Mid-May is when most areas put the threat of frost or freeze in the rearview mirror, meaning that it’s finally safe to #plant your favorite #flowers, herbs and #vegetables for summer enjoyment. But whether you’re a beginning grower or a longtime green thumb, it pays to do some prep to get those pots and plots off to a good start.
A container garden is (relatively) easy. Pick a good potting soil and the starter plants you wish to grow. Better Homes & Gardens suggests color-coordinating flowering plants and mixing up heights for a dramatic presentation, while paying attention to their individual demands for light and water. And if you like to cook, try growing your own herbs!
A vegetable garden can be a little trickier. It’s basically a small-scale farm, and farms can’t succeed just anywhere. Start by testing your soil, Almanac says, to make sure you have the right pH and nutrients for optimal plant growth. When you test, you can add fertilizers and other amendments to improve the soil’s texture and viability.
For example, manure enriches the soil with essential nutrients and organic matter, This Old House says; compost improves soil texture and fertility by adding a balanced mix of nutrients and enhances the soil’s water-holding capacity; and peat moss aids moisture retention and aeration while acidifying the soil.
Once your soil is ready, plant the vegetables and flowers you want, paying attention to which are compatible and have similar needs. For example, tomatoes and basil — good together on the plate — are great garden companions because basil deters the pests that target tomatoes, says House Beautiful.
If you want a one-and-done garden plot, try planting a bunch of perennials. Plants such as hostas, daylilies and coneflowers will thrive and spread with little attention, says Epic Gardening, lending splashes of color to your yard. Plant them in the right spots, and all you’ll have to do is thin them occasionally.
Whatever your #gardening goals, now’s the time to get started. Summer won’t last forever, so take an afternoon to plant, and you can enjoy your garden for months — or years — to come!