Plant Now, Bloom Later: Your Guide For When To Plant Your Garden
As the first hints of spring appear, many gardeners are eagerly waiting for the arrival of warmer weather and longer days. However, waiting too long to start planting can mean missing out on your chance to get your garden in the ground. Certain flowers need an early start to truly thrive and bloom to the fullest when summer finally rolls around.
By planning ahead and getting a jump on planting, you can make sure your garden is bursting with color and life throughout the warmer months. This guide will walk you through which flowers to plant when and give you some useful tips so you can get your garden started on the right foot.
What's The Timeline For Spring Success?
Timing is everything if you want a thriving spring garden. While some flowers can wait until just before the last frost, others need months of preparation underground. Understanding these timelines allows you to plan and avoid missing important planting windows.
Factors like your specific planting zone, frost dates, and different plant needs all determine the best planting times. Checking out local gardening resources and keeping a close eye on weather patterns in your area can help you figure out your best planting schedule. With a little planning and preparation, you'll set yourself up for success come spring.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs — Plant in Fall
Spring-flowering bulbs are the classic early bloomers, often seen poking through late winter snow. These hardy plants need to be planted in fall so that they can establish strong root systems before winter snow hits. Popular flowers in this category include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths.
Try to plant spring bulbs about 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes in your area. This typically falls between September and November, depending on your climate. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant bulbs at a depth of about 2-3 times their height and water well after planting.
Summer-Flowering Bulbs — Plant in Spring
Unlike their spring-flowering counterparts, summer-flowering bulbs should be planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Popular varieties of summer-flowering bulbs include dahlias, gladiolus, and lilies. Plant these bulbs when soil temperatures reach about 60°F (15°C) for best results.
You’ll want to choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Plant bulbs at a depth of 2-3 times their height and space according to the instructions given on the package. Water thoroughly after planting and add mulch to help keep soil moist and stop weeds.
Cool-Season Annuals — Get More Blooms With Early Spring Planting
The best time to plant annuals really varies from plant to plant. Cool-season annuals do best in the milder temperatures of early spring and can often survive light frosts. Popular flowers in this category include pansies, violas, snapdragons, and calendulas. These flowers can be planted as soon as the soil is workable in early spring, usually 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
Prepare the area where you’re going to plant them by pulling out weeds and loosening the soil. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the fertility of the soil. Make sure to plant seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their containers and water them thoroughly. In case of an unexpected cold snap, you can protect young plants from early frosts with row covers or cloches.
Perennials — Get a Head Start in Early Spring or Fall
Many perennials love early spring planting, which allows them to establish strong root systems before summer heat arrives. Early-blooming perennials like bleeding hearts, hellebores, and primroses can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to be worked. Later-blooming varieties like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans can also be planted early for stronger plants. If you missed early spring planting, you can also plant perennials in the fall so that they have time to establish themselves over winter.
Choose a location with enough sun exposure for your chosen perennials. Top up the soil with compost and plant the flowers as deep as they were growing in their containers. Water heavily and regularly until deep enough roots have been established.
Wildflowers — Sow Seeds Early Spring or Late Fall
Wildflower mixes can create the perfect stunning, low-maintenance garden displays. Many wildflower seeds do best when sown early, either in late fall or very early spring. This allows them to go through natural stratification, improving germination rates.
Prepare the planting area by clearing any existing vegetation and loosening the soil. Scatter seeds evenly over the area and lightly rake them into the soil. Water gently and keep the area moist until you see seedlings start to emerge.
Vegetables and Herbs — Plant Now For the Best Harvest
While not flowers, many vegetables and herbs also do best when planted soon after the last frost date, but it depends on the vegetable. For example, cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and spinach can be planted in late summer or early fall. But, warm-season vegetables like peppers, squash and beans need to be planted in late spring or early summer when there is no more risk of cold weather. Herbs also vary depending on the kind of herb, but herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill also prefer cooler temperatures and can be planted in early spring or fall. Other herbs like dill or thyme need to wait to be planted after the last frost.
Prepare raised beds or garden plots with rich, well-draining soil. Plant seeds or seedlings according to package instructions, taking care not to disturb delicate root systems. Water regularly and protect young plants from unexpected frosts
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
By taking the time to plan and plant early, you can give your plants the best chance possible and get the most out of your garden. And remember to check your specific climate and growing zone when figuring out the best planting times for your area!
By putting in work early, you'll be rewarded with a stunning display of flowers and a bountiful harvest of vegetables and herbs all season long.