By Helen Adams Realty 

Warmer temperatures are on the horizon in and around the Charlotte area and with the winter frost behind us, it’s time to prepare our gardens and yards for the upcoming season. Many factors go into a successful crop, and this change of season is the perfect time to adjust your planting plans accordingly. The climate, the season, and potential pests all affect the selection of what and when to plant. Keep the following things in mind when you start to plant, seed and harvest your next garden.

Know What’s Right for Your Region
One of the most important things to consider when growing plants, herbs, or vegetables is to understand where you are geographically and the impacts it will have on your garden. In the Carolinas, we are lucky enough to have generally warm weather throughout most of the year, but it’s vital to have the right expectations for sunlight and soil. Fortunately, almost any type of vegetable or fruit can be grown successfully provided you plan correctly. Early spring crops include broccoli, collards, cabbage, kale, onions, spinach, beets, carrots, and turnips. In late spring, focus on planting things like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and squash to watch them grow throughout the summer. Pike Nurseries has an entire advice blog dedicated to what you should be doing in your garden and yard broken down by month.

Research Weather Patterns
Before you start planting, research typical weather patterns for the time of year. By the time it’s mid-March, most of the Charlotte area is working its way past any frosty temperatures. The warmth of the soil will affect which plants grow successfully in your yard.

Find the Perfect Spot for Sunlight
Finding the right place to plant your garden is a crucial step. Think about what you would like to plant and research what kind of sunlight, soil, and attention they grow best with and then audit your yard for the best solution. The more you garden, the more you'll learn about what works best in your spaces and what might need to be altered.

Pick Your Placement
Consider where you’d personally like to see your plants grow. Do you have a bay window in your kitchen with a perfect view of the outdoors? Do you have a patio and furniture near a spot that would grow well? Consider your quality of life when planting because once those seeds start to bud, you’ll love to see the colorful growth.

After Planning, Start Planting
After you determine what to plant and where to plant it, it’s time to get your hands dirty and get to work. First, prepare the soil. Remove weeds, add soil and amendments (such as compost or slow-release granules), till if the soil needs to be broken up, and mulch. Once you do this, you’re ready to plant. This article by Get Busy Gardening breaks all of these steps down if you’d like to read more. 

Water, Water, Water (But Not Too Much)
After you plant, you’re not finished yet. In order to reap what you’ve sown, make sure you stay on top of watering. In general, a garden needs at least 1/2 inch of moisture every week during the growing season, more during hot dry spells. Deep watering is much more effective compared to just sprinkling on some water every day. A deep watering will encourage the plant’s roots to grow down deeply so it can weather any dry spells much more effectively. For more information, check out Pike Nurseries’ Waterwise Tips.

When in Doubt, Consult a Professional
If you hit roadblocks in your gardening journey, don’t fret. We have several local plant shops and gardening pros around the Charlotte area to help bring life back into your yards. Check out area garden shops and clubs for tips on growing in Charlotte. Some of our favorites are Blackhawk Hardware, Pike Nursery, Rountree Plantation, Oakdale Greenhouses, Banner Nursery & Garden Center, and the Charlotte Garden Club. 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, Wing Haven, and more.

While your garden starts to wake up this spring, consider some of these tips when you are planning what and when to plant. Halfway through the spring season, you should start seeing your hard work come to life as more and more bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees grow and bloom. And with most of the routine maintenance done, you can get started on adding new plants to your garden and enjoying your beautiful home.