How to Grow a Flowerbed

Choose an area for your flowerbed that offers the appropriate light conditions for the flowers you wish to plant, noting that most flowerbed plants require full sun -- a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. For example, if you're planting bulbs, such as daffodils in the fall, choose a full-sun site. If you're planting hostas in your flowerbed, though, select a site that features morning sun with afternoon shade.

Gather a sample of your flowerbed soil and take it to your local extension office to have it tested. Make sure your soil’s pH level, or the soil’s level of acidity and basicity, is appropriate for the plants you desire to put in the flowerbed. For instance, grow plants such as hostas if the pH level is 6.5 to 7.5 -- which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline --but grow blue hydrangeas if the pH level is 4 to 5, which is acidic. Add amendments, including lime, to the soil to make the pH level suitable for the plants of your choice, following the soil test suggestions.

Purchase a combination of perennial and annual flowers to plant in your flowerbed to provide a range of colors in your garden. For example, select annuals, such as white sweet asylum and blue forget-me-nots, along with perennials, including red columbines and basket of gold alyssums. Plan to position the flowers so that the hues are spread out around the flowerbed rather than clumping all flowers of the same hue together.

Dig holes in your flowerbed large enough to accommodate your starter flowering plants. Situate them in the holes according to the label directions. For instance, when planting perennials and annuals, spread out the starter plants’ roots so that they mesh well with the soil in the ground. Allow the top of the root balls to be at or above the surface of the soil, depending on the label directions, and cover the roots with soil.

Water and fertilize your flowerbed plants based on the directions on the starter plant labels. Give flowerbed plants such as roses at least an inch to 1.5 inches of water a week. Apply mulch to the flowerbed, which helps the flowers’ roots retain water and chokes out weeds that compete for your flowers’ water and nutrients.