- Grow ferns in the shade of south-facing walls, on covered patios, along streams or ponds and in containers.
- Most ferns grow naturally in the wild where there’s a build-up of organic materials – especially leaf litter which provides a rich, moisture-retaining rooting medium.
- They like high humidity as dry air can scorch their delicate fronds, but an automatic misting system can help alleviate this.
- Mulch in spring to keep soil cool and moist.
- They need little maintenance apart from removing fronds as they die back; use these as natural mulch.
- Having trouble finding ferns? Look for them in the shade plant section at garden centres or nurseries; you often find them among indoor plants at nurseries and supermarkets.
![Fern](https://www.gardenandhome.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/photo-1464844537320-9d99b67d0a45-759x500.jpg)