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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 growing 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.
When can I plant seeds outside?
If the soil isn't cold and frozen, consider planting your fruit, flower, or veggie 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 when and how to sow seeds.
How do I plant fruit seeds?
Read your seed package for info on proper spacing, depth, and how many seeds to sow per hole when planting fruits, veggies, and spring flowers — indoors or outdoors. Requirements vary with each seed type. Some seeds should only be planted indoors, and your seed envelope 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 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.
How do 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 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. They'll gain strength even though you shouldn't see them moving. 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 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. Remember to measure your garden so you can find fresh mulch near you as soon as it's available. Don't forget to clean out the shed and sweep the gazebo in preparation for spring, too. No matter what outdoor projects you choose to tackle and which plants you need, search for your local plant nursery and find that The Home Depot Garden Center in Jacksonville, IL 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 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. You'll have good results with plants that have your zone number or less. 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. 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
This area is primarily in Zone 6, with Zone 5 starting in Central Illinois, slightly north of Peoria and Bloomington-Normal. The outdoor growing season doesn't begin here until mid-March or even April, although you can plant some veggie seeds halfway through February. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and other classic garden crops will thrive in this region, and most of them can get an early start indoors before spring really moves in.
Also, check out certain herbs and cruciferous veggies if you're ready to get planting. This includes kale, broccoli, and cabbage. Greens like spinach, artichokes, and fragrant herbs, including basil, parsley, and oregano, also don't mind an early beginning. The main concern is waiting until the frost has passed for the season, so planting seeds outdoors as direct sow is later here compared to farther south.
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 and a spray bottle of water, good soil, and patience. 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, and you can be sure they're not weeds. 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 inch-tall micro-seedlings are fragile but 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 floor fan on low to mimic the wind and strengthen their stems.
Harden Your Seedlings
When you're hardening your sprouts and gradually introducing them to the outdoors, be flexible. Keep an eye on your baby plants. Bring them inside or move them to a shady spot if they're looking rough. As always, make sure they're watered enough. Whisk wilted plants inside and give them a good drink, making sure they're strong before setting them outdoors again.
Transplant Young Plants Into Their New Homes
Place your transplants in the ground, then give them a generous drink of water — without drowning it. 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 rodents or deer visit your yard regularly, as your sprouts may otherwise become a snack.
Protect Your Garden With Mulch
Finish your flower bed with mulch and compost. Compost enriches the soil so your garden can grow even better. It may help foster larger and 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
Don't miss a minute of growing season. 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 or artificial grass to your outdoor space. Shop for the fertilizer, soil, and seeds you need in the aisles of your Jacksonville, IL Garden Center, online, or on our mobile app. Let's get growing together.