Although all most plants need to grow is a little dirt, some water and sunlight, there are many different tips people can follow if they want to get the most out of their plants.
Most gardeners refer to the back of the seed packets for the vegetables, fruits and flowers they want to have in their garden, whether it is to plant their own food, or just enjoy beautiful flowers throughout the spring, summer and fall.
For the Northern Michigan region, and most of the state, typically the seeds should be planted starting in May, through July, due to the temperatures and the frost in the ground.
“It depends on what they are growing. Seed packets should have recommended instructions for when to sow — plant — indoors and outdoors,” said Mary Helstrom of Bridge Street Blooms in Charlevoix. “Also, note instructions for recommended ground temperatures. Some plants are very cold sensitive.”
Gardens can also vary greatly in size, whether it’s acres of land, or just a small planter on a patio of an apartment.
If a gardener is starting their plants indoors, these seeds can be planted in a number of different mediums, whether it be potting soil, peat pellets, or dirt from the ground outside that has been brought in and warmed to room temperature. By starting the seeds indoors, letting them sprout into seedlings, it gives the plants a better chance of surviving, as the root base has already been started.
“The advantage of planting a seedling is you know you are starting with a plant that has rooted in and ready to continue to grow,” said Helstrom. “When you plant it outside, make sure you are transplanting it in quality soil. Amend your soil if it is too heavy or light. Good soil is very important.”
Once the cold, snowy weather has left the region, soil temperatures have risen and the threat of frost has passed, it is safe to start planting outdoors. This includes the plants started in the potting soil and peat pellets indoors.
Many people also go the route of going to a gardening center, such as Bridge Street Blooms in Charlevoix, North Star Gardens in Indian River and Gaylord, or Spray’s Landscape Nursery and Garden Center in Cheboygan, to purchase seedlings to put in their garden.
Garden centers typically start their growing in February, with all of the plants usually planted by the first week of April.
Bridge Street Blooms in Charlevoix is a grower and garden center, growing 95 percent of what is sold right in Charlevoix. The plants are grown both at their Bridge Street location, as well as in a large greenhouse on Barnard Road.
“We offer a full line of vegetables, herbs and an outstanding selection of annuals. We have an amazing selection of perennials and grow and sell over 10,000 perennials every year,” said Helstrom. “We also sell trees and shrubs.”
Helstrom said the retail location on Bridge Street in Charlevoix then opens in mid-April for patrons to come start selecting their plants.
“Our weather isn’t ready to plant outside, but customers will take advantage of the warmer days to get their areas ready,” she said. “We sell soils, mulch and fertilizer. Some customers will buy plants early, if they have a sunny, warm place to care for them until they are ready to plant outside.”
The busy season for the garden centers typically starts when the weather breaks. Memorial Day weekend is especially busy for the locations, but sometimes it starts before then, depending on the weather.
Helstrom said it is best to start with great, healthy plants and fresh, good soil when getting ready to plant seedlings or seeds outside. It is also important to pay attention to what each plant needs or wants in terms of sun and watering requirements, to maximize the blooming all season long.
Plants with similar needs — such as full sun or heavy watering — should be planted together, to make things easier for the gardener. For example, leafy green vegetables, such as lettuce, like to be in a shaded area, while others, such as Morning Glory flowers, tend to like full sun, in poor, dryer soil.
“Some plants like a lot of water, and some like it dryer,” said Helstrom. “Overwatering or under watering can definitely affect blooms. Too little sun can affect blooms.”
When planting, the ground should be prepared by loosening the soil with a rototiller or similar device, then watered and fertilized, to create the best environment possible for the plants or seeds to grow.
In general, outdoor plants should also receive fertilizer in the spring, to help them grow. It is also important to prune the outdoor bushes and shrubs at the right time. Some outdoor plants will bloom on new growth, while others will bloom on old growth, depending on the plant.
“If you prune in the spring on shrubs that bloom on old growth, you are cutting potential blooms too,” said Helstrom. “Make sure they are getting the proper amount of water, especially a new planting and in the heat of the summer. Mulch can help retain moisture.”
Annual plants should also be fertilized every seven to 10 days, when you are watering them. Plants are able to absorb water soluble fertilizers the best, so it is best to use this type of product for your gardens. Some fertilizers also provide micronutrients to the plants, to help them grow longer and larger.
Plants with dead head or faded blooms should have these removed, along with damaged leaves, to help the plant to continue to grow strong. Also, by trimming plants periodically, it encourages new growth and more blooms.
Contact Features Writer Kortny Hahn at khahn1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @khahnCDT.