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In an attempt to *not* procrastinate this year,when should I start planting for spring, and what’s the best way to ensure timely blooms?
—Spring Fever
Dear Spring Fever,
Spring is without a doubt the best time to plant the widest variety of almost anything you’d want in your garden or landscape.
First things first, spring is a season of transition. We can have our last frost as late as the end of March, and summer’s heat isn’t too far off either. So, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Spring and early summer flowers can generally be planted in March—think pansies, snapdragons, petunias, zinnias and so much more. If you’re planting from seed, be sure the risk of frost is behind us and keep the soil moist until germination. If you’re using stock from your local garden center, you’ll still want to be sure you can protect your plantings if we get a late frost.
Edible and ornamental perennials—aka plants that come back year after year—can go into the ground anytime. Generally the sooner the better, as this gives them more time to establish themselves before the stress of a hot summer comes into consideration. We also recommend a layer of organic compost and mulch for new perennials to help feed your plants and retain moisture.
Kitchen gardens are also popular in the spring. Leafy greens and root veggies can be planted in March. Your bigger fruiting summer crops like tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers can be planted from late April through May when your soil will be warmer.
We always recommend planting a mix of favorites and new experiments to get the most out of your garden. Also, be sure to ask questions at your local garden centers. We love sharing our knowledge and passion for gardening!
Rachael Claxton is an owner of Fifth Season Gardening, and absolutely loves all things gardening. Her favorite hobby is introducing children to growing their food and exploring the healthy benefits of organic gardening.
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