How to Maintain Flower Beds

Apply fertilizer in spring as new growth starts with a general purpose fertilizer like 10-10-10. Follow up with another application in six weeks to eight weeks, especially for perennial flowers with long lasting foliage or extended flowering periods.

Remove weeds from the flower beds when they appear. Use a trowel and dig up the entire root ball of the weed to ensure it does not grow back.

Water established flower beds when the soil is dry two to three inches deep. Water the entire root zone area in early morning. Let the flowers dry out partially before watering again and only apply water as fast as the soil can absorb the moisture. Turn off the water if the soil begins to puddle.

Spread a fresh layer of mulch around the bed to help conserve moisture and maintain soil temperature, as well as prevent weeds from sprouting up and taking up needed nutrients.

Deadhead all spent flower blooms as soon as they are noticeable to encourage a second round of blooms. Prune any dead material off of the flower with pruning shears.

Divide perennial plants in spring, when new growth resumes. Dig up around the flower and lift the entire clump from the ground. Using a garden spade, cut up the clump so that each clump is the size of a gallon or quart sized perennial. Discard the old center and trim off the damaged roots.

Prune the perennial flowers back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove and discard all annual flowers that are dead.