Tips and Tricks for Creating a Cutting garden
Plant with good compost (Bumper Crop is our Favorite) to naturally feed and as the season continues feed with either a granular flower food (Flower-Tone) or a liquid food (Jacks Bloom Booster). Heavy bloomers require more food, roses are a great example of this.
When planting annuals, succession planting helps provide continuous blooms. Repeat sowing 2-3 weeks for zinnias, and cosmos to name a few.
Perennials and shrubs are also great for blooms and foliage, just make sure to plant enough so the blooms won’t be missed outside. We recommend 3 of the same shrub and 5 or more of the same perennial.
Tips to increase the lifespan of cut flowers
- Cut flowers in the early morning before they transpire and loose moisture. (Evening is the next best time, while mid-day is not preferred)
- Use a sharp pair of scissors or shears (ARS snips are great!), and submerge into water immediately
- Remove any foliage from the base of the stem (no leaves should be underwater)
- Re-cut stems before putting them in the vase
- Make sure you disinfect glass jars in between uses
- Place arrangements in a cool room out of direct sunlight
- Add Prolong to the water to preserve flowers
