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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.
What planting zone am I in?
Check the USDA plant hardiness 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.
Can I just put seeds in the ground?
If the ground isn't frozen solid and the soil isn't cold, consider planting your veggie, fruit, or flower 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 sprouts and seedlings 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 flower seeds?
Follow the directions on your seed packet. It'll tell you when to start them indoors and when to direct sow. Generally, you'll add 3 to 5 seeds per planting hole, then push them down with your finger. Mark where you buried the seeds with a flag, wooden craft stick, or twig so you don't think they're 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 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.
What do I do before planting seeds or transplants outside?
Before you plant, make sure that the soil is healthy, your plant will have the right amount of sun, and it's warm enough outside. Check your seed package to see if it likes partial sun, shade, or full 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 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 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.
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 the gazebo and clean out the shed in preparation for spring, too. No matter which plants you need and what outdoor projects you choose to tackle, you'll find that The Home Depot Minneapolis Ne Garden Center is the local plant nursery to help you enjoy your spring activities to the fullest.
Plant Hardiness Zones Explained
The first thing to learn 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 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. 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 6 garden can support plants listed as Zones 1–6. The timeframe to direct sow outdoors in your garden is often around a month later than the indoor start date. Read your seed packet for details. If you start plants a little later than recommended, it's not ideal, but it will likely even out as time passes.
Gardening in Your Growing Zone
Much of the Great Plains and Upper Midwest is in Zones 3 through 5. Your best bets for veggies will be root vegetables like beets and carrots, leafy greens including lettuce, and cruciferous veggies like cabbage and kale. You can try squash, too. If you plant outside, prepare to cover outdoor plants when late frost is forecast. Planting dates are similar to Zone 4, that is to say, the target is mid-March through May 1st, depending on whether you're starting your seeds indoors or directly sowing them into your garden.
The state of Kansas and slightly north of the state line is in Zone 6, so planting can begin earlier there than farther north. The outdoor growing season doesn't kick off until mid-March or even April, although you can start some veggies by seed halfway through February. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, onions, and other classic garden crops will thrive in this region, and most of them can get an early jump on growing indoors before spring really moves in.
Start Seeds Indoors
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. For best results, you'll want warming lights or a warming mat to go with your seed tray or plant pots. If you're planting a larger garden, use seed trays — like the ones you see sprouts in at your Minneapolis Ne Garden Center — to stay organized and plant tiny soil plugs when the time comes. You can also use pots with potting soil and seed starter mix.
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 plant tag or toothpick. 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
When your seeds have sprouted but aren't ready to go outside yet, you can still prepare them for outdoor life. These inch-tall micro-seedlings are fragile but resilient. Seedlings don't get all this pampering in nature when they volunteer and grow wherever, 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. If they're looking rough, don't push them. It’s ok to roll back a step or two if need be: Bring them inside overnight or put them in shady places instead of direct sun. As always, make sure they're watered enough. Whisk wilted plants inside and give them a good drink, making sure they're healthy before setting them outdoors again.
Transplant Young Plants Into Their New Homes
By now, your plants have three or four true leaves — they'll look different from the miniature seedling leaves. When the ground is warm, and you're not expecting soaking rain, look into transplanting your small plants into their new outdoor home. These large seedlings that are ready to be planted can also be called "transplants" or "starts." In cases where you direct sowed, you may still want to shuffle plants around for the best sun and spacing. That's also a transplant situation, as is repotting plants into larger pots.
Protect Your Garden With Mulch
Finish it off with mulch and compost. Mulch controls weeds and keeps the soil moist. Compost enriches the soil so your garden can grow even better. It may help foster stronger and larger plants that bear more flowers and fruit. Mulch and compost 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 patio or balcony. Shop for the seeds, soil, and fertilizer you need in the aisles of your Minneapolis Ne Garden Center, online, or on our mobile app. Let's get growing together.
5650 Main St, Ne
Fridley, MN 55432
4.83 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 8:00am - 8:00pm
5800 Cedar Lake Rd
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
6.41 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 8:00pm
6301 Richfield Parkway
Richfield, MN 55423
8.17 mi
Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm
Sun: 8:00am - 8:00pm