Annuals and Perennials: What to Plant in the Spring

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