| We try to grow flowers in our flower bed but they don't seem to grow very well or die shortly after we plant them. How can we replenish the nutrients in the soil in the bed? |
| Sounds as though a complete renovation is in order! Plants need rich, loose soil and you can accomplish that by incorporating lots of organic matter in the form of compost or aged manure. Begin by removing all the vegetation in the bed, then spreading a 4-5" layer of organic matter over the entire bed. Dig it in to a depth of 8-10 inches, then level the soil and dig your planting holes. After planting your flowers, mulch over the bare soil with another couple of inches of organic matter. This layer of mulch will help suppress weeds, moderate soil temperatures and slow water evaporation. As it decomposes it will release nutrients into the soil. In a year it can be dug into the soil and you can apply a fresh layer of organic mulch. Each time you add organic mulch, you'll be improving the soil structure and eventually you'll have rich garden loam in your flower beds, which will make your flowers grow and bloom without problem. Best wishes with your garden! |
