I ran across this search in my stats. Figured it was a pretty important question for most gardeners just starting out.
- If you live up North, in the Midwestern area, you can start certain things any time now (early March). You can prune trees, and I would say you can plant trees and shrubs, although putting a quick call into your local nursery wouldn’t hurt.
- Check your soil condition, if it is sticky and balls up when you squeeze some in your hand…. wait until it is more crumbly. Don’t work up ground, especially clay types, with so much moisture still in it
- If you are planting perennials, you might want to wait for the soil to warm a bit, and maybe cover new plants with something like a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off
- Annuals need to wait until after the last frost date, although planting the seeds is according to times usually printed on the seed packet. It differs according to what type of seed it is ( HA, HHA, TA, TP)
- Plant peas or Sweet peas starting March 17th, that is the traditional day, St. Pat’s Day.
- Corn goes in when the oak leaves are the size of a mouse ear – again one of those old traditional phenologies. Not to be mixed up with Ph{r}enology– which I do when I am not checking
- Most perennials can be divided in April, except for things like German iris , which are better after dormancy sets in, late summer
Do what you have time to do, when you have time to do it, generally. Just remember constraints related to moisture: plant too late and new plants wither in midsummer sun, plant too early and the cold and damp may harm or destroy the plants. It is mostly common sense, but if you accumulate a good set of tips for your area, it helps with success. I advocate talking with nursery guys and gardening neighbors. Extension services are available.
More easy garden lessons: Create a garden | Spring Garden Tips
