Well, it’s that time of year again. It’s spring. Unfortunately, that means pollen. But on the sunny side (literally), it’s time for spring gardening! Hopefully, after these gardening tips, you won’t mind doing yard work. I can’t promise you won’t kill all your plants, but this is going to help you kill less of them. Let’s get into it! 

Who am I, and why should you listen to my plant advice?

Hi! I’m Madison and I’ve worked at a plant nursery for over a year as an avid gardener. Whatever I don’t know off the top of my head, I learn it. I have a plant podcast! Plant Mom can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Where do I start with spring gardening?

First, do the basics. Figure out where you’re planting (pot or ground), how big the area is, and how much sun it receives. You also want to figure out what you want your garden to look like! Whether you want vegetables or flowers (or both!) and what colors you want to have in your garden.

What can I plant during the spring?

Anything and everything! 99.9% of plants can be planted at some point during the spring. 98% can be planted after all dangers of frost have passed. 

I get a lot of sun. What can I plant?

You have a lot of options! Petunias, marigolds, dahlias, begonias, and geraniums are popular options that pack a punch of color. If you have the yard/climate for it, throw in a cactus! For those looking for some plants that’ll stay low to the ground and crawl across the yard, phlox and ivy are two great options. 

What if I get no sun?

That’s okay, too! Low sun areas work really well for crawling plants, like mondo grass. If you’re looking for varieties of color, try impatiens or certain varieties of begonias. Ferns also do well in low sun.

When I’m making a planter, what should I put in it?

At the end of the day, the specific plants are up to you, but here’s how to narrow it down. If this planter is going to be viewed from one side, put the tall plant in the back. If it’ll be viewed from multiple sides, put the tall plant in the center. Rosemary works really well and adds a nice scent. Next, take some medium height plants (think: size of marigolds) and place them around the tall plant. Finally, fill the gaps with a plant that will grow to hang out of the pot, like Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia). 

When should I fertilize?

Now! Follow the directions on the fertilizer package, but spring is the best time of year to fertilize. 

Well, there you have it! My top tips for spring gardening. If you have any specific questions, visit your local gardening store or go on the internet. Happy gardening!