Ferns mix well with other plants. They soften landscape borders and fill sparse areas, and tall species offer handsome backgrounds for flowers and low shrubs. Plant them with bulbs and they'll mask the dying bulb foliage in late spring.
Container Gardening
Ferns grow well in low, fairly shallow pots--3 to 6 inches deep is best. Good drainage is essential, so containers need holes or pebbles placed in the bottom. Make a soil mix from equal parts of organic humus, rich soil, peat, and sand. A soilless medium also works with ferns. Place the root in the soil horizontally. Set it on rather than under the soil, with the growing tip or crown above the soil line. Pack the soil gently, water well, and place the plant in a shaded, humid place for a few days. To maintain some humidity around the plant, place a plastic bag over it during these few days.
Choose an indoor spot that receives strong indirect light, or place pots 6 to 12 inches under fluorescent lights. Keep the lights turned on 14 hours a day. Ferns grow best at temperatures of 60to 70°F. Warmer temperatures alter the level of humidity and may encourage disease. Water ferns thoroughly two or three times a week with water at room temperature. Feed them every three or four weeks. Never fertilize a fern when it is dormant.
Cutting
Fresh fern fronds make an excellent accent in flower arrangements.
Drying
Ferns can be dried and used in various crafts or arrangements, especially the tougher ones like Christmas fern. The hay-scented fern turns gold in fall and can be dried or pressed. Most ferns can be pressed for use in pressed flower pictures. For more information see Drying Flowers and Flower Drying Supplies
