This Month’s Topic: A Planting Guide for Your Gardens
Michele Shrem
Spring is here, and the promise of vibrant color fills the air. For gardeners in New York and New Jersey, spring is a time of renewed energy, a chance to transform bare earth into a tapestry of blossoms. But with the region’s unique climate, knowing what to plant and when is key to a successful spring garden. This article will give you a view of what some of our very own community members can show you. Please review these essential steps as a guide with everything from soil preparation to flower selection, ensuring your garden comes to life.
Understanding the Climate: New York and New Jersey fall within USDA hardiness zones six and seven, meaning we experience distinct seasons. Spring arrives gradually, with fluctuating temperatures and the potential for late frosts. This variability requires careful planning.
Timing Is Everything: Early spring (March-April) is ideal for planting cool-season flowers that tolerate light frosts. Late spring (May-June) welcomes warm-season blooms that thrive in rising temperatures.
Soil Considerations: Our region’s soils can vary, from sandy to clay-rich. A soil test is recommended to determine pH and nutrient levels. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil improves drainage and fertility.
Preparing Your Garden Beds:A thriving garden begins with healthy soil.
Clearing and Cultivating: Remove weeds, debris, and any remaining winter mulch. Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller to a depth of 12 inches. Break up clumps of soil and remove rocks.
Soil Amendments:These are additions that improve the quality of your soil. Incorporate compost or aged manure to enrich the soil. If your soil test indicates a pH imbalance, amend accordingly (lime for acidic soil, sulfur for alkaline). Add slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
Flower Selections
PANSIES: from Betty S.
I absolutely love pansies! They’re like little bursts of pure joy in the garden, with their incredible range of colors.It’s like having a whole rainbow at your fingertips. I’ve found they thrive best when they get a good mix of sun and shade, so keep that in mind when you’re planting. And don’t forget to keep their soil nice and moist. What I love most is how versatile they are. I use them to create vibrant borders along my flowerbeds and I also plant them in containers to brighten up my patio and windowsills. They add such a cheerful touch wherever you put them!
PRIMROSES: from: Shirley E.
There’s something so charming about primroses. They’re so delicate and pretty, and that sweet fragrance! It’s like a little breath of spring every time I walk by them. I’ve learned they really prefer a bit of shade, and well-drained soil is a must. I’ve found they’re perfect for those tricky spots in my garden that don’t get a ton of direct sunlight – those shady corners where other flowers just don’t seem to thrive. Primroses brighten those shady corners right up!
DAFFODILS: from Judy M.
These are a classic for a reason. When the bright yellows or vivid whites pop up in spring, it’s like the garden is saying, “Spring is here!” I always make sure to plant the bulbs in the fall, but, they’re very forgiving. They do well in full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. But, if necessary, they can tolerate partial shade. They need well-drained soil, not soggy. They are very hearty, which is perfect for me because I don’t always have time for fussing over plants. They practically take care of themselves, and then when spring arrives, they pop up and bring a cheerful burst of color. They’re so easy and reliable.
TULIPS: from Frieda C.
My garden must have tulips, and I look forward to them all year! To me, they define elegance and are so classic. I always make sure to get my bulbs planted in the fall, and then the anticipation builds all winter, waiting for those gorgeous blooms. You can have them in partial shade, but they will do much better in full sunlight, and well-drained soil. And the variety is just incredible! You can find them in practically any color you can imagine, and they come in a wonderful variety of different shapes and sizes. It’s like having a whole floral art gallery in your backyard. I love mixing and matching them to create stunning displays. They bring such a sophisticated touch.
HYDRANGEAS: from Lori S.
For the last few years, I’ve really gotten into hydrangeas, and they are a great addition to a garden. They really give you that lush, full look, and the color is just incredible! You can get those beautiful blues, pinks, even purples, depending on your soil. I’d recommend finding a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade – they seem to really appreciate that. And don’t forget to keep them well-watered, especially in the summer. Once you see them bloom, you’ll be hooked! They add such a classic, elegant touch to any yard.
ROSES: from Susie E.
Growing roses can be a challenge, but the key is sun and water. They love basking in the sun for at least six hours a day, otherwise they don’t seem to bloom as well. Keep them consistently watered, especially when it’s really hot and dry. You don’t want them to be soaking wet, but the soil should stay nice and moist. Watering them at the base, not overhead, can help prevent pesky diseases. When you get it right, there’s nothing quite like a blooming rose! They add a classic, elegant touch to any garden.
LILIES: from Bella T.
Not only are lilies elegant, but they will fill your home with the scent of spring. Incredible! They especially thrive well if given the proper amount of water and sunlight. They do best with a good amount of sun – ideally at least six hours. It helps them bloom so beautifully. Keep their soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Putting mulch around them helps keep the soil moist and cool, and it helps keep the weeds down! It’s just breathtaking once they start blooming. The colors, the scent…they just add such a sophisticated touch to any garden!
CROCUSES: from Sara B.
I love to plant crocuses because they are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. They peek through the cold ground with little bursts of color. After the long winter I keep checking my lawn waiting for them to pop up. They grow low to the ground, but they still make a statement because they are so colorful. I always plant my bulbs in the fall, and they’re pretty easygoing. They need a good amount of sun to really thrive, but they’re not overly fussy. They like moisture, especially when they’re actively growing, but they definitely need well-drained soil, so they don’t get waterlogged. They are a great addition for any garden.
PETUNIAS: from Linda G.
These flowers are a burst of color, and you can find them in practically any shade you can imagine. They’re easy to care for, too – just make sure they get plenty of sunshine and the soil drains well. They look stunning in hanging baskets or containers, and they can add a beautiful touch to your balcony or patio.
MARIGOLDS: from Vicky L.
These flowers are a game-changer! The sunny colors brighten up the whole garden! As a bonus they naturally keep pests away. You’ll want to plant them where they get a lot of sun, and make sure the soil drains nicely. They are incredibly hardy, which means even if you’re not a seasoned gardener, they’re super easy to grow and they will thrive.
SNAPDRAGONS: from Esther A.
This flower is so elegant, standing tall with beautiful blooms in all sorts of colors. If you want to add a little height to your garden, they are perfect! They’re not too fussy, either. They’ll do great in full sunlight or a bit of shade. Just make sure the soil drains well. And when you cut a few stems and bring them inside, they look absolutely stunning in a vase! You’ll be so glad you planted them.
BEGONIAS: from Carol M.
These flowers are very diverse, and come in many shapes and colors. They thrive in shaded areas and are great for containers. They come in many different forms, from those with showy flowers to those grown for their beautiful leaves. They can be used in any garden or even indoors, and have long-lasting blooms. They thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas, making them perfect for those spots where other flowers struggle, and they prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Some have very large and vibrant flowers. They are great for containers and hanging baskets, and add color to patios and indoor spaces. They can also be used in flower beds and borders to create various landscaping designs.
Planting Techniques
Seed Starting: For some flowers, starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost allows for earlier blooms.Use seed-starting mix and provide adequate light and moisture.
Transplanting: When transplanting seedlings or purchased plants, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, gently loosen the roots, and place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level. Fill the hole with soil and firm it gently. Water thoroughly.
Bulb Planting: Bulbs such as tulips and daffodils are planted in the fall. Plant them at the correct depth, as directed on the bulb packaging. Provide well-draining soil.
Maintenance and Care
Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: Feed flowering plants with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks to encourage blooming.
Deadheading: Remove wilted blooms to promote continuous flowering.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Creating a Colorful Display
Color Harmony: Consider color combinations that complement each other. Use a color wheel to guide your selections.
Height and Texture: Vary plant heights to create visual interest. Combine plants with different textures for added dimension.
Succession Planting: Plant flowers with staggered bloom times to ensure continuous color throughout the spring.
Container Gardening: Container gardening is a great way to add color to patios, balconies, and small spaces. Use high quality potting soil. Ensure adequate drainage. By following these guidelines, you can create a stunning spring garden that brings joy and beauty to your New York or New Jersey home. Remember to embrace the changing seasons, adapt to the region’s unique climate, and enjoy the rewarding experience of watching your garden come to life.
Gardens to Explore
New York and New Jersey offer a wealth of beautiful gardens that showcase the region’s diverse flora and horticultural artistry. Here are a few standout locations:
New Jersey Botanical Garden (Ringwood): This expansive garden within Ringwood State Park features a variety of themed gardens, including a lilac garden, perennial garden, and Italianate gardens. It’s a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll and to appreciate the changing seasons.
Greenwood Gardens (Short Hills): This historic 28-acre garden offers a serene escape with terraced gardens, woodlands, and charming architectural features. It’s known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful landscaping.
Van Vleck House & Gardens (Montclair): These gardens offer a delightful mix of formal and informal plantings, with a focus on native plants and trees. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of Montclair.
New York Botanical Garden (Bronx) AND Brooklyn Botanical Garden (Brooklyn): These world-renowned botanical gardens feature diverse plant collections, beautiful landscapes, and stunning conservatories. They are a must-visit for any garden enthusiast.
Wave Hill (Bronx): Overlooking the Hudson River, Wave Hill offers breathtaking views and beautifully manicured gardens. It’s known for its artful plantings and serene atmosphere.
Longwood Gardens (Pennsylvania): While not in NY or NJ, it is close enough to be a day trip for many residents of the area. This garden is truly spectacular, and is worth the trip.