Flower seeds

Flower seeds

Article by Kernowjourno

Growing flowers from seed is an affordable and rewarding way to transform your grey garden in to a vibrant flowering oasis. With a little time and nurture you can add colour and scent to your home and garden for very little money.

Benefits of growing from seed

Buying bedding plants from the local garden centre can be expensive. Planting and growing your own flowers from seeds can cut the cost of your garden flowers. Another benefit of growing from seed is choosing flowers that your nursery may not even stock. You are not limited by what is available on the shelves, and you will not be stuck buying flowers that look unhealthy. If you live in an area that takes a while to warm up, you can start your seeds early. You can then plant your flowers, already blooming when the weather is right.

Different types of seed

There are three types of flower seeds. The first, annuals, only live for one year. They have to be replanted each year. Biennials, on the other hand, live for two years. During the first year, the plant tends to grow and does not bloom until the second year. Perennials continue to bloom year after year. They do not need to be replanted. When planning your garden planting, it is best to plant a mixture of these seeds.

Planting and growing tips

To start your seeds early inside, prepare a container to hold your flowers. Use potting soil instead of garden soil. Six to eight weeks before the last frost, plant your flower seeds. If you do not have a greenhouse, place the containers by a window facing south. Keep the temperatures between seventy and eighty degrees and the soil moist. Do not overwater the seeds.

Once the threat of frost is over, you can plant the seedlings outside. Place the containers outside for a week before planting them in your flower garden. This will allow the plants to adjust to the elements outside.

If you decide to plant the seeds directly outside instead, you must take the time to prepare the soil. After digging up the area for your flowers, remove weeds and rocks, then mix in compost or other organic matter. It is best to prepare the soil three to four weeks before the last frost. Wait until after the last freeze to plant your seeds.

Follow the directions on the back of the seed package in order to plant the seeds at the proper depth. Place markers next to the newly planted seeds so you do not accidentally dig them up. Water them every day with a fine-mist nozzle. If you use a hose without a nozzle, you risk washing the seeds away.

At the end of the summer, you can collect the seeds from your flowers for the next planting season. This saves you even more money, and you can watch your flower garden grow with pride.

Dobbies online garden centre is a great place to find a wide range of flower seeds and free growing advice.

About the Author

Kernow journo loves to write about gardening and everything green.