How to Make a Flower Bed

Flowers are a great addition to your outdoor landscaping.  If you’ve been thinking about starting a flower garden then this DIY Smarts story is for you.

Things to consider before getting to work:

• Location – select an area that will have the proper sun and/or shade to support good growth
• Layout – a common approach is to arrange flowers by height, with larger plants in the back of the garden for a tiered look
• Annuals vs. perennials – whether you plan to replant each year with annuals or prefer to grow perennials that will come back each season, there are countless varieties to choose from
• Think in terms of mood – red flowers elicit a fun, lively reaction, while blue flowers have a more calming effect so think about which you prefer before investing in your flowers

How to make a flower bed:

• Clear the area of weeds, grass and any other elements
• Define the planting area by cutting back grass and to provide a clean transition from lawn to garden
• Loosen the soil with a garden rake or garden spade, at least a foot into the soil
• Churn in some peat moss, planting soil or compost
• Remove the plants from their container and gently pull apart the roots
• Plant your flowers at the same depth as they were in their original containers
• Make sure to water your flowers regularly and maybe consider adding some mulch to the garden bed to keep in moisture