How to Grow Wild Ferns

Plant wild ferns in the autumn for best growing conditions.

Wild ferns do well in conditions where the soil is moist and humidity is high. They do not prefer direct sunlight and should be positioned to grow in an area that is partly shaded. Wild ferns do not thrive in typical garden settings and conditions. You must adjust the conditions if you want the wild ferns to grow well. Avoid going out and getting wild ferns on your own. These ferns could contain insects that could infect the rest of your plants, garden and even your home.

Things You'll Need

• Rocks
• Soil test kit

Instructions

1. Prepare the area you selected for your wild ferns. Test the pH levels of your soil using a soil test kit that can be purchased from most home and garden stores. Some ferns require an alkaline soil while others require a more acidic soil. Refer to the specific soil requirements of the fern you wish to grow. Spacing of ferns also depends on the type of fern, the size, form and type of growth. Most ferns should be planted 2 to 3 feet from each other. If you bought the wild ferns from a retailer, they are probably planted in small quart-size pots. You can leave them in the pot if they are small, however, they should be replanted once they have outgrown the the pot.

2. Determine the best time to plant the ferns. If you live in a place where the climate is warm, you can plant the wild ferns up to autumn. Autumn is a preferable season to plant due to the moisture in the soil.

3. Shake the roots of the ferns when preparing to plant. Remove any excess potting soil. Potting soil can dry out the fern which could cause it to die prematurely.

4. Trim the ferns to help the plant settle in. Trimming will ensure that the fern does not suffer from water loss and will have enough moisture to keep it going until it is firmly rooted in the ground. Provide some support for your wild fern by using rocks, which also help retain moisture in the soil.

5. Water your wild fern plants regularly, especially in the first quarter after planting.

References

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: How to Grow Ferns