A well-maintained garden in full bloom is such a sight for sore eyes, isn’t it? It can add much appeal and value to a property, even if you have a small terrace or balcony to grow beautiful perennials and seasonal flowers. However, to make sure your garden thrives around the year, you need to know how to care for it as seasons change. When it comes to the growth and abundance of flowers, season plays a key role due to variations in temperature, sunlight exposure, humidity, soil conditions, etc.
So, let’s examine some practical care tips for your garden for spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
1. Spring
Spring is when your garden wakes up from its deep winter slumber. The snow starts to melt and green shoots and leaves rear their heads anew. Here are some tips for this season:
- Clean your garden thoroughly and remove dry leaves or dead plant matter.
- Check the state of the soil and add aged manure or compost to enhance the nutrient content.
- Aerate the soil and improve its drainage capability so that roots don’t rot when new seeds germinate.
- Test the pH of the soil to find out if it’s too acidic or alkaline and make necessary adjustments based on the perennial or seasonal plants you wish to grow.
- The next step is to find out about the last frost date for the region you live in. For early plantings, pick season flowers that prefer cool weather, such as violas, pansies, and snapdragons.
- As temperatures rise slowly, start introducing seasonal flowers that prefer warmth, such as zinnias, marigolds, and cosmos.
- You can either sow seeds indoors for early blooms or sow them outdoors as per the instructions on the packet.
- Apply a carefully formulated fertilizer at the recommended intervals to ensure that the plants grow healthily and bear colorful blooms.
2. Summer
Summer months are perfect for the seasonal flowering of many varieties, as the days are sunny and long. Here’s what you can do to make your garden thrive:
- Frequent and thorough watering is essential to prevent plants from drying or wilting. Hence, water their bases adequately in the evening or early morning so that moisture loss through evaporation is minimal. Setting up a drip irrigation system is also a good idea.
- Remember to remove dying flowers on a regular basis so the plants bloom continuously.
- Apply organic mulch around your perennial or seasonal flowers in a 2 to 3-inch thick layer. This will lock in moisture, control the temperature of the soil, and discourage weeds. Replenish mulch throughout summer or as and when required.
Pests tend to become more active during the hot months. Therefore, watch out for signs of damage like black, brown, or yellow spots on leaves, curling of leaves, or stunted growth. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to nip the problem in the bud.
3. Autumn
Autumn is when days begin to shorten, and you start feeling a light chill in the air. This means it’s time to prep your garden for winter. Keep the following in mind when tending to your garden:
- Eliminate annuals and dead blooms from your garden to stall the spread of diseases. Chop up plant debris to enrich your compost pit.
- Take measures to protect the perennials. Note that easy flowers to take care of in winter include violas, pansies, hellebores, snowdrops, starflowers, and daffodils. All you need to do is trim them to a height that is ideal for the cold months and cover the tender ones with a layer of straw or mulch for insulation against falling temperatures.
- Divide the perennials that have overgrown, as this will not only rejuvenate the plants but also help propagate new ones for more flowers next year.
4. Winter
Winter, as a flowers season, might not seem very conducive to growth and proliferation. However, you can do the following to make sure your garden blooms beautifully in spring:
- Research the perennial or seasonal flowers that you would like to grow in your garden in spring and place orders when winter is about to end. This way, the seeds will reach you just in time for planting.
- Clean your gardening tools before stashing them away during the cold months. Sharpen them as well, so when spring is here, you can use them easily.
- If you live in a place that sees mild winters, consider winter sowing. Sow the seeds in containers and place them outside, exposed to weather. Seed dormancy will end when temperatures fluctuate and seedlings will appear when spring commences.
- Reduce the amount of watering and ensure your flowering plants receive 5 to 6 hours of natural light. You can also get grow lights.
5. Extra Tips for All Seasons
Whether you are keen on perennials or seasonal flowers, here are a few tips that will keep your garden in great shape throughout the year:
- Plant different types of flowers to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Introducing some native plant species can also do the trick.
- Create balance in your garden with companion planting techniques. Try combinations of different plants that support mutual healthy growth or keep pests at bay.
- Maintain a journal where you jot down your planting schedule, challenges, and successes in every season. Later, you can reflect on the same and make more informed decisions.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the tips shared above will help you grow and maintain a stunning garden regardless of the season. Ideally, a mix of perennial and seasonal plants will ensure your garden never goes completely dormant or loses its liveliness. If you have a big garden or are short on time to do all the caring yourself, consider hiring a gardener.
Most importantly, don’t fret if your garden is not blooming the way you want it to or if you’re finding it hard to choose pretty seasonal flowers to decorate your home for a special occasion. Every garden is unique and takes its own time. In the meantime, a fresh flower delivery service can help you out.
Trust Alpha Floral for Year-Round Gorgeous and Fresh Blooms
No matter the season, flowers are just a click away with Alpha Floral. We deliver all over Santa Barbara County, and you can choose from an impressive collection of peonies, roses, calla lilies, orchids, dahlias, and more. Consider contacting our experts before ordering if you are confused about what aligns with your preference and budget.
Call (805) 965-5165 or email us at alphafloral@gmail.com for a consultation today!
