Grow a Cutting Garden

Foliage left in the water can create quite a stink.

1. Stagger your planting of each flower variety so the blooms don't all appear and disappear at once.

2. To get the most blooms, water, feed, and deadhead flowers regularly.

3. Cut flowers in the early morning or evening, not in the heat of the day when they are stressed.

4. Use a sharp, clean tool to cut stems. Cleanliness is key to long-lived blooms. Dirty tools spread bacteria and rot cut stems more quickly. New tools, such as the Deluxe Flower Cutter, can make cutting easier: A razor-sharp blade makes a clean cut while a clip holds the stem; the cutter also has a thorn-stripping notch for roses.

5. Submerge newly cut stems in a bucket of warm water mixed with a flower preservative to help prevent bacteria growth. Let the flowers rest in the bucket of water for one hour to rehydrate before arranging them.

6. Before arranging your bouquet, remove any foliage that will be covered by water.