The Ultimate Guide to Gardening this Spring in Coastal Virginia

Spring in Coastal Virginia is a gardener's delight, offering a mild climate and extended growing season that allows for a diverse array of plants to flourish. To make the most of this season, it's essential to prepare your garden thoughtfully and equip yourself with the right tools. 

At Taylor’s Do it Center, we love being a part of homeowners’ spring garden revivals. Therefore, we’ve created a concise guide to help you get started on your gardening this season.

Coastal Virginia predominantly falls within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7b to 8a, characterized by mild winters and warm, humid summers. This climate supports a wide variety of plants but also necessitates attention to soil quality and moisture management.

Preparing Your Garden for Spring

Proper preparation ensures that your plants have the best start possible and that you can enjoy a thriving garden throughout the year. Here are a few key steps to take when preparing your garden for spring:

Begin by assessing your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Soil in our coastal region often benefits from the incorporation of organic matter to improve structure and fertility. Consider using compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil.

Early spring is an ideal time to address weeds before they become unmanageable. Regular weeding and monitoring for pests can prevent potential infestations. By implementing integrated pest management strategies, you can help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.

Ensure your gardening tools are in optimal condition by sharpening blades, oiling moving parts, and replacing any damaged tools. Consider investing in quality tools; they can significantly enhance your gardening experience.

Equipping yourself with the right tools is crucial for efficient gardening. Here are some must-haves we love to recommend from Taylor’s:

• Hand Trowel: Essential for planting, transplanting, and soil cultivation.

• Pruning Shears: Vital for trimming and shaping plants, ensuring healthy growth.

• Spading Fork: Useful for turning soil and incorporating organic matter.

• Garden Hoe: Effective for weeding and cultivating soil.

• Watering Can or Hose: Necessary for consistent watering, especially during dry spells.

Selecting Plants for Coastal Virginia

Choosing plants suited to the coastal Virginia climate helps ensure a thriving garden by promoting better growth, requiring less maintenance, and reducing the need for excessive watering or fertilization. Plants already adapted to our region’s humidity, heat, and occasional salt exposure are more resilient to pests and diseases, making them ideal for this area.

Consider plants like Eastern Red Columbine, Virginia Sweetspire, and Black-eyed Susan, which are well-suited to Coastal Virginia. Our extended growing season also allows for a variety of vegetables. Early spring is ideal for cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas, while later in the season, warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers can be planted.

The right planting techniques are crucial for ensuring healthy growth and a flourishing garden. Whether you’re starting from seeds or transplanting seedlings, taking the proper steps will help your plants thrive. Here are some essential planting techniques to consider:

Starting seeds indoors can give your plants a head start. Consider using a seed tray with adequate drainage and be sure to place them in a location with sufficient light. This will help your seeds sprout in no time!

Whether you use your own seeds or purchased sprouts, starting your garden with transplants is a great way to save time this growing season. Transplants are easier to manage than seeds, especially for beginners, and they often lead to quicker harvests.

When transplanting seedlings, ensure they are hardened off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. This process reduces transplant shock and promotes robust growth.

At Taylor’s, we carry a wide selection of Bonnie’s plants, including popular options like tomatoes, herbs, peppers, eggplant, and strawberries. You’ll also find varieties such as shishito, poblano, banana, and bell peppers, along with cherry, roma, and hybrid tomatoes—available now in-store!

3. Mulching

Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Organic mulches like shredded bark or straw also add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.