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Ferns will grow in deepest, darkest woodland but not all ferns are limited to shade. Marsh fern, cinnamon fern, and bracken fern grow in full sun. Most ferns prefer moist soil and partial shade.
Growing Guide
Soil preference: Ferns generally require rich, moist soil with extra organic matter. Some require a drier, less fertile soil. Have your soil tested by your local extension service or a soil-testing lab to determine soil fertility pH. Some ferns are extremely fussy about pH.
Planting: Plant ferns in fall or early spring.
Special hint: Garden centers offer a few ferns, but you can find more through mail-order. Large plants at low prices usually mean wild-collected plants. Don't be afraid to ask the vendor's sources.
Continuing Care Ferns are a care-free group of plants. Mulch with shredded leaves or bark to help control weeds and conserve moisture. Ferns never need staking, pinching, or pruning. You many have to remove an occasional damaged frond. Each spring, remove last fall's leaves from the fern bed, shred them, and return them to the bed. Clear bed early to avoid damage to emerging fiddleheads. Don't rake beds, or you may damage crowns and growing tips. You won't need fertilizer if you leave the mulch to rot into the soil.
Key Words
Frond. The leaf of a fern, including the blalde and the stipe.
Blade. The flattened leafy portion of a frond.
Stipe. The stalk of a frond that supports the blade.
Fiddlehead. The young, unfurling frond of a fern.
