As warmer weather starts to prevail over the southeast, everyone wants to get a jump on spring and start your gardens and flowerbeds. Preparing now is a fine idea, however don’t go and buy those plants just yet, or you will be buying more to replace them.

The average frost date for western North Carolina and north Georgia is April 21st, and don’t think global warming is a factor, as the southeastern United States is one of the few areas of the world showing cooling over the 20th century. There has been no significant change in the numbers of frost days or the frost-free season in the south.

So before you dive into planting take a few tips from me. If find that perfect healthy plant for your garden you can’t pass up, keep it in the pot and find a sunny window in your home to keep it healthy until the frost risk passes. If it is root bound, you may want to find a bigger pot first. Be careful not to place it over the heater vent as that will weaken and dry out the plant. Keep it watered just enough to sustain it. Over watering can, actually be worse to the plant than under watering it as wet roots tend to rot.

If you feel you must get plants in the ground and you are not sure the last frost is behind you, consider perennials, as many perennials tolerate frost and can be planted in early spring. If you plant your annuals too soon and another frost arrives, you can pretty much expect to lose them. Annuals just can not take frost. If you are not sure the difference between the two, first check on the labels of the plants or ask your retailer.

Another important tip is to plan your garden. If it is a flower garden you want, make note of the area you plan to put it. Is it sunny, (at least 6 hours of sunlight a day), partly sunny, or shady? Different plants take a different amount of direct light. Shade plants such as hostas or ferns will burn their sensitive leaves in direct sun; the more shade the better for these decorative plants. Asters, Bachelor Buttons, Hollyhocks, Lupines, Marigolds, Geraniums and Snapdragon are just a few sun loving plants that need all day sun to really complement your garden. Again usually, you will find a guide on the plant when you go to purchase it. Follow the guide lines and select plants suitable for the area you plan to plant.

The single most important thing you can do for your new plants is soil preparation. Dig and loosen the soil 3 to 6 inches into the ground then add your choice of organic material such as manure, peat moss, or compost and mix well with the native soil. If moles are a common problem in your area, try putting a couple of moth balls in the hole, but be aware that moth balls are toxic to pets, if you have a dog that digs in your beds it may be better to try and plant your mole sensitive plants in big pots and just bury them in the ground.

When grouping plants together keep in mind their watering needs, some plants love moist soil, others prefer dry. For a trouble free garden, plant in groupings that compliment each other. Once you have planted, be sure to mulch well. Mulch will aid you in keeping those pesky weeds from taking over.

If you really want long term enjoyment out of your flower garden, heed this advice. Take a half hour a week to weed. Keeping up with the weeding will help make it not seem such a chore. Also, take the time to pinch your wilting blooms by nipping the stem between your thumb and forefinger. This will give your plants a compact, bushy quality. Use this time to really look at your flowers and appreciate their beauty, this way not only are you assisting the plant but recharging your soul.

A little common sense can go a long way when creating a beautiful flower garden. And with careful planning you can enjoy it for years to come.

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