That means, with a few exceptions, they need full protection from the sun in the summer. They will thrive in many locations that discourage flowering plants or other ornamental foliage plants, for example, between shrubs on the north side of a house or in the deep shade of trees beside a pond. Most ferns are not threatened or endangered plants and can be gathered in the wild with permission from a land owner. Ferns should be transplanted in early spring or late fall. Many native varieties can be purchased by mailorder or through a local garden center.
Ferns prefer a slightly acidic soil.
If you are gathering wild ferns, collect soil in the area the ferns are growing to add to the soil where they will be transplanted. Adding peat moss to the soil will also increase its acidity. Generally, ferns prefer evenly moist soil and will spread by rhizomes or underground runners under ideal conditions. Mulching your transplanted ferns with rotting leaves or pine needles will help the soil retain moisture and will add nutrients as the mulch decays. Among the most popular varieties of ferns are the delicate maidenhair fern which grows from 12 to 20 inches tall, the lady fern which grows to a maximum height of about 36 inches, and the spectacular ostrich fern which can reach a height of six feet.