Page 160 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2024

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Boston fern or Sword Fern: These ferns like partial shade or full shade as the direct sun will promote scorching of their leaves. The Boston Fern makes a gorgeous hanging basket, but it is also ideal as a houseplant. These ferns will flourish in the outdoor setting in perfect conditions or an indoor setting if you prefer.
Maidenhair fern: These ferns love full shade as they
are very sensitive to sunlight. They also prefer moist, rich organic soil and a very humid climate. Maidenhair ferns feature delicate fronds that are bright green with dark stripes.
Wood fern: These ferns like full shade to indirect light and can tolerate various light conditions. Once mature, this fern is also drought-tolerant, which makes it a great choice for first-time fern growers. This is a very hardy fern that is medium-sized.
Christmas Fern: These ferns have ornamental fronds that resemble the leaves of a pine tree and are two to three feet long. They love full or partial shade.
Lady Fern: These ferns have a lush bright green foliage and good tolerance to sunlight. This perennial fern grows two to five feet tall, with frond stalks in various shades of red, green and purple. They prefer moist soil, but, keep
in mind, they become increasingly drought-tolerant as it matures. Note: May be poisonous to pets.
• Plant ferns in moist soil and enrich your soil with organic compost. You can mix the organic compost on top of the soil and mix it into the soil 7-10 inches deep. Most ferns that become drought tolerant as they mature require moist soil at planting.
• Choosing a shady location with full or partial shade will allow the fern to thrive and grow. If it is tolerant to sun, make sure you water well in heat.
• To plant ferns, dig a hole as deep as the fern’s root ball and twice as wide. Place fern in the hole. Fill hole with soil, and if planting more than one, make sure they are at least two feet apart. Remember that in their natural environment, most ferns grow near a water source in a very humid area, so they generally require very moist soil.
• In temperate climates, you can plant ferns all year round; however, the best time to plant is early spring after the last frost or summer time.
• After you plant your root ball and fill up with moist soil, then spread organic mulch over the soil to lock in the moisture.
160 | May 2024
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story by Gaye Winter