When selecting a site, keep in mind the exact type of growing environment that you will need for the type of flowers that you would like to grow.

You will want a space that gets plenty of sunlight for most flowers, but you may also want a location that also has some shady areas, and maybe a bit of covered areas for flowers that prefer indirect sunlight over sun showers.

To test the soil, dig a few one foot deep holes in different areas around your garden, taking a few tablespoons of soil from each location, placing them into a quart sized jar until it becomes full.

Find a soil testing lab in your area and send in the samples to find out what kind of soil you are working with.

Great flowers for beginners include Daffodils, Dahlias, Coneflowers, Lupines, Fuchsias, Dianthus, Morning Glories, Cosmos, Zinnias, Sunflowers, Daylilies, Lavender, Marigolds, Wax Begonias, Impatiens, Snap Dragons, Sweet Peas, Pansies and Nasturtiums.

Black-Eyed Susan: A tender, warm climate perennial, black-eyed Susan is hardy to zones 3–9 and will continue to produce flowers even without deadheading.

Threadleaf Tickseed: Bright yellow flowers help the tickseed stand out even when it is surrounded by lots of other colorful neighbors. Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees. Hardy in zones 3–9.

Pink Astilbe: A fern-like beauty is hardy to zones 3–8 and has a super long blooming period. Low maintenance and pest-free, pink astilbe is a great choice for any flower garden.

It’s important to remember that whatever space you’re going to cultivate, you also need to factor in compost, fertilizer, some type of irrigation, plus seeds and bulbs.

If cash is tight or you’re just starting out, one of the best ways to get your feet wet without breaking the bank is by growing annual varieties from seed.

Learn to generate a profit, and increase sales opportunities by growing in crates, tunnels and fields.

To grow a cash crop, plant flowers that are in demand and learn new marketing skills to increase your customer base.