No matter how many times you’ve done it, and how experienced a gardener you are, it’s always cool to watch your spring garden grow from a tiny seed. It’s a bit miraculous, when you think about it. Here is a quick guide of what to plant and when.
Planning Ahead for Your Spring Garden
When: If you’re thinking spring, simply find out the “average last frost date” for your area. Connecticut and California might look very different. Plant about a week after that to ensure that your seedlings won’t be subjected to frost. By the time the weather is warm, your flowers will have started to bloom.
However, it’s also important to also understand that if you’re planting vegetables, some actually thrive on cool weather and taste better after a little frost (namely: broccoli, lettuce, tomato, cabbage).
Another option is to plant sooner indoors and transfer outdoors, especially if you live in the Northeast and your last frost date isn’t until April.
What: The following annuals can tolerate the coolest weather in the early Spring. Plant these first in your spring garden–all will result in bountiful colors.
- Calendula
- Wallflower
- Bachelor button
Next up are seeds that will tolerate cool weather, but not too cool. Plant the following well into March, but definitely after the danger of frost has passed.
- Cosmos
- Zinnias
- Dianthus
- Nicotania
- Tulips
Once you’re into April and anticipating warm weather into the 60s, you can safely plant your late Spring blooms:
- Iris
- Lilly of the Valley
- Blubells
- Anemone
Tips:
If you’re planting exclusively outdoors and are not doing transplants, it can be difficult to manage the growing process. Sometimes it is a challenge to differentiate between the growing plant and weed. Clearly mark your seedlings.
If you are planting indoors, remember that your seeds need plenty of warmth and light. You might accomplish this by using a heating pad during the nursing process. Sunlight might be adequate, but you might also want to use a fluorescent light to ensure that the stems are strong.
Sources:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/ten-steps-to-beginning-a-garden/
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/good-time-plant-seeds-flowers-spring-summer-52999.html
Image: iStockPhoto
