Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to start thinking about your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there are a few things you can do to ensure a successful growing season. From soil preparation to plant selection, we've got you covered with some helpful spring gardening tips.
Grow For Your Region
One of the first steps when planning your garden is researching the appropriate plants for your region. According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the Charlotte region falls into the 7b and 8a regions, which means the area has longer growing seasons with hot summers. If you want some help with planning your garden, check out the Farmers Almanac 2023 Planting Calendar for a customized calendar for your zip code.
Find the Perfect Spot
When planning out which items to grow and when, remember to take your garden’s location into consideration. Think about what you would like to plant, then research what kind of sunlight, soil, and attention those plants require. Once you have that information, pick a location (or a few) in your yard that will work best for everything you plan to plant. The more you garden, the more you'll learn about what works best in your spaces and what might need to move in order to flourish.
Pick Your Placement
In addition to picking a location that works best for the plants, be sure to take into consideration a location that works best for you too. Do you want to watch your plants grow from the comfort of your living room? Would you prefer your garden to be more secluded? You might have a perfect spot near your patio that will provide easy viewing all summer long! Either way, keeping these preferences in mind is important when choosing the perfect spot for your plants.
Before You Plant
If you’re growing from seeds, you’ll want to read your seed packet to check how to prepare and germinate your seeds. Each plant has its own set of specific environmental needs, ranging from dark and warm to light and cool locations.
If you are starting your plants from pre-sprouted plants, then you can skip this step.
After Planning, Start Planting
Now that you’ve researched your plants and selected your spot, it's time to get digging! The first step when preparing your garden is to prepare the soil. Begin by removing weeds, tilling or digging dirt until it’s loose, and adding any necessary soil and additives you may need, such as compost or additional minerals. When preparing your soil, it's recommended that the soil remains damp but not wet - when you pick it up, it should form into a loose ball but still be able to fall apart easily.
Once your soil is ready, you can begin planting! Read your seed packet or plant container carefully and follow the instructions to see what planting depth will benefit each plant best.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Once your plants are ready to grow, you’ll want to keep a general maintenance schedule. This includes weeding, keeping an eye out for pests and fungus, and most importantly, watering.
When watering your plants, you don’t want to over or underwater them. On average most gardens need about 1 inch of water per week, according to the Farmers Almanac, though this can vary based on weather conditions. Some general advice to follow if you’re not sure if your garden needs water is to check the soil. Your soil should be damp and be able to form a loose ball. If it's dry and falls apart, then it is probably time to water.
When in Doubt, Consult a Professional
Even the most experienced gardeners sometimes need help. If you run into an issue that you’re not sure what to do about, Charlotte has several gardening centers with pros that are happy to help you bring your garden back to life. Some of our favorites are Blackhawk Hardware, Pike Nursery, Rountree Plantation, Oakdale Greenhouses, Banner Nursery & Garden Center, and the Charlotte Garden Club. In addition to these stores, we also have a plethora of public gardens to visit around the city including Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, The McGill Rose Garden, and Wing Haven.
Final Thoughts
Spring gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity with the right tips and tricks. Remember to start with a plan, choose the right plants for your area, and maintain a regular maintenance schedule. With these tips, you'll be on your way to a bountiful garden in no time. Happy gardening!