If you want to start a beautiful garden, you should look for flower seeds. These seeds should be able to thrive in the soil you have in your lot, as well as the weather conditions in your area. Choosing seeds involves more work than simply opting for the ones that are beautiful. Aside from the physical appearance of the flowers, you also have to consider their benefits and maintenance. If you have a hectic schedule, you may not be able to take care of flower variants that require a lot of attention. You should also choose seeds according to your zone requirements.
Anyway, flower seeds are easier to store compared to bare-root and potted plants. They are also available in stores and online. You can easily order packets of seeds through the Internet. This will save you more time and energy, as well as provide you with more options. You can search for the flower variants that grow best in your location by checking out sites and articles.
If you want to grow the seeds outdoors, make sure that they are suitable for your yard or garden. For instance, if your yard or garden is partially shaded, you should not choose flower variants that need full sunlight. See to it that you read the information written on the seed packets before you purchase them. Usually, these packets contain instructions regarding the location or amount of care the plant needs. Keep in mind that not all seeds germinate. So, you may need to purchase more seeds and plant twice as many of them.
Make sure that you clear up the area in which you intend to plan the flower seeds. Dig up the soil and get rid of rocks, weeds, and other debris. Put generous amounts of compost or any other organic matter a few weeks before the last frost date in your area. When the right time comes, rake the surface soil for it to be smooth. Then, plant the seeds according to the instructions on their packets. They should be planted at appropriate depth. If they are too small, use a micro-seeder. Use plant markers to enable you to determine the location and variety of the seeds.
Since your seeds have not yet sprouted, you should water them gently and daily. Use a hose with a fine nozzle to avoid washing them away. In order to retain moisture, you should cover your seedbed with a layer of mulch. After some time, you will notice the seedlings have grown to at least several inches high. You should thin them based on the instructions on the seed packets. Leaving them too close to one another will result in their malnutrition.
On the other hand, if you prefer to grow the seeds indoors, see to it that you purchase quality pots and potting soil. Never use garden soil. Flower seeds such as asters, cosmos, geraniums, and marigolds are perfect for indoor gardening. You should plant them six to eight weeks prior to the last frost date. You should keep the potting soil moist yet not soggy. Also, you should leave the containers in the appropriate temperatures of seventy to eighty degrees. Once you notice seedlings that are around four inches in height, you should start transferring them outdoors.