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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 over the years. Planting 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.
When can I plant seeds outside?
If the soil is pliable and warm, consider planting your veggie, fruit, 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 packet for when and how to sow seeds.
How do I plant seeds?
Follow the directions on your seed package. It'll tell you when to start them indoors and when to plant them outside. Generally, you'll add 3 to 5 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, 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 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 should I do before planting transplants or seeds outside?
Before you plant, make sure that it's warm enough outside, your plant will have the right amount of sun, and the soil is healthy. Check your seed packet 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 grow big and strong.
What are seed tapes?
If you want more guidance in planting or are dealing with extremely tiny seeds, 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
On beautiful spring days, tidy the yard before everything blooms in earnest. Many people feel inspired to refresh their outdoor space for entertaining as well. Don't forget to sweep out the gazebo and clean the shed 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 Ft Myers can help you enjoy your spring activities to the fullest.
Plant Hardiness Zones Explained
The first thing you should know when planting spring flowers, vegetables, 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 planting 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 7 garden can support plants listed as Zones 1–7. 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 plants later than recommended, it's not ideal, but it will likely even out as time passes.
Gardening in Your Growing Zone
Your climate is excellent for growing year-round if you've got good soil. Why not think of springtime planting now? With such beautiful weather, you can direct sow many types of seeds. From classics like cucumbers and peppers to green beans and spinach, you have a wide variety of options. Last year's garden might still be growing if there was no reason to put it to bed — especially if it's close to the house or in a greenhouse. In that case, tend it as usual.
Some seeds, like tomatoes, do best when started indoors and aren't recommended as direct sows. Read your seed packets and adjust accordingly for your region. Although the warm temps are excellent for growing, check your soil to make sure it's rich enough and a good match to your plants. Miami limestone and sandy soil will need soil amendments to adjust the texture and pH for a successful garden if you're growing many garden plants. If you go with native plants like persimmons, muscadines, red mulberries, and blueberries, they're already adapted to the soil of southern Florida.
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 pack and try it.
Your seeds might get washed away or struggle to grow, or rodents or bugs might eat the sprouts. But if you're really fortunate, you might get strong sprouts, perfectly spaced and ready to grow all spring. The reality of your garden will usually be somewhere in between, and spreading out tiny sprouts throughout the soil isn't so bad. You know those sprouts are hardy and primed to survive, although there are no guarantees in the long term.
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 plant nursery. 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 warming 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
Place your transplants in the ground, then water them well. Blanket the surrounding area with mulch, marking where the plant is with a stick or tag so you can easily find it among the grass clippings, old leaves, or straw. Consider putting up chicken wire or other protective measures if deer or rodents visit your yard regularly, as your sprouts may otherwise become a snack.
Protect Your Garden With Mulch
Finish your planting by following it with mulch and compost. Compost enriches the soil so your garden can grow even better. It may help foster larger plants that bear more fruit and flowers. Mulch controls weeds and keeps your soil from drying out. 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 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 artificial grass or an outdoor rug to your outdoor space. Shop for the seeds, soil, and fertilizer you need in the aisles of your Ft Myers Garden Center, online, or on our mobile app. Let's get growing together.
16972 Three Oaks Marketplace Dr
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
7.24 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 11:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm
2508 Skyline Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33914
9.35 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 11:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm