Although there may still be snow on the ground
in your neighborhood, mid-February is actually a great time to start planning
your spring garden. Not only can you start seeds
under a greenhouse lamp, you can also sketch what you want your garden to look
like when warmer weather arrives.
If you consider yourself a gardening newbie,
it’s best to start with understanding your zone, as well as the types of plants
you can choose from. Should you look for sun or shade-loving varieties? Do you
want the pop of color from an easy-grow annual or are you looking to invest the
time and money of cultivating perennial flowers and shrubs?
We have the answers for all of your beginner gardening questions, so read on to
learn more.
The Difference Between Annuals and
Perennials
If you take the time to read the tags stuck
into the soil of the plants you’re perusing, they will always be labeled either
“annual” or “perennial” – here’s the difference:
Annuals
An annual plant only stays around for one growing
season, and dies in the winter, leaving you to replant something in that spot
each year. There is a chance they could throw out a few seeds that germinate in
the spring, but it’s not a sure thing.
Perennials
A perennial on the other hand, will return
each spring, so given the correct care you should only need to plant these
varieties once. Of course you can kill any plant through neglect or poor
planning, so you’ll still need to provide healthy soil, water, and sunlight.
3 Great Annuals to Plant in the
Spring
Pansies
If you’re looking for a hearty, affordable pop
of color for any space in your garden, you can’t go wrong with pansies. Pansies prefer cool weather and will easily
add vibrance to up your curb appeal this spring.
Dianthus
This charming little flower is hearty enough
to keep blooming through a light spring frost. Dianthus
plants grow to be roughly 8 inches tall and produce fringed flowers
in purple, pink, red, and white.
Petunia
These versatile annuals are popular and easy
to come by at your local nursery or big box hardware store. Petunias
have a long blossoming life and will provide color to your garden well past the
spring months.
3 Stunning Perennials Perfect for
Spring Planting
Black
Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan, or rudbeckia, is easy to
grow and brings a burst of yellow, daisy-like flowers to the mix. This flower
prefers full sun and well drained soil, and you may want to consider moving it
every few years to keep it healthy.
Salvia
Salvia, sometimes called Russian Sage, is one of the hardiest plants
you can add to your garden. There are many varieties suited for practically
every zone, making it a perfect choice for your springtime planting.
Coneflower
Coneflower is a vibrant perennial that comes
in various shades of purple and pink. Whether starting from seedlings or seeds,
spring is the perfect time to plant coneflower in your garden.
So now that you know a few of your options,
which plants will you choose for your spring garden? Share your favorites with
us in the comments section below.
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Photo by Miroslava on Unsplash
