Break out the gloves, shovel, and sun hat because gardening season is back, baby. If the idea of fresh vegetables and homegrown flowers is right up your alley, then it’s time to start planning how you want your garden to look and what you want it to contain.
Fun fact: tending to your garden beds has a whole plethora of health benefits. The exercise of hauling mulch and digging in the ground alone can burn a lot of calories, but the simple act of being outside can lower blood pressure, decrease stress, and improve mood. So, with all these glorious things in mind, let’s talk about what to plant and how to plant it now that it’s finally Spring.
Before we get started, something to know: what to plant in your garden depends on where you live. In an ideal world, you should consult a garden specialist or someone who works with plants and is familiar with your neck of the woods. Below are some ideas on the best stuff to plant in spring, but check in with a local expert or do some research on your own about where you’re located and the prime weather patterns plants and veggies.
Flowers:
- Calla Lilies. Calla Lilies are easy to grow and should yield flowers within 65 days of planting. They prefer moist, but well-drained soil and full sun. Picture these puppies sunning in your garden - they’re elegant and beautiful.
- Dahlias might be the dreamiest summer blooms. They make for perfect bouquet arrangement and work well with other flowers. They like to bloom in the summer, so planting them during the Spring is a smart move. Key point: don’t plant these too early. They won’t do well in cold ground temperatures.
- Gladiolus. These dramatic flowers come in a wide color selection and really bring a pop of personality to your garden. They excel in well-drained soil and full sun, so put them in a spot that’s bound to get warm all day long.
- Begonias. Super pretty blooms that require water and shade, Begonias are relatively easy to care for and can grow to quite a height. Start the bulbs indoors if you haven’t had your area’s last frost yet.
Veggies:
- Broccoli. Broccoli is highly delicious (stir fry? soup? veggie pancakes?) and nutritious. March is the prime season to plant broccoli in many parts of the country. It grows quickly and you’ll need to start the seedlings inside before transplanting them to the actual garden.
- Summer Squash. You should start your seedlings inside during March if you want to enjoy delicious summer squash during primetime Summer. Pick a variety
- Herbs. Herbs can be grown all year round and provide a wonderful depth to the air quality inside your home. Invest in some terracotta planters and figure out what kind of herbs might be nice in the windowsill. Basil? Thyme? Rosemary? Lemon Balm? Herbs will do well when watered and placed in a sunny window.
- For a Fall bounty of tasty carrots, start sowing seeds in spring. You’ll want loose and rock-free soil to plant in, and start planting 3 weeks before the last expected frost. When Fall arrives, you’ll have a crunchy carrot salad ready for consumption.
Other:
- Beekeeping. This is a long-term gardening goal, since it requires some study and precision. But! Beekeeping in your backyard is possible and you cut back on your honey-buying, which saves money and is eco-friendly. Start by taking a class and learning more about the process.
- Water at key times. To turn your garden into an eco-friendly one, be conscious of how much water you use and when you use it. Plants, flowers and veggies need water so do not skip it, but be sure to water at specific times, like morning and evening. During those key times, water is less likely to evaporate in the sun and more likely to be soaked up by your plants.
- Prayer flags. Our Trek Light Gear Prayer Flags are a meaningful addition to any garden. Their good vibes, swaying in the breeze will hopefully bring a bountiful harvest and be something nice to look at when you relax amongst the flowers with a good book.
