Store Hours
Mon-Sat:
6:00am - 11:00pm
Sun:
7:00am - 8:00pm
Curbside:
09:00am - 6:00pm
Location
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.
How do I check my USDA planting zone?
Check the USDA growing 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's direct sow in gardening?
If the soil isn't frozen or cold, consider planting your fruit, veggie, or flower 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 fruit seeds?
Follow the directions on your seed packet. It'll tell you when to start them indoors and when to plant them outside. Generally, you'll add several seeds per planting hole, then press them into the soil as directed. Mark where you buried the seeds with a flag, twig, or toothpick so you don't mistake them for weeds later.
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 allows your seedlings to adjust to outdoor life and the fluctuating spring weather, 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.
What do I do before planting seeds or transplants outside?
Before you plant, make sure that it's warm enough outside, the soil is healthy, and your plant will have the right amount of sun. Check your seed package to see if it likes shade, full sun, or partial sun, as well as what time of year it should be planted. Space your plants as described on the seed envelope for best results so your plant babies have room to flourish.
Should I use peat moss starters or coir starters?
Seed starters, full of nutrients in convenient pots or pellets, 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 carrots and beets, 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.
Celebrate Springtime Gardening
On beautiful spring days, tidy the yard before everything blooms in earnest. Lawn care is often a priority as well. Don't forget to clean out the shed and sweep the gazebo in preparation for spring, too. No matter which plants you need and what outdoor projects you choose to tackle, search for your local plant nursery and find that The Garden Center in Estero can help you enjoy your spring activities to the fullest.
Plant Hardiness Zones Explained
The first thing to know when planting veggies, spring flowers, 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 plant bell pepper seedlings outdoors in mid-March in Zone 10, but not until the end of May in Zone 4. You'll have good results with plants that have your zone number or less. 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. 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
In the areas of Zones 9 and 10 stretching across the Southeast, you can plant indoors early in the year. Your odds of frost are low in this part of the country, but not zero. Watch out for cold snaps and cover any sprouts or early-riser bulb plants during cold times.
Growing season begins early and ends late in this part of the country. A wide variety of plants, veggies, and flowers thrive in Florida and southern Georgia. If you've got good soil drainage, you can even grow citrus trees. You'll have excellent results with peppers of all colors and heat levels, including jalapeños, bell peppers, and more. Cucumbers, zucchini, squash, and pumpkins, which are direct sow only, will flourish. Tomato plants will yield thriving leaves and fruit, as they're tropical in origin and are happiest in the heat.
Plant Seeds Outside With Direct Sow
Planting seeds with the direct sow method, right into the soil, is another option. There's less tending and planning than growing indoors. If you like to go with the flow, follow the instructions on your seed packet and try it out.
Prepare to deal with whatever hand nature deals you: Be ready for none of your seeds to sprout, all of them to come up, and anything in between. Your seedlings will need to survive rain, wind, and cold snaps, as well as critters and insects that crave tender greens. But if you're lucky, you'll get strong sprouts that are ready to grow all spring.
Start Seeds Indoors
If you're eager to get growing or would like more control in the care and feeding of seedlings, 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 rain and sunlight. Keep your seeds warm with warming mats and grow lights, water them carefully with a spray bottle 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
By now, your plants have 3 or 4 true leaves — they'll look different from the miniature seedling leaves. When you're not expecting soaking rain, and the ground is warm, look into transplanting your big sprouts into their new outdoor home. "Transplant" means that you put these small plants straight into pots or garden soil. In cases where you direct sowed, you may still want to shuffle plants around for the best spacing and sun. That's also a transplant situation, as is repotting plants into larger pots.
Protect Your Garden With Mulch
Finish off your garden with mulch and compost. Mulch controls weeds and keeps your soil from drying out. Compost enriches the soil so your garden can grow even better. It may help foster stronger plants that bear more fruit and flowers. Compost and mulch can be DIY creations, but you can also purchase them in-store. The next time you're looking for "mulch near me," stop by the Garden Center to get the perfect amount.
Greet the Spring
Late winter into 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 what to plant when the weather warms. For those without lawns, consider adding an outdoor rug, artificial grass, or a pellet grill to your patio or balcony. Shop for the soil, fertilizer, and seeds you need in the aisles of your Estero Garden Center, online, or on our mobile app. Let's get growing together.
14655 S Tamiami Trail
Fort Myers, FL 33912
4.63 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 11:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm
3402 Forum Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33905
8.22 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 11:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm
11941 Bonita Beach Rd Se
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
11.83 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 11:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm