Quick and Easy Color

Create blooms on a budget by seeding your garden.

Sowing Seeds
Scatter seeds by hand for a small bed; large areas may require a seed spreader. Distribute the seeds evenly.

Moisture is needed for germination, so water frequently the first couple of weeks, keeping the garden soil damp. Begin feeding with 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer at half strength when seedlings first appear. To keep your plants healthy, feed once a month with a full-strength solution after the first true leaves appear.

If some areas come up sparse, transplant seedlings from thicker areas. Use a hand trowel to move small plants. Scoop under them deep enough to avoid disturbing their roots. Never pick up the delicate seedlings by their stems. Water immediately after transplanting.

While They're Growing
Pull weeds at first sight. They are unwanted guests that will rob your plants of water and nutrients. Also watch for any pests.

As your plants mature and begin to bloom, sit back and enjoy this gardening adventure. The little seeds turn into beautiful flowers, allowing you to witness one of Mother Nature's many miracles.

Easy Flowers From Seed

  • bachelor's buttons  
  • cleome  
  • cosmos  
  • hollyhocks  
  • poppies  
  • zinnias  
  • daisies  
  • coneflowers  
  • sunflowers  
  • Mexican sunflowers  
  • marigolds

 

Charlie Thigpen

PAGE:12


  • Loading comments...

Add your comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.

500 characters remaining

More Ways To Get Southern Living

Advertisement

MOST POPULAR
1
86 Top-Rated Desserts

This luscious collection of desserts was chosen by you! They're so delicious you'll definitely be tempted to eat dessert first.

Caramelized Banana Pudding