How to Plant Borders & Flower Beds

Overview

Flower beds and borders are a great way to add interest to your yard. They break up the monotony of a lawn and add splashes of color and texture to walls, fences, buildings and other features. When planting flower beds and borders remember to choose a mixture of both annuals and perennials so your garden will never be bare during any part of the year. Also, choose plants that will grow well in your climate zone for the best results.

Step 1

Remove all large rocks and weeds from the flower bed and borders.

Step 2

Add a 3 to 4 inch layer of compost or manure to the soil and work it in to a depth of about 5 inches. This will help improve the soil's texture and add organic material to the soil.

Step 3

Dig holes for the plants you wish to plant in your flower bed and borders. Dig the holes for the largest plants, such as shrubs or ornamental grasses, first in the back of the flower bed or border so the larger plants do not block the smaller ones. Dig the holes for the smaller plants second. Space each plant between 1 to 3 feet apart. Make sure each hole is as deep as the plant's root ball and two to three times as wide.

Step 4

Place each plant in their corresponding hole. Fill the holes with soil and pat down firmly.

Step 5

Water the flower beds and borders until the soil is moist.

Step 6

Mulch around the plants in the flower bed and border to help retain moisture.