Only two weeks into spring and those chilly, crisp mornings have been lessening each and every day. Magnolia trees have started to blossom and your thoughts begin to linger on your garden. There are moments now when afternoon sunlight can warm your shoulders, basking in the sun like bright flower petals.
To prepare you for the flourishing weather to come, Berks County Living has some ideas that are guaranteed to brighten up your garden.
Flowers in May
Once the frost has permanently lifted, consider planting some flowers in the shade and under partial sunlight. Pansies, nasturtiums, marigolds, snapdragons and new guinea are shaded plants. Under similar conditions, flowering shrubs like azaleas, lilacs and rhododendrons will also flourish. Cosmos and mountain pinks will love the sunlight.
Flowers in June
As spring weeks transition into the summer months consider adding zinnias, roses, daylilies, hydrangeas, hibiscus, geraniums, cornflowers, coneflowers, wisteria and irises to your garden. All these flowers love to soak up the sun. Bright gerbera flowers, in eye-popping pinks, reds, yellows and oranges, enjoy sipping at light morning sunlight.
Calla lilies, astilbe, begonia and alstroemeria flowers will fare best in the shade.
Vegetables in May
Begin your veggie garden by planting fresh greens like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, peas and kale. This is also a good time to start watering onion and pepper seeds. Sweet potatoes, beets, eggplant, radishes and melons will round out the beautiful spring weather.
Vegetables in June
Several spring veggies will do well in June too. But corn, beans, cucumber and peppers especially enjoy the sun. Pumpkins need at least 70-degree weather to sprout.
Herbs
Regardless of the month, basil, stevia, thyme, rosemary, oregano, coriander, lavender and majoram prefer the sun. Sage, parsley, mint, dill, lemon balm and tarragon require the shade. Chives and cilantro are resilient and can be planted either condition.
Happy gardening!
