How to Plant a Fern Border

Check you site for shading. Ferns are easy to grow as long as they are given the right conditions. Most prefer a moist, shady or partially shady site. It pays dividends to prepare the ground thoroughly. Spring is a good time to plant.

Make sure your soil is fern-friendly. Most ferns need a moist, humus-rich soil, so fork in as much garden compost or rotted manure as possible. This is especially important if the area is shaded by trees or a wall that also casts a rain shadow, where the soil is usually dry.

Add a balanced fertilizer and rake it into the surface. If planting in late summer or winter, do not use a quick-acting fertilizer. Wait until spring to apply, or use a controlled-release fertilizer that will release the nutrients only when the weather is warm enough for growth.

Keep the soil moist. It is very important that ferns do not dry out, especially when newly planted. Water the pots thoroughly about 30 minutes before planting, to make sure the root ball is wet enough to start with.

Make a hole large enough to take the root ball; but if the roots are wound very tightly around the pot, you will need to carefully tease some of them out first. This will encourage them to grow out into the surrounding soil. If the plant is in a large pot, you may have to use a spade instead of a trowel.

Firm in carefully to eliminate any large air pockets that could allow the roots to dry out. Then water thoroughly so the surrounding soil is moist down to the depth of the root ball.

Mulch the border often. To help conserve moisture and maintain a high level of organic matter in the soil, mulch thickly with peat moss, leaf mould or garden compost. You will need to refresh the mulch each spring.