The season has begun! How to plant and care for garden flowers

Gardening combines the useful with the enjoyable, being a relaxing activity that brings emotional satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.

Rose (Rosa)

Gardening is becoming increasingly popular, from small balcony gardens in apartment buildings to generous spaces in suburban or rural areas. For those without experience, the questions are always the same: “What should I plant?” and “How do I care for flowers so they last?” This article provides the essential steps and a selection of some of the most common flower varieties, suitable for enthusiastic beginners who lack practical experience.

Essential steps:

1. Soil preparation – the foundation of a healthy garden
Before buying any flowers, we need to understand the soil we plan to plant in. Most flowers prefer well-drained, loose soil rich in organic matter.

Clear the area of weeds, stones, and old roots.
Loosen the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm using a hoe or a tiller.
Improve the soil: mix in compost or well-rotted manure (2–3 kg/m²). For clay (heavy) soils, add sand. For sandy (light) soils, add peat or compost.
Level the surface and water lightly 2–3 days before planting.

2. Proper planting techniques
There are two main methods: from seeds (cheaper but requires patience) or from seedlings/established plants (faster, recommended for beginners).

For seedlings:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, but at the same depth.
Gently remove the plant from the pot, loosening tangled roots slightly.
Place the plant in the hole, fill with soil, and press lightly with your hands.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting.

For seeds:

Sow in moist soil at the depth indicated on the packet (usually 2–3 times the seed’s diameter).
Cover with a thin layer of fine soil and lightly firm it.
Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until germination.

3. Basic care for resilient flowers
For beginners, the golden rule is: less is more. Avoid overcare.

Watering: Water early in the morning or in the evening. Check the soil—if it’s dry at a depth of 2–3 cm, it’s time to water. Most flowers do not tolerate standing water around the roots.
Weeding: Remove weeds manually or with a hoe once a week. They compete for water and nutrients.
Fertilizing: At planting, you can add a slow-release granular fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10). Then, once a month, use a liquid fertilizer for flowers (follow label instructions).
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
Winter protection: For perennials, cover the base with a layer of dry leaves or straw after the first frost.

4. The most common garden flower varieties
We select species that adapt well to our climate, are easy to find in garden centers and nurseries in most countries, and require minimal care.

Annuals – bloom for a single season and are sown each year
Marigolds (Tagetes) are sown in April–May and bloom from June until the first frost. They grow 20–40 cm tall, tolerate drought well, and repel pests. The soil should not be too rich.

Zinnias are sown directly in the garden in May and bloom from July through October. They can reach heights of 30 to 90 cm. They are ideal for cut flowers, but avoid watering the leaves, as this encourages the development of mold (powdery mildew).

Petunias are sown indoors in March–April and then bloom from May to September. They grow between 15 and 40 cm tall and are perfect for pots and planters. They require plenty of sunlight.

Geranium (Pelargonium) is typically purchased as an already grown plant in May and blooms from June to October, reaching a height of 20–50 cm. It is one of the most popular balcony flowers throughout Europe.

Perennials – return each year from the root, for 3–10 years

Peony (Paeonia) is planted in September–October and blooms in May–June. It grows to a height of 60–90 cm. It is highly valued in European gardens and can live for decades.

Lily (Lilium) is planted in spring or autumn and blooms from June to August. It grows between 50 and 120 cm tall, and the bulbs are planted at a depth of about 15 cm.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea) is planted in spring and blooms from July to September. It can reach a height of 80 to 150 cm. It prefers acidic soil and partial shade, and it requires abundant watering.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is planted in April–May and blooms from June to August. It grows to a height of 30–60 cm and is highly resistant to both drought and frost. After flowering, it should be pruned. It is extremely popular in southern Europe.

Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta) is planted in May and blooms from August to October. It grows to a height of 60–120 cm. It is a hardy plant that flowers late and attracts butterflies.

Spring bulbs – planted in autumn

Tulip (Tulipa) is planted in October–November and blooms in April–May. The bulbs are placed at a depth of about 15 cm. After flowering, do not cut the leaves until they have completely dried.

Daffodil (Narcissus) is planted in September–October and blooms in March–April. It is tolerant of moisture and, unlike other bulb plants, is not attacked by rodents.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) is planted in October and blooms in March–April. It has a strong fragrance. After flowering, the bulb can be kept for the following year.

5. Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Overwatering – leads to root rot.

Solution: Let the soil dry out between waterings.

Planting too deep – seeds or bulbs may rot.

Solution: Follow the recommended planting depth.

Choosing the wrong location – a sun-loving plant placed in the shade will not bloom.

Solution: Read the label carefully: “full sun” = at least 6 hours of direct sunlight; “partial shade” = 3–4 hours.

Failing to protect from late frosts – in May, nighttime frosts can damage seedlings in many regions.

Solution: Cover plants overnight with plastic sheeting or horticultural fleece.

March – April: Prepare the soil; sow petunias and zinnias indoors in pots. Plant lilies and lavender.

May: Plant marigolds, geraniums, and petunia seedlings in the garden. Sow rudbeckia directly outdoors.

June – July: Weed, water regularly, remove dead flowers. Apply light fertilization once.

August – September: Collect seeds for the following year. Plant peonies, daffodils (narcissus), and tulips.

October – November: Clear fallen leaves and protect perennials with mulch.

December – February: Plan next year’s garden. You can force a few hyacinth bulbs indoors.

6. Simple calendar for the beginner gardener

Gardening is learned by doing. Start with a small space (3–5 m²) and just 3–4 of the varieties mentioned above—for example, marigolds, peonies, tulips, and lavender. Observe how the plants respond, note what works, and enjoy every new bloom. In a year, you may be the one giving advice to other beginners.

For better results, visit a local garden center and ask for “acclimatized” varieties—these are already adapted to the soil and climate of your region.

Good luck!