprisingly easy. Grab a pencil and paper and get ready to plant your dream flower garden from seeds.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper and pencil Flower seeds Spade Hoe or tiller Gloves and knee pads (optional) Water Fertilizer

How to Plant a Flower Garden From Seeds

1. Select an area for the garden. Some flowers prefer full sun, while others thrive in the shade. Will the garden be in a windy area? Will it be on a slope and subject to washout when it rains? Find an area that will work with minimal resistance from Mother Nature.

2. Decide which type of flowers you want to plant. Perennial, annual or a mix? Colorful, or ones that will give off a beautiful fragrance? Jot down some ideas. You may change your mind after reading through the remainder of the steps, but a general idea of the flower types you want to plant in your garden can influence the shape and size of your garden.

3. Draw the intended shape of the flower garden, along with any large structures, trees or other items that will be incorporated into the area. The drawing can be rough; you don't need to fill in every detail. Just remember: A little planning before planting will help you achieve the look you want the first time.

4. Choose the location in the garden where each type of seed will be planted. Tall flowers should ideally provide a backdrop for smaller flowers. Tall flowers or flowers that spread should not be planted too close to small flowers. Exotic flowers look great next to simple ones. Consider the best spot for each species.

5. Analyze the garden soil. If it is nutrient-poor, fertilize the soil to get it ready for planting the flower seeds. If the area is already planted, remove any grass, weeds or unwanted flowers with a tiller or by hand with a hoe or garden spade.

6. Buy the seeds. When purchasing seeds, consider the amount of flower plants you want and the size of your garden. If your flower garden will feature a mass planting of one flower type, you will most likely need to buy more than one packet of seeds, unless your garden is small. You can buy seeds at bargain prices at drugstores and big-box stores, as well as garden centers, home improvement and hardware stores. Make sure the seeds have been harvested for use during the year you will be planting them.

7. Plant the flower seeds. Follow the directions on the seed packets and don't throw the packets away. They provide information regarding best times to fertilize as well as other information about the flower seeds you have planted. Annuals usually call for spring sowing while some perennials can be planted in the winter for spring germination. The directions on the packet will tell you the depth the seeds should be planted, along with the best time to plant the seeds. Use gloves to keep your hands clean. You can also use knee pads to keep your knees, pants or shorts from becoming soiled. A garden spade makes it easy to remove soil for planting.

8. Water and fertilize the planted seeds as recommended.

9. Thin plants after they have germinated.

10. Weed the flower garden to remove any competition for water and nutrients, and also to keep it looking tidy. Deadhead any spent blossoms once the flowers are established. Deadheading also stimulates new growth. Remove overgrowth to avoid crowding.