Suggestions for growing healthy and happy ferns

In places with open or partial shade, ferns form delicate patterns of green and mix well with other shade-loving plants, such as primroses and columbines. Here are some suggestions for growing healthy and happy ferns.

• Once ferns are established, they need watering only during hot periods, when the soil may dry out
• After planting, cover the entire surface around the ferns with an eight-centimetre-deep (three-inch-deep) mulch of compost or leaf mould. This will help to conserve moisture during dry spells
• Reapply this mulch each fall and spring.
• Also in spring, before spreading the mulch on the bed, scatter bone meal around the plants, using 250 grams (a cupful) per square metre
• Weed ferns by hand, since forking or hoeing can damage the root system, which in established ferns is near the surface of the soil
• Each spring remove dead fronds with a knife, as near to the crown as possible. This will encourage new shoots to form. Do not remove in fall as they help protect the crown

Properly positioned ferns growing in good soil seldom develop any serious pest or disease problems. But here are some things to watch out for:

• Sticky patches, sometimes covered with sooty mould and fronds may be distorted: Aphids or plant bugs. Spray with insecticidal soap for aphids. Use neem for plant bugs
• Fronds collapse or wilt during warm or dry spells: Vine weevil larvae. Very difficult to control. Watering in parasitic nematodes
• Blackish-brown streaks or narrow blotches across fronds: Severe attack causes death of fronds. Foliar nematodes (eelworms). No effective control for these pests; badly infected plants should be lifted and destroyed
• Fronds are eaten off: Slugs or snails. Put out saucers of beer flush with plant. Apply iron phosphate baits around the plants
• Young fronds are chewed around edges: Wood lice (sow bugs). Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants

Knowing how to properly care for your ferns, including how to spot potential problems, will help ensure you get the most out of your growing efforts.