News Summary
As spring unfolds in Greenwood, gardeners are encouraged to take advantage of the warming weather for planting. Local garden shops are stocked with spring bulbs and plants, while tips on choosing suitable plants based on garden conditions are shared. Highlighted plants include daylilies, caladiums, and other perennials, along with important care advice to ensure a bountiful garden. Don’t miss a free Lunch and Learn event coming up on April 1 to gather more tips on gardening.
Gardening in Greenwood: Spring Planting Tips for Everyone!
Hey, Greenwood gardeners! The weather is starting to warm up, with a pleasant mix of sunshine and clouds. Today, we’re seeing highs of 78°F and lows of 54°F. With gentle winds blowing in from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph, it’s the perfect time to get outside and dig into some spring planting!
Spring Surprise at Local Garden Shops
As the season transitions, local box stores and garden shops are bursting with racks filled with all sorts of spring-planted goodies. Think of dormant garden delights like bulbs, bare root plants, tubers, and corms—collectively known as spring-planted or summer “bulbs.” Now is the time to get excited about what you’ll plant this year!
Before You Shop: Do Your Homework
Before heading out to grab those colorful blooms, it’s important to do some groundwork—literally! Check out your garden site conditions, such as sun exposure and whether you want to plant a perennial to bring joy season after season. Knowing which plants are right for your garden will save you time and frustration later!
Top Picks for Spring Planting
Ready for the list of recommended spring plants to get your garden blooming? Here are some fabulous choices you can look out for:
- Lilies
- Caladiums
- Gladiolus
- Dahlias
- Daylilies
- Cannas
- Calla lilies
- Elephant’s ear
- Tuberous begonias
Just a heads up: plants like caladiums and tuberous begonias are a bit delicate when it comes to frost. So don’t forget that you’ll need to dig them up and store them indoors over the winter or plan to replace them each year!
Perennials to Plant and Care Tips
If you’re looking for sturdy yet beautiful options, consider daylilies. These hardy perennials thrive in heat and drought and can easily be multiplied by division! Remember, when you plant bareroot daylilies, make sure their crowns are level with the soil surface for best results.
When planting caladiums, ensure the soil is a warm 60°F or above. Place them with the buds facing upwards and cover them with about two inches of nice, loose soil. And if you’re interested in going native, look for bareroot plants like coreopsis, liatris, and milkweed.
Planting Depth and Health Check
Here’s a little insider tip: make sure to follow the package instructions for planting depth. This helps prevent any rot or disease, particularly if your soil is on the moist side. Good drainage is key! Plants like colocasia and canna do tolerate moist conditions, but it’s best to keep your other plants happy by ensuring they have good drainage.
Don’t Miss Out on Free Helpful Tips
Speaking of gardening wisdom, don’t forget there’s a free Lunch and Learn event coming up on April 1 at the Greenwood Extension office. Join Extension Intern Alexis Gunter to learn about “Preserving Your Harvest.” Gather your gardening friends and family for a delightful educational experience!
Contact Information
If you want to learn more or have specific questions, you can reach out to the Greenwood County horticulture agent. For inquiries, just email or call: stepht@clemson.edu or 864-889-0541. Their office is located at 105 N. University St., and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Final Thoughts
This spring, make sure to pick healthy, firm bulbs devoid of cuts and decays to ensure vibrant growth in your garden! When it comes to planting, the general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth three times their size in well-drained soil. For those who enjoy digging up and storing bulbs, remember to wait until their leaves turn yellow before gently lifting them out of the ground and letting them dry for storage.
Popular choices like tulips, daffodils, and ranunculus are waiting for you this season, but be mindful of the right planting times and care instructions—and don’t forget about local climate conditions! Happy planting, Greenwood!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Clemson Extension: Spring Planting Tips
- Tri-City Voice: Bulbs Light Up the Garden
- Southern Living: When to Plant Daffodil Bulbs
- Real Simple: Flowers That Bloom in March
- Tom’s Guide: 7 Bulbs to Plant in March
- Wikipedia: Gardening
- Google Search: Spring Planting Gardening Tips
- Google Scholar: Spring Planting Gardening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Planting Bulbs
- Google News: Spring Planting Gardening
