From planning to planting, use this handy checklist to get your flower beds ready for the season ahead.

PLANNING YOUR GARDEN

Do you know what kind of garden you want? This is an important first step that might take a little bit of research. Here are a few choices you can make from the start.

• Decorative flowers or edible herbs and veggies?
• Annuals (which look great for most of the season but have to be re-planted next year), perennials (which have a shorter bloom but come back next year), or a mix of both?
• What kind of aesthetic do you want to achieve? Whimsical or classic? Formal or natural? The possible combinations are infinite!

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTS

You already know what kind of garden you want to plant, but it’s time to get specific. Take the time to make sure your desired plants are well suited to your climate and growing conditions. Our advice is to start small and simple, and then expand your scope as you get more comfortable. Here are some easy plants for beginners.

• Perennials: coneflowers, coreopsis, hostas, peonies, and black-eyed Susans
• Annuals: marigolds, pansies, dusty millers, and dianthus
• Vegetables: lettuce, peppers, and cucumbers

PLACING YOUR GARDEN

Once you know what you want to plant in your garden, you can start mapping out where to put it! Almost all vegetables and flowers need a minimum of 6 hours of sun every day. Observe how the sun moves around your yard, and remember that the amount of sun will change after the long days of summer. If you have trouble finding spots with lots of sun, consider opting for shade tolerant plants.

PREPARING YOUR GARDENING TOOLS

If your tools have been sitting untouched since last season, you’ll want to take stock and make sure everything is in working order.

• Sharpen and oil your pruning equipment
• Organize your shed and/or greenhouse
• Repair or replace any broken or damaged tools

PREPARING YOUR GARDEN BEDS

It’s almost time to start planting! But first, you need to lay the groundwork.

• Remove any weeds, dead plants, or debris
• Rake the garden bed to remove any debris including branches, rocks, or leaves
• Fill the beds with your compost and other organic material to enhance soil nutrients
• Edge the garden to give it a clean, crisp finish
• Think through how to space your plants so the bed is not too crowded
• Apply a thick layer of mulch after the beds have been planted
• Consider installing sprinkler heads to keep your garden hydrated
• Prune surrounding trees and shrubs, as needed, to improve sun exposure

PLANTING

Now you’re ready to plant your flowers and veggies! You can plant from seeds, seedlings, or fully grown plants. Whatever you do, heed the package instructions to give your plants the best chance to grow and thrive. With some ongoing care and attention, you’ll be enjoying your beautiful garden in no time!