At Patio and Hearth Shop in Greenville, NC and Rocky Mount, NC, we believe that time spent outdoors is time well spent. That’s why we make it our mission to provide our customers with quality, affordable outdoor furniture and accessories. So, be sure to stop by and see us at our showroom in Greenville, NC.

Spring is officially here, and I don’t know about you, but the spring flowers are one of my favorite things about this time of year. Nothing makes your outdoor space look more beautiful than some fresh, colorful flowers. So, here are some spring gardening tips to help you spruce up your yard and patio:

One of the trickiest things about spring gardening is knowing when to plant. Spring in NC can be deceptive— one day it’s 80 degrees, and the next, it’s 40. If you plant too soon, temperatures may drop and harm or even kill those young plants you’ve just put into the ground. Before you plant any flowers, do a little research about the types of flowers that you are planting; some flowers are hardier than others and can withstand some of the cooler temperatures that spring sometimes brings; some plants are dormant, and are fine to go into the ground, even if the temperatures do occasionally drop below freezing; some flowers are very delicate and only need to be planted after the temperatures consistently stay above freezing.

If you plant flowers thinking that spring is finally here, and then that sneaky NC weather throws you some cold weather, don’t worry. You can cover your plants overnight with towels and sheets to keep them from freezing. Don’t use plastic tarps to cover them, as this can actually have the opposite effect on your flowers, and make them colder. Also, don’t cover the plants too tightly as it might crush or break them. Also, remember, that if plants don’t have buds emerging yet, there’s no need to cover them. If you have flowers in a planter, and it’s going to be cold overnight, you can just easily bring them indoors for the night.

If you’re waiting for the right time to plant, you can prepare your soil in the meantime. Take a test sample of your soil to see what nutrients it contains as well as those it’s lacking; there are a number of soil testing kits available online and at stores. With this information, you can go to your local gardening center to find out how you can make your soil the perfect home for what you’re trying to plant.

Spring is here, and it’s time to enjoy your outdoor space. While we can’t help you with the flowers, we can help you find the perfect outdoor furniture, so that you can sit outside comfortably after tending your garden all day. Just stop by to see us at Patio and Hearth Shop in Greenville, NC.