How to Start a Garden

Upon receipt of your package or box, be sure to open immediately and check the contents. These products are perishable and care should be taken to ensure their future viability.

hands with shovel in dirt

Choose Planting Site

Take into consideration sun, moisture, and drainage requirements (and the labor needed to ensure these vital components) when deciding where to plant. Often, putting solid effort into preparing your planting area will bring you the most rewards. Planting sites for both seeds and bulbs usually need similar conditions: moist, well-draining, weed- and rock-free soil, and at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day.

gardening tools in a garden

When to Plant

Seeds and bulbs can be successfully planted at various times throughout the growing season. Spring is the most common and conventional time of year to plant annuals, but successful results can occur from planting in summer and fall as well. Your USDA growing zone will dictate the best times to plant. For fall planting, ensure a few hard frosts have passed so your seed doesn’t germinate until spring.

seeds in jars

Storing Seeds

Store your seeds in a cool, dry, and dark location. Most seeds have a long shelf life, but heat and moisture will cut that life short. Dedicate a drawer or cabinet to storing your seeds where you can also house your gardening journal close at hand for dreaming, planning, and preparing.

bulbs in a box

Storing Bulbs

Check that all bulbs are in good planting condition. Perishable bulbs are not intended to be kept in the box for a long period of time. Upon initial inspection, they should be firm and healthy-looking. Some surface mold is natural and acceptable. Contact us if any of your bulbs seem unusually soft or damaged.

Gardening 101

  • Seed Preparation

    Seed Preparation

    Let’s break down the various types of seed preparation. Don’t worry, each product we carry will be clearly labeled if any of these processes is required. 

  • Starting Seeds Indoors

    Starting Seeds Indoors

    Even while there are frosts outside, your sensitive plants can be grown inside with just a bit of work. So, if you want to lengthen your gardening season, here’s what you do!

  • Hardiness Zones Explained

    Hardiness Zones Explained

    If you’re a beginner gardener, some of the lingo associated with planting seeds and bulbs can be like learning a new language.

  • Frost Dates Explained

    Frost Dates Explained

    An area’s frost date refers to the average date of the last frost in spring or the first frost in fall or winter.

Planting Guides

Gardening Tips & Tricks