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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.
How do I know what planting zone I'm in?
Check the USDA zone map, as planting zones have changed slightly 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.
What's direct sow in gardening?
If the soil is pliable and warm, 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 seedlings and sprouts 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 seeds?
Follow the instructions on your seed packet. It'll tell you when to start them indoors and when to direct sow. Generally, you'll add 3–5 seeds per planting hole, then press them into the soil as directed. Mark where you planted them with a twig, wooden craft stick, or flag so you don't accidentally confuse them with weeds later.
Should I 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 should I do before planting seeds or transplants outside?
Before you plant, make sure that the soil is healthy, it's warm enough outside, 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 for best results so your plant babies have room to grow big and strong.
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 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
It's time to start thinking of spring. Clean out the shed and sweep the gazebo to prepare for warmer temperatures, sprouts poking up, and fragrant breezes. Planting seeds indoors near a sunny window means you'll be ready to transplant young veggie plants and spring annuals when the frosts are through and the ground thaws. You might even want to sow 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 you should know 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 plant hardiness 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. The timeframe to direct sow outdoors in your garden is often around a month later than the indoor start date. Be sure to read your seed packet for details. If you start seeds later than recommended, it's not ideal, but it will likely even out as time passes.
Gardening in Your Growing Zone
Hawaii's growing zones range from 9 to 12, with a few areas of Zone 13. 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. Last year's garden might still be growing if there was no reason to put it to bed. In that case, tend it as usual.
Some seeds, like tomatoes, do best when started indoors and aren't recommended as direct sows, so read your seed packets and adjust accordingly for your region. Coconuts, bananas, and plantains thrive in Hawaii's tropical climate. Roots like yams, taro, and tapioca grow well, too.
Hot peppers thrive here, and you can try bell peppers. Veggies in the squash family, like pumpkins and cucumbers, also enjoy the weather. If your temps regularly get over 90s, look into shade sails or another shade structure to give your garden a break from the intense heat and humidity. Potted plants, hydroponics, or container gardening gives you flexibility to control the amount of sun and shade for best results.
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 space and reliability as starting indoors. However, if you like to go with the flow, follow the instructions on your seed packet and give it a try.
Your seeds might struggle to grow or get washed away, or critters or insects might eat the sprouts. But if you're really lucky, 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 primed to survive and hardy, 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 cozy 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
When your plants have three or four true leaves — different from mini seedling leaves — it's time to transplant them. In quality soil, dig a hole that's the same size as the dirt plug where your transplant has been growing. If your ground soil isn't fantastic, dig a slightly bigger hole and fill the extra space with nutrient-rich topsoil. Apply any fertilizer as directed on the package, either in the hole or on top of the soil after it's planted. Only apply as much as recommended, as you could burn the plant and kill it instead of helping it along.
Protect Your Garden With Mulch
Finish it all off with compost and mulch. Compost enriches the soil so your garden can grow even better. It may help foster stronger plants that bear more fruit and flowers. Mulch keeps your soil moist and controls weeds. 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. 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, a pellet grill, or an outdoor rug to your balcony or patio. Shop for the soil, fertilizer, and seeds you need in the aisles of your Honolulu Garden Center, online, or on our mobile app. Let's get growing together.
1151 Mapunapuna Street
Honolulu, HI 96819
2.54 mi
Mon-Sat: 5:00am - 9:00pm
Sun: 6:00am - 8:00pm
1021 Kamehameha Hwy
Pearl City, HI 96782
8.52 mi
Mon-Sat: 5:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 6:00am - 8:00pm
4600 Kapolei Pkwy
Kapolei, HI 96707
13.90 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm