Ferns come in many forms. From our giant tree ferns, groundcovers, clumping and even ones that grow up in the branches of trees, there is one for every garden. Ferns provide a solution to shaded areas of the garden adding magic with their lush, delicate green arching fronds. They look great when planted in woodland like plantings with Clivia, Hosta, Vireyas, creating a lush tropical shade garden.
Planting Calendar
Ferns can be planted throughout the year but must be protected from the sun.
Prepare
Position
Ferns are shade lovers and do not like the hot sun or strong winds. Plant in full to partial shade, shelter from wind is also beneficial.
Soil
When planted into the ground Ferns like a moist but free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Blood & Bone, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers, plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential as ferns do not like to dry out. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and a healthy immune system. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Protect against slugs and snails by applying Quash to the ground regularly.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Some sucking and chewing insects can be a problem on ferns so spray with Groventive Garden Insecticide at first sign of pests.
Pruning
Prune only to remove dead fronds from the plant.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
When a fern produces spores the leaves will have soft brown or white clusters of spores underneath and the top of the leaf may go black. This is normal and not an insect.
Expert Tip
Foliage colour provides a useful clue to the degree of light required. Those with reddish new fronds usually tolerate more sunlight, those with dark green fronds need shade.
Tip
The trunks of tree ferns and other ferns that form a trunk, are in fact roots and should be watering and kept moist just like the soil.
Top Varieties
Asplenium bulbiferum
Hen and Chicken fern is often grown as an indoor plant, needs full shade, this fern does well when planted in a pot. Easily propagated by removing the baby plants that grow at the end of its fronds. Grows to 1m x 1m.
Dicksonia squarrosa
A NZ native tree fern this species will tolerate some sun as long as it is kept moist. The trunk on this species can produce buds from its trunk, if the crown of the plant is damaged. Grows to 2-4m
Pellaea rotundifolia
Button fern is a rounded fern with dark green round leaves, it is suited to a pot as long as it is in the shade. Grows to 0.3m x 0.4m
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of soil do outdoor ferns prefer?
When planted into the ground Ferns like a moist but free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
How often should I water my outdoor ferns?
Watering is essential as ferns do not like to dry out. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
How do I prune my outdoor ferns?
Prune only to remove dead fronds from the plant.
Can I divide my ferns, and how do I do it?
Yes, most ferns can be divided to propagate new plants. The best time to divide ferns is in early spring. Carefully dig up the fern, separate the root ball into smaller sections with at least a few fronds each, and replant them immediately.
What should I do if my ferns turn brown or yellow?
Browning or yellowing fronds can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight. Check the soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly. Ensure your ferns are in a suitable shaded location and inspect for pests or diseases. Feel free to visit Kings Plant Barn for all your fern care needs, including quality soil mixes, fertilisers, and expert advice!