It’s garden planting time in the Piedmont, and the American Beauty Garden Center, in Charlotte, offers some timely advice to prepare our spaces in advance.

The first step is to clear debris. Remove dead plants, fallen leaves and weeds. Compost healthy plant material and discard diseased material. Then, inspect soil for texture and drainage. Do a quick pH test (kit or lab) and note nutrient needs. Amend soil by adding compost (two to three inches) and recommended amendments (lime for low pH, sulfur for high pH, balanced organic fertilizer if needed). Work amendments into the top six to eight inches with a fork or a broad fork—avoid over-tilling.

To improve structure of the soil, add coarse organic matter or aged manure for heavy clay; sand and plenty of organic matter for compacted soils. Level and loosen: rake smooth, break up clods, create gentle beds or rows for planting and water flow.

Make sure to plan and rotate: note last year’s crops and rotate families to reduce pests and diseases. Choose varieties suited to our zone (Charlotte is in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 8a) and frost dates (between April 1 and 10 is a general rule; The National Gardening Association suggests April 11 as a good time to plant—there is a 50 percent chance of 36 degrees or lower, but if the next week’s forecast is above this temperature, then one only needs to monitor for a surprise frost and protect plants if appropriate).

Mulch and protect: Apply one to two inches of mulch around perennials after planting to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Use row covers for early frost protection if needed. As for irrigation, check and repair drip lines or soaker hoses if necessary; water lightly to settle soil before planting. Finally, wait until soil temperature and local frost risk are appropriate for planting one’s chosen plants.

American Beauty Garden Center has a full line of organic soil amendments, plant starts, seeds and more as well as a full selection for indoor gardening and hydroponics needs and we can answer all related questions. 

Location: 4400 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. For more information, call 704-334-8651 or visit ABGardenCenter.com or on Instagram @ beauty.american. 

American Beauty Garden Center - 4400 Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, NC

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