Just like you, we are anxiously awaiting Spring at the nursery. Springtime brings on a flurry of activity- people are excited to shake off the winter blues, and colorful annuals and a well-stocked garden are just the solution!
Spring Annuals
Annuals are sometimes tricky in the South because our weather is unpredictable. Early planting works well for some varieties, like marigolds, petunias, or geraniums. Other heat-hearty staples, like periwinkles, hibiscus, and caladiums, need to be planted later in the season. Soil temperature matters, and if the soil isn’t warm enough to make your plants grow, you are more likely to lose them to root rot.
Garden Staples
Spring is the season for more gardening options. Early planters can still plant and produce some cooler weather varieties like cabbage and carrots. Hunters can continue to seed their plots with greens. This time of year ushers in warm weather favorites like tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, and peppers. The options are truly endless at this time of year. Traditional row gardeners who work with seed are already getting their gardens ready, but smaller container gardeners still have plenty of time to decide on their favorite varieties and can choose between seed and young transplants to fit their lifestyles and time commitments.
Herbs
Herbs are Spring garden powerhouses. They are typically low maintenance, edible, fragrant, and many act as a natural insect repellent! Some herbs, like mint, can be invasive. Varieties like lavender can be a bit more difficult as they like a drier climate. Make sure you know your varieties to plant strategically.
Roses and Shrubbery
Spring is an excellent time to establish roses and shrubs in your landscape before the summer heat hits. The milder weather allows the plants to develop roots more easily, and it saves some intense watering through the summer months. While you may not see tremendous plant growth during the Spring, a solid foundation will allow these staples to be a part of your landscape for years to come.
