Q. How long after planting before I see anything?
A. You will start to see some sprouts around 1-3 weeks after planting. It will take around 8 weeks to start to see your first blooms. The Instant Flower Garden® mats that contain a mixture of seeds will bloom in stages as some flowers have a longer period before blooming than others. Do not be alarmed if you only see one kind of flower blooming, it will not be long before others will begin to bloom as well.

Q. Can I plant these on top of or under mulch or lava rock?
A. Instant Flower Garden® products need to be placed directly onto soil. You cannot plant your garden on top of mulch as it will not be able to take root. You cannot put any mulch on top of the mat as it will not be able to reach through the mulch. Once your flowers start growing you will notice that they will be very full so you will not be able to put the mulch among the flowers either.  If you would like to use mulch, you will only be able to put it around the perimeter of the garden.

Q. How do I prepare the soil?
A. The only step required to plant your Instant Flower Garden® is the till the soil up where the garden will be planted. If you would like to add peat moss or additional potting soil, please feel free to do so.

Q. Can I use a weed blanket under the mat?
A. The Instant Flower Garden® needs to be placed directly on prepared soil in order for it to grow.

Q. Do I need to put soil on top of the mat after I plant it?
A. No, the mat should be placed directly on top of the soil and watered. Do not cover the mat with anything.

Q. Which side do I plant down?
A. There is no particular side that should be planted down or up. The Instant Flower Garden® will grow with either side placed down.

Q. How often should I water?

A. The IFG mats should be watered up to twice daily for the first few weeks and then at least once a day thereafter.

Q. How will I know if I have watered the mat enough or watered too much?

A. You will want to thoroughly soak the mat and the soil beneath it. You should not be able to lift the mat as one piece after the initial watering. The mat will start to break apart after the initial watering and continue to breakdown with daily watering. It is extremely difficult to over-water your Instant Flower Garden® mat. Unless the mat is sitting in a pool of water the seeds are not being drowned. If the mat is planted in the ground, any excess water will be soaked into the soil. If the mat is planted in a container, most have a drainage hole to allow any excess water to drain out.

Q. What if my container does not have a drainage hole?

A. Instant Flower Garden® does offer a few drip-proof containers that do not have drainage holes.  These products are designed for use in a decorative position where dripping water is not desireable.  In this case, it is best to only water until the soil is thoroughly moist, but not soggy.  You may not need to water this type of container as often because it will retain the water quite well.  If the mat is still moist at the next scheduled watering, there is no need to water again.  During the growing season you can test water requirements by placing your finger about a 1/2 inch into the soil.  If the soil still feels moist at that depth, it does not need water.  Nevertheless, it is suggested that you add rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the container to collect any excess water.  See Garden Basics for complete container installation instructions.

Q. It seems like my mat dries out an hour after I watered it?

A. With sufficient watering the mat should stay moist throughout the day. If the top is dry it is likely that the soil beneath it is still moist. However, if you live in an extremely dry area or on an extremely hot day (temperatures above 90degrees) we recommend an additional watering if needed.

Q. Do I still need to water my garden if it rains?

A. No, if it has rained enough to soak your mat there is no need to water again.

Q. The mat comes with NutraGro already in it. Can I use a separate fertilizer?
A. If you would like to use a separate fertilizer we recommend waiting until your garden starts blooming to achieve the best results.

Q. Can I purchase the product directly from you?
A. Instant Flower Garden® does not sell direct to the public.  You can, however, purchase our products at QVC. Their website is www.qvc.com.

Q. How do I keep leftover product for next year? Will it still be good?
A. Leftover or excess mats may be stored until the next season. Place the product in a zipper-lock type bag or some sort of airtight container. The mats need to be stored at room temperature. We do not recommend storing in the garage, shed, or basement unless they are heated.

Q. I live outside the United States; can I purchase your products?
A. Instant Flower Garden® and Creative Garden Concepts does not sell direct to the public. Also, we do not sell outside of the United States.

Q. Can I purchase the mats separately from the container?
A. Most of the container gardens come with enough seeded mat material for two seasons. We do not sell the mats separately. You can, however, plant any of the Instant Flower Garden® mats in the container.  For example, consider using a Accent or Garden Roll.  All Instant Flower Garden® seeded mats can be cut to fit any size container.

Q. I received my Instant Flower Garden® shortly after I ordered it.  If it is not my planting time yet, why did I get it already?
A. Instant Flower Garden® is able to send our products out when ordered because they are not live plants.  Seed mats are able to be stored in your home until your planting season begins.  So, unlike other companies that must ship according to planting zones, our products are shipped when they are ordered.