I would also like some additional comments about soil pH for this fern. How do I adjust the pH? Ferns sure do look unique!
Since you asked about potting soil, I'm assuming you're planning to put this fern into a pot; whether you want to keep it outside or inside I don't know. However, this article has general information which you can apply to either location: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ferns-houseplants/growing-ferns-indoors.htm
You don't need to be too concerned with pH -- ordinary potting soil will be fine. However, many kinds of MG soils contain "moisture retentive" additives, which won't be good. You need a soil mixture that drains well. Try an African violet mix and add 1/2 again the volume in perlite.
Please be aware the marginal ferns are usually planted in the garden. Putting them in pots may not be successful, especially not in the house, although that's no reason not to try. Growing plants is a never-ending learning experience.
Also, advice on proper soil moisture and misting.
This article is a basic fern how-to: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ferns-houseplants/growing-ferns-indoors.htm
Use potting soil mix WITHOUT "moisture retentive" additives; I also like to add extra perlite to the mix.
You'll need to have some method of testing the soil moisture -- a moisture meter from the store, or a simple wooden skewer, will be perfect. You don't want to let the soil on ferns dry out, but the moisture should get down to a "damp" level between waterings. Fingers are your best tool for testing moisture.
Also, you can mist if you want to, but for plants it's totally unnecessary. Misting increases the humidity around the plant for less than 5 minutes! The common ferns that you find in stores will be content with your home humidity, or you can use a humidifier if you like it. The more exotic ferns that require higher humidity are best left to expert-level growers, who can provide climate controlled facilities.
I am looking for plants to put in now that would return next year.
Cinnamon fern directions advise planting in the spring, especially in the northern zones, so that the roots can establish themselves before winter. However, here are a couple of articles that discuss things you can put into the ground now: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/is-it-too-late-to-plant-bulbs-when-to-plant-bulbs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fall-gardening-tips.htm
I have 2 types of ferns growing on our property and was wondering what they are......
I'm not exactly a fern expert, but it looks like it might be some type of polypody fern.
We transplanted a monkey tail fern that is a 8 ft tree. Since transplanting, all fronds have turned brown and we are fearful it will die - and we so want to keep this beautiful tree. Please advise what we can do. We had to move it by cutting down a bigger tree, leaving it exposed to full sun all day. Now in shade.
The larger a plant is, the more likely it is to go into transplant shock. It sounds as though yours may have transplant shock. This article will help you with dealing with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
My ferns multiply like crazy over the winter and are beautiful in spring, summer and fall. But they die back when weather turns cold and look ugly. How do I care for them and retard the spreading?
Lady ferns are a deciduous fern, meaning they lose their leaves in the winter. After the leaves die back, you can cut them off, if you want to tidy up your garden. You can control their spread by digging up the rhizomes (large underground stems from which the leaves spring) in the areas you don't want the ferns to appear, or from the edges of the fern clumps. Just after the first frost is a recommended time, but if that's passed for you, you can dig anytime the earth isn't frozen. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/lady-fern/planting-lady-ferns.htm
I am totally new to the world of planting & growing Ferns. I have a shady, wet part of my garden, along a fence that I have been thinking about planting ferns in. I have attached some photos of its current state. From reading several articles, I am somewhat confused as to what to do to prepare this ground to take fern.
My aim is to have a fern planting along this entire patch (even under the wooden tower if I can). Can you help with what I need to do to this ground (i.e. do I need to turn it over, add compost, manure, etc. or can I just plant straight into it?)? I would be interested in buying fern plants when I know the ground is ready to accept them. Perhaps you could also advise on which types would be best (as little care as possible).
We did not receive your photo (sorry). The soil should be rich, well-drained, with an abundance of organic matter (i.e. compost). You should work the soil so that is loose instead of compacted, which will allow the fern's roots to grow more freely.
Taking care of ferns is relatively easy and ferns as a whole are very forgiving plants. Ferns are ideal for your spot given that it's shady and wet.
The article below discusses different types of ferns and their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/taking-care-of-outdoor-ferns.htm