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Explore Your Local Garden Center at a Home Depot Near You.
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Garden Center

Contact Us

Pro Service Desk

(480)358-6730

Rental Center

Store Hours

Mon-Sat:
5:00am - 10:00pm

Sun:
7:00am - 8:00pm

Curbside:
09:00am - 6:00pm

Location

1545 S Crismon Rd

Mesa, AZ 85209

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Garden Project Calculators

Grass Seed Calculator

Grass Seed Calculator

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.

Mulch Calculator

Mulch Calculator

Enter your preferred material, the square footage and mulch depth of the coverage space for accurate results.

Fencing Calculator

Fencing Calculator

We'll calculate the amount of fencing you should purchase based on your property needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening

How do I check my planting zone?

Check the USDA planting zone map, as planting zones have shifted over the years. Zones with higher numbers can plant earlier in the year. Choose plants that are meant for your zone and increase your odds of successful gardening.

What does direct sow mean?

If the soil is pliable and warm, consider planting your flower, fruit, or vegetable seeds directly into your garden. This is called the "direct sow" method. Plant 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 envelope for when and how to sow seeds.

How do I plant flower seeds?

Follow the instructions on your seed package. It'll tell you when to start them indoors and when to direct sow. Generally, you'll add several seeds per planting hole, then press them into the soil at the correct depth. Mark where you planted them with a twig, toothpick, or flag so you don't confuse them with weeds later.

Should I harden off my seedlings before planting them outside?

Yes, if you raised plants indoors from seeds in your own plant nursery, harden them before you transplant them. Hardening allows your seedlings to adjust to the great outdoors and rain, sun, and temperature swings, making them more resilient against cold snaps. It slows their growth until they're strong and ready to take off during a spring warm front.

Can I strengthen my seedlings before planting them outdoors?

Get your sprouts used to storms and breezy spring days 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 — no need to prep them for a hurricane. The stems and leaves will get used to blowing in the breeze and not snap when a gust comes through. If you don't set up a fan, your seedlings may be more sensitive to strong winds. Try to plant between storms.

Should I use peat moss starters or coir starters?

Seed starters, full of nutrients in convenient pellets or pots, work for new and experienced gardeners. You don't have to use these starters if you're planting in soil, but you may want to. Starting seeds in peat pots works best for delicately rooted plants like cucumbers and eggplant, as well as flowers that require an acidic pH. Some people prefer coir starters instead, as they have a neutral pH. Check what type of soil your plants need to help narrow it down, and chat with a garden center associate if you need more info.

The Home Depot Garden Center at Apache Junction

Celebrate Springtime Gardening
On beautiful spring days, tidy the yard before everything blooms in earnest. Remember to measure your garden so you can find fresh mulch near you as soon as it's available. Don't forget to clean the shed and sweep out the gazebo in preparation for spring, too. No matter which plants you need and what outdoor projects you choose to tackle, you'll find that The Garden Center in Apache Junction is the local plant nursery to help you enjoy your spring activities to the fullest.

Plant Hardiness Zones Explained
The first thing to know when planting spring flowers, veggies, and other seeds is your planting zone. Every location in the U.S. and its territories is sorted into blocks by climate. Find your zone on the USDA growing zone map and learn when to plant seeds.

For example, you could transplant bell peppers 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 8 garden can support plants listed as Zones 1–8. 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 seeds a little later than recommended, it's not ideal, but it will even out as time passes.

Gardening in Your Growing Zone
The diverse topography of this area means planting times vary widely. Desert areas are in Zones 7-10, depending on location, and areas with more elevation are in chillier Zones 4–6. Both deserts and mountains are susceptible to extreme conditions, so consider indoor gardening as a strong supplement to growing outdoors when and where you can.

In the desert, native plants like succulents, cacti, and other hardy desert shrubs will grow outside with ease. Other beloved garden vegetables love the heat, like nightshades. If you start them indoors and carefully introduce them outdoors in the shade, you can enjoy raising vegetables even in a dry climate. However, many spring flowers are sensitive to that much sun and heat, so research to find varieties that can handle the weather before planting outdoors.

Colder regions in Zones 6–8 should wait a little longer to plant, and all these zones need to wait an additional month before planting seeds outdoors rather than indoors. Mountainous regions in Zones 3 to 5 will have the shortest growing season, with seed starters going in later in the spring. Although the weather may vary, wait until the frost has passed to give your seeds the best chance at a hearty and healthy life.

Check out certain herbs and cruciferous veggies if you're ready to get planting. This includes broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Greens like artichokes, spinach, and fragrant herbs, including parsley, basil, and oregano, also don't mind an early beginning. In Zones 4–6, traditional garden vegetables like peppers of all kinds, cucumbers, and tomatoes are fine with an early spring or late winter start indoors under the grow lights.

Start Seeds Indoors
You can save money and gain the satisfaction of growing your garden from seeds by starting them indoors in your own plant nursery. We've got all the seed starter supplies you'll need. Make sure you have a warm and sunny spot that gets at least 12 hours of light. Then you have everything you need to try your hand at growing seeds. Early spring light isn't usually strong enough, so we recommend extra lighting to keep those seeds warm enough to germinate.

Measure your finger to use it as a ruler. In general, you'll plant 3–5 seeds, then press them into the soil to the depth you need with your finger. Mark where you planted the seeds with a toothpick or plant tag. That way, you'll know where your seeds should pop up. Otherwise, it'll be a surprise when the sprouts push out of the soil.

Sprouts
Prepare your seed sprouts for outdoor life while they're still indoors. These micro-seedlings are fragile — only an inch or so high, with the tiniest seedling leaf or two — but they're resilient. Seedlings certainly don't get all this pampering in nature, so they can handle more than you think. However, don't go overboard, as your sprouts are still babies. You can even use an oscillating fan on low to mimic the wind and strengthen their stems.

Harden Your Seedlings
Make sure to harden your seedlings for best results when they're grown. On days that are warmer than 45–50 degrees, take your pots or trays of seedlings outside to slowly warm in the shade for a couple of hours, but bring them inside at night. A cloudy day will also work well. Gradually add more outside time each day, incorporating a little sun to get your plants used to it. After a week or more of this, you can leave them out overnight if the temps stay warmer than 50 degrees. Cover your plants if they're in the ground when a late-season frost sneaks back in.

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 upside-down or sideways and gently squeeze the plastic to break the seal. If your transplant grew in the garden, leave plenty of room around the stem and dig deeper than you think with your garden trowel. You don't want to damage the root system. Place it into the hole you dug for it, even with the surrounding soil.

Protect Your Garden With Mulch
Finish off your garden with mulch and compost. Compost enriches the soil so your garden can grow even better. It may help foster stronger and larger plants that bear more fruit and flowers. Mulch keeps your soil from drying out and controls weeds. Mulch and compost 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. Plan your garden and landscaping, prepare to fertilize your lawn, 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 artificial grass or an outdoor rug to your outdoor space. Shop for the seeds, fertilizer, and soil you need in the aisles of your Apache Junction Garden Center, online, or on our mobile app. Let's get growing together.

Nearby Stores

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6838 E Superstition Springs Blvd

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Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm

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