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When you're ready to seed your lawn, our calculator helps you estimate the amount of grass seed you'll need to get the job done.
Enter your preferred material, the square footage and mulch depth of the coverage space for accurate results.
We'll calculate the amount of fencing you should purchase based on your property needs.
Which planting zone am I in?
Check the USDA zone map, as planting zones have shifted slightly through the years. Zones with higher numbers can plant earlier in the year. Increase your odds of successful gardening by choosing plants that are meant for your zone.
When can I plant seeds outside in the spring?
If the soil is warm and pliable, consider planting your veggie, flower, or fruit seeds directly into your garden. This is called the "direct sow" method. The time to plant will be after the threat of frost is gone for the season, as sprouts and seedlings can't weather those conditions. You can also start your seeds indoors if you'd like. Consult your seed package for how and when to sow seeds.
How do I plant veggie seeds?
Read your seed package for the best info on how to grow fruits, veggies, and spring flowers — indoors or outdoors. Requirements vary from one type of flower, fruit, or veggie plant to the next. Certain seeds should only be sown indoors, and your seed package will tell you that, too. You'll be a pro at planting seeds in no time.
Do I have to harden off my seedlings before planting them outside?
Yes, for best results, if you raised plants indoors from seeds in your own plant nursery, harden them first before you transplant them. Hardening is the process of getting them used to the great outdoors and sun, rain, and temperature swings. It slows their growth until they're strong and ready to take off during a spring warm front. Hardening also makes your plants more resilient to a sudden cold snap. Read your seed packets or speak to a garden center associate for more information.
Can I strengthen my seedlings before planting them outdoors?
Get your sprouts used to breezy spring days and storms with a fan and keep fungus from growing in damp conditions. Set up an oscillating floor fan on low to mimic the wind. Just the gentlest breeze for several hours a day will do the trick. This makes them stronger against wind gusts. If you don't set up a fan, your seedlings may be more sensitive to strong winds. Try to plant between storms.
What are seed tapes?
If you're dealing with extremely tiny seeds or want more guidance in planting, consider seed tapes. They're biodegradable pieces of paper with tiny seeds affixed at regular intervals. Just bury the tape and water as directed. If all goes well, your perfectly spaced sprouts will pop up soon.
Celebrate Springtime Gardening
It's time to start thinking of spring. Sweep out the gazebo and clean the shed to prepare for warmer temperatures, fragrant breezes, and sprouts poking up out of the ground. Planting seeds indoors with grow lights means you'll be ready to transplant young veggie plants and spring annuals when the ground thaws and the frosts are through. You might even want to sow organic seeds directly into the earth. What better way to start than by exploring your favorite local plant nursery?
Plant Hardiness Zones Explained
The first thing to learn when planting vegetables, spring flowers, and other seeds is your planting zone. Every location in the U.S. and its territories is sorted by climate. Find your zone on the USDA zone map and learn when to plant seeds.
For example, you could plant bell pepper seedlings outdoors in mid-March in Zone 10, but not until the end of May in Zone 4. The plants that'll thrive in your area are in your zone — plus all the zones numbered less than that. In other words, a Zone 5 garden can support plants listed as Zones 1–5. You can plant seeds indoors roughly a month before you can plant them outside, known as direct sow. Be sure to read your seed packet for details. If you start them a little later than recommended, it's not ideal, but it will likely even out as time passes.
Gardening in Your Growing Zone
The Mid-South is in Zones 7–9, with coastal regions being warmest and the zone number decreasing to an 8, then a 7 as you go up in elevation to the foothills of the Georgia mountains. Just check your planting zone, then consult the seed packet for the most accurate instructions for each plant. If you know you're in a micro-climate near a lake, mountain, or valley, zoom in on the USDA planting map for exact details down to street level.
In balmy Zone 9 on the coast, you can begin planning and planting indoors in January if you'd like. Zones 8 and 7 generally have a slightly later recommendation for indoor starts. Cruciferous veggies and garden favorites, like cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes, all do well when started inside your home. Greens like spinach, artichokes, and fragrant herbs, including parsley, basil, and oregano, also don't mind an early beginning. You can sow flower seeds and watch them mature under the grow lights, too. Whatever you choose to grow, tend them carefully and transplant them when the threat of frost is gone for the season.
Plant Seeds Outside With Direct Sow
Planting seeds into your garden soil, or using the direct sow method, is an alternative option. It doesn't give you as much organized planning in terms of reliability and spacing compared to indoor starts. However, if you like to go with the flow, follow the instructions on your seed package and try it out.
Prepare to deal with whatever hand nature deals you: Be ready for all your seeds to sprout, none of them to come up, and anything in between. Your seedlings will need to survive wind, rain, and cold snaps, as well as bugs and critters that want a crunchy green snack. But if you're lucky, you'll get strong sprouts that are ready to grow all spring.
Start Seeds Indoors
If you'd like more control over your seedlings' journey or you're eager to get growing, start your seeds indoors in your own seedling garden. In general, you can plant seeds indoors about a month before you can do it outside. Like direct sow, you push the seeds into the soil as directed on the seed packet, but that's where the similarities end.
You're responsible for giving them quality substitutes for sunlight and rain. Keep your seeds warm with heat mats and grow lights, water them carefully with a mister or watering can, then thin them as they germinate in groups of three. Give them a boost with a gently blowing fan as they lengthen into sprouts if you'd like. Harden them off to get them used to outdoor conditions, then transplant them into your garden when they're big enough.
Transplant Young Plants Into Their New Homes
Carefully take your seedling out of the container. A good way to do this is to turn it sideways or upside-down and gently squeeze the plastic to break the seal. If your transplant grew in the garden, dig deeper than you think with your garden trowel and leave plenty of room around the stem. You don't want to damage the roots. Put the plant in the new hole and make sure it's even with the surrounding soil.
Protect Your Garden With Mulch
Finish your garden bed with mulch and compost. Mulch keeps your soil from drying out and controls weeds. Compost enriches the soil so your garden can grow even better. It may help foster stronger and larger plants that bear more flowers and fruit. Compost and mulch can be purchased in-store or created at home. The next time you're looking for "mulch near me," stop by the Garden Center to get the right amount.
Greet the Spring
Early spring is an exciting time in the world of gardening. Prepare to fertilize your lawn, plan your garden and landscaping, and browse The Home Depot nursery to find inspiration on which spring flowers to plant when the weather warms. For those without lawns, consider adding an outdoor rug, artificial grass, or a pellet grill to your balcony or patio. Shop for the fertilizer, seeds, and soil you need in the aisles of your Alexander City, AL Garden Center, online, or on our mobile app. Let's get growing together.
41310 Us Hwy 280
Sylacauga, AL 35150
23.03 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 9:00pm
Sun: 8:00am - 8:00pm
2190 Tigertown Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
40.87 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 8:00am - 8:00pm
2710 Legends Parkway
Prattville, AL 36066
41.46 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 8:00am - 8:00pm