Ferns. Their delicate fronds, their ancient lineage, their ability to transform a shady corner into a tranquil oasis. For Ohio gardeners looking to add texture, visual interest, and a touch of woodland charm, ferns are an exceptional choice. This guide will walk you through how to successfully grow ferns in your southwest Ohio garden.
Why Grow Ferns in Ohio?
Ohio’s diverse climate, distinct seasons, and varying light conditions create a welcoming environment for a wide variety of ferns. These lush plants offer numerous benefits, including
- Shade Tolerance: Many ferns grow well in shady areas where other flowering plants have a hard time. This makes them great for woodland gardens, north-facing beds, and under tree canopies.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, most ferns require minimal care, which makes them ideal for busy gardeners.
- Textural Interest: Ferns’ intricate green fronds provide unique textures and visual appeal to add depth and sophistication to your landscape.
- Deer Resistance: Deer don’t usually eat ferns.
- Ohio is Made for Ferns: Ohio has the ideal growing conditions for ferns because it offers the right balance of precipitation and humidity. This means that ferns thrive in Ohio, especially in sheltered locations.
Tips for Planting Ferns in Ohio
Ferns are not typically fussy plants. However, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that your fern thrives.
- Timing: If you’re planting your fern outside, then the best time to plant ferns in Ohio is in the spring or early fall. This allows them time to establish roots before the heat of summer or the cold of winter. If you’re keeping your fern as a houseplant, then feel free to bring a fern to your home at any time.
- Location: Place your fern in a place with partial shade or full shade. This will give the plant the break it needs during Ohio’s hot summers.
- Soil Preparation: Ferns generally prefer rich, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the fern’s root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the fern from its container and loosen any circling roots. Place the fern in the hole and ensure that the crown (where the fronds emerge) is at soil level. Backfill with the amended soil.
- Watering: Water your fern thoroughly after planting. Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during the first growing season. Once established, keep your fern moist without letting it become waterlogged.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark, around your ferns. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and mimic the fern’s natural woodland environment.
Caring for Your Ohio Ferns
- Watering: Monitor soil moisture, especially during dry spells. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilizing: Generally, ferns are not heavy feeders and don’t require frequent fertilization. A light application of compost in the spring can be beneficial. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers so you don’t burn your fern.
- Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged fronds as needed. Allow the fronds to naturally die back in the fall; they provide insulation for the crown over winter.
- Pest and Disease Control: Ferns are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for any unusual issues and address them promptly with organic solutions if necessary.
- Division: Some spreading ferns, like Ostrich Fern, can be divided in early spring or fall to propagate new plants or control their spread.
Our Favorite Fern: The Boston Fern
One of our favorite ferns is the Boston Fern, which is also known as a “sword fern.” This tropical plant is fast growing, easy to care for, and often grown indoors as a houseplant because it has gorgeous foliage and can purify your home’s air. A Boston Fern can live for years, and people love its classic beauty. Boston ferns are perfect for creating a lush and tranquil environment in your home or out in your garden.
How to Care for a Boston Fern Houseplant
Boston Fern are easy to grow once you understand the basics of fern care. Here are some steps you can take to give your Boston Fern top-notch care. You can also come by Stockslager’s Greenhouse and Garden Center in Dayton, Ohio, to get the best fern expertise and advice.
- Light: Boston Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds. Put them near an east-facing window or a spot a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window.
- Water: Water consistently and thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root rot. To give your fern an extra dose of moisture, consider placing the fern’s pot on a pebble tray filled with water, using a humidifier, or misting the fronds regularly.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or peat moss.
- Temperature: Ensure your fern’s environment stays at a moderate temperature (between 65-75°F). Avoid drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Fertilizing: Give your fern a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter.
- Pruning: Trim away any yellowed, brown, or dead fronds at the base of the plant to encourage new growth.
- Repotting: Repot your fern into a larger pot when the plant becomes root-bound, which is usually every 1-2 years.
Get Your Ferns at Stockslager’s
Our Boston Fern Sale is our biggest fern sale of the season (and probably among all of Ohio’s garden centers) and goes from April 28th to May 2nd. While you’re here, check out our wide selection of annuals, perennials, houseplants, gardening supplies, and garden décor.
Missed our Boston Fern Sale? Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out on our other seasonal deals, discounts, and specials. Also, follow us on our socials to get alerts on our best promos and upcoming community events.
For more sales, discounts, and expert gardening advice, come by Stockslager’s Greenhouse & Garden Center in Dayton, Ohio, and let one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members assist you. Call our garden center at 937-687-2722 for questions and inquiries about availability.
