You can feel it in the air and see it all around.

The birds are chirping and the bulbs that slept through the winter are now starting to poke their heads above ground. Spring is finally here and if you have a green thumb, it’s only weeks away until you have dirt under your nails and hopes of a beautiful garden. To help your garden get off to a wonderful start follow some of these basic gardening tips and visit Ellithorpe’s Nursery for hearty, well-rooted flower and vegetable plants. Richard Ellithorpe has been growing fine quality plants for over 40 years and offers a wide variety of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and vegetable plants.

Ellithorpe expresses that the first step to beginning a flower garden is to plan ahead. You must consider which plants will do best in your area and select those that you are best able to care for.

When selecting a location for your garden you must consider the amount of water, light and soil nutrients your desired plants will require. Mr. Ellithorpe reminds us that when purchasing plants you must always choose the “right plant for the selected location.” He also suggests doing research on which plants you are interested in before purchasing them for your garden. He invites gardeners to “ask questions, lots of questions” and “to not be afraid to ask questions because that is how you become a better gardener.” By planning ahead and asking the right questions, you are well on your way to a beautiful garden. 

Once you decide on the location for your garden and the flowers you want to plant, you must begin to clear the area and prepare the soil. Begin your initial spring clean-up by checking your trees and shrubs for snow and wind damage. Be sure to prune any damaged plants and remove hanging limbs. Also rake any leaves left from autumn and clear branches that have fallen over the winter. Once your gardens are cleared, you must cultivate the soil to allow for nutrients, water and air to reach the plant’s root system. You may consider having your soil tested to determine which fertilizers and soil conditioners are necessary for best results. You can also give your plants adequate feeding throughout the season by adding a layer of organic compost to your garden.

The right time to plant depends on the climate in your area. You must be careful not to plant before the last frost of the season. Mr. Ellithorpe suggests that annual plants, which are plants that must be planted each year as they complete their growing cycle in the span of one growing season, should not be planted until after Mother’s Day. He does caution however, that even after that point you may have to cover or bring these plants indoors if a cold spell is expected. Popular annual flowers include petunias, marigolds, zinnias and impatiens. Furthermore, Mr. Ellithorpe suggests that perennials, plants which live more than one growing season, can be planted now but they must also be brought indoors if a frost is expected. Some examples of popular perennials include daylilies, hosta, peonies and garden mums. When selecting whether to plant annuals or perennials, it is best to consider a combination of both.

Once your soil is prepared and you have decided which flowers you want to plant, finding a reputable nursery is the next important step to starting your garden. Be sure to purchase plants from a greenhouse where plants appear to be strong and healthy. Leaves should be green and shiny and clear of insects and disease. Also be sure that the plant’s roots are not growing out of the bottom of the pot, as this may mean that the plant may be stressed and will take time to recover. Ellithorpe’s Nursery is located just 6 ½ miles north of the Wilton Mall on Rt. 50 and offers gardeners a wide variety of healthy plants to choose from. In addition to garden vegetable and flower flats, Ellithorpe’s best selling products are their beautiful hanging baskets. Ellithorpe’s also sells the hybrid flowering plant Supertunia® from the Proven Winners® series.

Supertunias® offer gardeners the benefit of beautiful low maintenance petunias that do not require deadheading and come in a variety of colors. Mr. Ellithorpe recommends these for beginner gardeners as they are hearty and easy to care for.

When it’s time to plant your new flowers in your garden, moisten the soil and dig a hole slightly larger than the diameter of the pot the flower is in. Gently pull the roots apart to prevent it from becoming root bound and place it into the hole. When planting multiple plants be sure to space them apart based on the flower’s specific gardening guidelines. Gently place the dirt you removed from the hole around the plant and tap it lightly to make sure that it is secure. Once you are finished planting each of your flowers, lightly water your garden and enjoy its beauty.

To maintain your garden throughout the season, be sure to prune your plants and dead-head any flowers to promote further growth. Dead-heading flowers or removing the flower after the bloom fades keeps the plant flowering longer. Also be sure to follow the watering instructions appropriate for your plant. When watering your flowers, it's best to water them early in the day or in the evening to prevent evaporation and leaf burn. Give your plants a gentle thorough soaking when needed but be sure not to overwater them as well.  Flowers should always be watered lightly so that they don't sustain any damage.

With a little research and planning, the right nursery and some time to play in the dirt, you too can have a beautiful garden that you are proud of and excited to show off. Happy planting to all novice or well-seasoned gardeners!  

For more information on gardening and plant selection, please visit Ellithorpe’s Nursery on Rt. 50 in Gansevoort. Starting May 1, they will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and look forward to helping you start your very own garden.