Starting to grow your own flowers can seem daunting, but I assure you, once you jump in it will become easier with time. Sometimes the best way to learn is to get your hands dirty (literally!) and try until you succeed.
My first year in growing cut flowers in my garden was okay at best. I killed more than half of what I sowed, but the amount of things I learned just by doing was immeasurable.
So, if you're like me and are afraid of failure or that it's continuous hard work, know that it is and failure will happen. However, even if you fail 99.9% of the time, you'll be left with one bloom. Something you grew by yourself with your own hands, and you'll be hooked! Now let's jump in together!
How to start your first cut flower garden
Find a space you can grow your flowers
This could range from a raised garden bed, to pots and planters, or even straight into the ground in your yard. If you are going to grow in the ground, take a look at the soil and make sure it is not too compacted or heavy clay soil.
Buy your seeds
I have a dedicated blog post here for my favorite seed suppliers, but you can source them anywhere. Ask your neighbors who garden if they save seeds and are willing to share, or buy them at your local hardware store. However, I do recommend the online retailers in my blog post mentioned, as they have the highest germination rates and best chances for success.
Start your seeds
There are countless "how to start seeds" videos online, but it's really pretty simple. Use a potting soil or raised bed soil and fill some seed starting trays. Insert your seeds, cover and follow watering and light instructions on the back of the seed packet. You can find a place in your garage, basement or even buy a greenhouse for under $50 like I did. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3LjqsD7
Harden off and Plant out
In order to plant your little seedlings outside, you'll need to slowly acclimate them to the elements. Start setting the seed trays outside for a couple of hours each day, slowly working your way up to all day and bringing them in at night. This should take no more than a week. Once they are ready, plant them into your pots or garden beds and thoroughly water.
Continue watering and check sunlight exposure
Water your plants as directed on the seed package, making sure they also get enough sunlight throughout the day. As mentioned previously, adequate sunlight exposure is the main reason flowers do not bloom. If you are planting in raised beds or pots, these will likely drain and dry out quickly. However, if you are planting in the ground, it will likely retail water well so you shouldn't have to water too often. Check by feeling with your fingers beneath the surface of the soil.
That's it! I could go into more detail, but it's really not necessary to overwhelm yourself with information. Use common sense in instances you're unsure and you'll begin to learn and trust your instincts more. For example, are your seedlings drooping and soil is dry to the touch? Up the watering schedule. Are your seedlings not growing any larger/taller? Check how many hours of sunlight they are getting. In no time you'll have your dream cut flower garden bursting with blooms. Who knows, maybe you'll expand your flower garden into a cut flower farm!
Trust me, once you get a taste of growing your own flowers at home, you'll be hooked forever.