Spring Gardening Gets Underway in Memphis

News Summary

As spring approaches, Memphis gardeners prepare for planting season. With critical dates like the last freeze on March 18, now is the perfect time to start your garden. Local resources provide tips on choosing appropriate plants, including native species for the Memphis area. The Memphis Botanic Garden offers inspiration and family-friendly activities as spring blooms arrive.

Spring Gardening Gets Underway in Memphis

Spring has sprung in Memphis, and you know what that means—it’s time to dust off those gardening gloves and dig in! As the sun shines brighter and the temperatures begin to rise, many locals are gearing up to start their planting adventures. But before you race off to the garden center, there are a few crucial dates to keep in mind to ensure your blooms and crops thrive this season.

Timing is Everything

The average last freeze in Memphis falls on March 18, while the final frost usually hangs around until March 30. If you live in cooler areas outside the city, like Jonesboro, you might not see the last freeze until even later. So, if you’re looking to play it safe, the best time to plant your flowers and plants is right after the last frost, ideally on the first weekend of April. This timing helps you steer clear of any potential frost damage that could leave your beloved plants out in the cold.

For those eager budding gardeners who can’t wait until April, you can kick off the planting season a bit earlier—around the first weekend of March—with slightly frost-tolerant plants. Curious about what those are? There are several varieties, and you can find a detailed list of hardy options on websites like hardyboyplant.com.

Welcome to Spring

Let’s not forget that spring officially starts on March 20, so there’s a delightful overlap of warmer weather and eager gardeners preparing their plots. In fact, Memphis typically sees above-average temperatures for the end of February, which sets the stage perfectly for those planting plans!

Exploring the Memphis Botanic Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden. Entrance fees are quite affordable: it’s free for members, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and just $7 for kids aged 2-12. Currently, the garden is hosting the “TROLLS: Save the Humans” exhibit, showcasing six eco-friendly troll sculptures. This whimsical display encourages sustainability while blending storytelling and art into an artistic experience!

The outdoor exhibition runs through late May and is perfect for families, offering various activities like workshops and guided tours. Exploring the garden can be a wonderful way to learn which plants may thrive in your own backyard!

Choosing the Right Plants

When planning your garden, remember that using native plants is a great idea. Not only do they usually grow better, but they also require less maintenance in the long run. Memphis falls within USDA hardiness zone 8, making it a great location for planting a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs. Resources like Tennessee Naturescapes can provide you with local advice on what plants will flourish best in your specific area.

If you’re thinking about starting a vegetable garden, there are some crowd favorites that do particularly well in the Memphis climate. Think tomatoes, peppers, corn, and cucumbers! Don’t forget about those herbs, either—rosemary, cilantro, and mint are all fantastic choices that will add flavor to your kitchen!

Honoring Local Flora

Tennessee has some officially designated state flowers and trees—the beautiful iris and the majestic tulip poplar respectively. Incorporating these into your garden not only celebrates local heritage but also creates a harmonious landscape that attracts vital pollinators to your yard. Pollinators play a key role in enhancing the ecological health of your garden and boosting productivity as well.

So, whether you’re an experienced green thumb or just starting your gardening journey, now is the time to get planting in Memphis! With the right timing, native plants, and a little creativity, you can cultivate a thriving space full of life and color this spring.

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Additional Resources

• Local Memphis: Best Time to Plant This Spring in the Memphis Area
• FOX 13 Memphis: Get in Touch with Your Wild Side
• Action News 5: Gate Debate with Award-Winning Actress
• Commercial Appeal: Which Plants Are Native to Memphis
• WREG: Shooting at Bar in Central Gardens
• Wikipedia: Gardening
• Google Search: Memphis Botanic Garden
• Google Scholar: Native Plants in Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Garden
• Google News: Memphis Spring Planting Guides