Organic Flower Gardening Tips

An organic flower garden is a beautiful expression of human creativity in complete harmony with nature. Organic gardening does not use harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides which hurt soil organisms and the environment. Instead, it instills a proper balance in the ecosystem through use of natural fungicides and pesticides.

A little space, a little time, a small budget and a strong inclination is all you need to design and cultivate a colorful, spirited flower garden. Spring is the best time to begin as most plants flowers during this season or in summer.

Every flowering plant has specific requirements with regard to growth cycles and nutrition. Perennials, annuals, spring bulbs and seasonal flowers - each has its unique soil, fertilizer, pesticide, sunlight and water requirements and each should be tended to differently. But in general, here are some basics for starting organic flower gardening.

The first requirement for an organic flower garden is organic soil. If the soil in your yard is unsuitable possibly due to high levels of acidity or chemical contaminants, you need to fix it. Adding limestone to it will tone down its acidity.

Add organic compost to the soil. This will prevent clogging of water and enable easy drainage. Preferably, dig about 1'-1'6" below the soil and add some coarse gravel and fill it back up with the soil. Make sure your soil does not contain weed seeds.

Add mulch to your soil to keep it rich in nutrients. Over time, you will have natural ecosystem where composting will occur naturally in your garden with earthworms helping to transport the decomposed mulch on the ground to the roots of the plants. Also add organic fertilizer to your soil before you start planting.

Once the soil is ready, design a layout of your yard on paper and decide where you want to plant your flowers. Dig a hole in your soil at least 3"-1' deep depending on the plant. Transplant the plant by removing it carefully from its container without hurting its roots. Place it in the hole and refill the hole with soil without filling it too tight. Make sure the roots are not exposed and the plant's foliage is not in contact with the ground. Plant on a cool day to prevent physical stress.

Water the plant regularly. Check with your nursery for instruction on each plant's water requirements. Also make sure your plants get ample sunlight or shade as required. Roses need at six hours of good sun while begonias, primrose and violets like the shade. Fertilize as directed.

Organic pesticides are available at nurseries. Look for infestations periodically and use the pesticides as directed.

You can even have an organic container flower garden if the soil in your yard is difficult to treat or you have limited yard space. You use practically any non-degradable, rust-free container to plant your flowering plants.

Importantly, periodically mulch and ensure that drainage is good. Avoid planting too close as overcrowding can lead to loss of nutrition or lack of sufficient light. Make sure that your planters have sufficient depth for the roots.

Familiarize yourself with the life cycle of the plants and be prepared to replace withering seasonal flowering plants.