Choosing the Right Plants

There are a number of issues to consider when choosing plants. First, find plants that will match your sun/shade patterns. You can stretch it with some plants -- taking those that say "full sun" and putting them in a semi-shaded area -- but it's best to check with your nursery before buying.

Second, be sure to pick the healthiest plants possible. Be wary of plants with:

• roots that are tangled or overcrowded in the pot
• shriveled leaves
• visible insect damage

Don't be fooled by plants with plenty of blooms -- you want ones with additional buds so you'll have more flowering ahead.

Check Your Zone

One of the most important considerations for planting in the spring season is to ensure the plants you purchase are compatible with your climate zone.

To find out the zone hardiness in your area, follow this link: http://www.usda.gov/news/garden.htm.

Planting Tips

Once you have chosen the perfect plants, it is time to plant!

• Choose a day that is not too sunny, hot, or windy. This helps protect the young plants from harsh environmental conditions that may affect their growth.
• Dig a hole as deep and about twice as wide as the clump of dirt surrounding the roots of the plant.
• Remove the plant from the bed or pot. Using a gardening trowel to make gentle cuts into the dirt ball to loosen the roots.
• Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole halfway with dirt before filling the rest with water.
• Once the water has drained into the soil, fill the rest of the hole with dirt. Add a small amount of additional water and pat the soil down. If you would like, add a few inches of mulch around the new plants to discourage weed growth and to increase moisture retention.

Caring for Your New Plants

• Be sure to give the plants at least one inch of water (rain or your garden hose) per week.
• Don't forget to pull those weeds! Mulch may help prevent the spread of some weeds.
• If necessary, you can use fertilizer to encourage early growth in the bedding plants.