Ferns planted too late in the season could experience root rot, especially if you live in a region with cold winters. For an organic solution, use diatomaceous earth or an organic slug bait. You need to give the fern a generous root ball as you move it. Choose a place in the garden that gets half shade or filtered sun with protection from strong winds. Ferns naturally grow in humid temperatures below the canopy of the rainforest. The quickest way to grow more ferns is through division, preferably in spring. Let your plants become established for a couple of years before you begin harvesting. Many ferns will grow happily outdoors as long as they are given plenty of moisture and some shade. This article has been viewed 11,272 times. Within the United States, southern coastal states can usually grow tropical ferns. Anyone who has grown a fern knows they can certainly grow quite large through the warm summer months. You should allow the soil to cool for a full hour after microwaving it. Nearly all ferns grow best in moist but well-drained soil, though some will thrive in dry shade. The rainforest canopy keeps the ferns from becoming scorched. Ideally, your soil needs to be loose and should not get waterlogged easily. You should also avoid planting ferns directly on top of tree roots. Pot up individually into peat-substitute based compost at the same level at which it was growing. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Weeds compete with fern plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination. To grow outdoor ferns in pots or in the garden, you'll want to be sure to meet their cultural requirements. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, place the containers in a window that faces north and keep them close to the glass. For outdoor plants, bring them inside if the nights are especially chilly or the temperature drops below 60 degrees F. Common name: Ferns; Growing Ferns. Studies have shown that the Boston fern could filter xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde from the air. The male organs will naturally fertilize the female organs, and a small fern called a "Sporophyte" should appear. Here’s how to grow ferns in easy steps. Learn more... Each fern variety is subject to its only special needs, but for the most part, the basic steps you need to follow when growing ferns will remain the same regardless of the exact species you choose. Before planting, take a minute to work in some compost and peat moss. The first step in preparing for overwintering indoors is pruning. If processes of a fern dig out in the wood, it is necessary to take from the same site a little earth and to pour it in a landing hole. None of this can happen, however, if the prothallia are not sprinkled or misted with water on a daily to bi-daily basis. Start by watering your plant the day before you begin. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Grow-Ferns-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Ferns-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Grow-Ferns-Step-1.jpg\/aid4087313-v4-728px-Grow-Ferns-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"