How to Plant Almost Anything

If you live in a cool-weather locale, wait until the chance for frost has passed before planting anything outdoors. Keep an eye out for a stint of sunny days or at least an extended forecast free of extreme weather patterns (spring can be so unpredictable!). Once the conditions are nice and steady, set aside time to plant in the early morning or late afternoon. You and your flora will both be happier when the sun's not directly overhead, even on a mild day.

It's also best to avoid planting in drought conditions. If that's not an option, make sure you can keep a close eye on your garden and water frequently—but responsibly—until your seeds are sprouting or your plants are well-established.

It's also important to check planting dates on your plant tags or seed packages. Some plants like to be planted in early spring when it's still a bit chilly. Others prefer to wait until warm weather, or bloom later in the summer or fall. Plant your plants when it's best the time for them, when conditions are right for their growth and health. Typically, young plants will be on the shelves at the start of their growing season, but seeds may be available throughout the year.

High-quality soil ensures your plants will get essential nutrients—and moisture—as they settle in and grow. A loose, rich mixture gives roots the ability to stretch out, as well as enough space for air and water to flow down, around and through them. Different gardens call for different types, but Miracle-Gro® soils and potting mixes will get plants off to a solid start since they come loaded with nutrients.

In-Ground Soil

More often than not, the ground that's already in your yard will need a nutritious boost. To improve the existing soil of an in-ground garden, loosen it with a rake or fork, breaking up any dense clumps and removing any rocks as you go. Then mix in 3 inches of Miracle-Gro® All-Purpose Garden Soil with the top 6 inches of native soil, following the package instructions, until the soil has a uniform texture. If you prefer an organic option, Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil is crafted with organic compost to help rejuvenate native in-ground garden soils. Follow the same instructions, being sure to review all label directions.

Raised Bed Soil

Because you're working above ground level, you can start a raised bed garden with ideal soil conditions. The depth of your raised bed should match the depth of the deepest rooted plant you plan to grow. Soil from your in-ground garden is too heavy, but potting mixes are too light for raised beds. You can blend your own raised bed soil, or simply use Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil to establish your raised bed garden. Fill the bed to within 1-2 inches of the top, spreading the soil evenly and into every corner. Gently flatten it with your hands or a shovel.

Container Garden Soil

Before you plant anything in a container, check that it has drainage holes along the bottom. Depending on the material, you can add them using a drill. Drainage holes allow any excess water moving through the soil to continue flowing beneath the roots and out of the pot, protecting your plants from root rot. Once that's squared away, use Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix for outdoor plants. For indoor container plants, use Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix or Miracle-Gro Organic™ Indoor Potting Mix which are formulated to help prevent fungus gnats.

Different seeds have different needs, and the same goes for starter plants. However, one aspect remains the same: they need to be placed in ample soil. Covering them in the right amount of earthy goodness will provide the right temperature for seed germination or quality root growth for starter plants. Look at the information that comes on the packaging to know how deep to dig. Before you begin any planting project, we recommend that you wear gardening gloves and wash your hands when finished.

Planting Starter Plants In-Ground or in Raised Beds

1. Before placing starter plants—like those available from Bonnie Plants—in an in-ground or raised bed garden, give them a little water in their temporary pots.
2. For in-ground gardens, mix 3 inches of garden soil into the top 6 inches of native soil. For raised beds, fill up the bed with raised bed soil.
3. Rake the bed's soil surface and check to see that it's moist. If it sticks to the rake, it's too wet. Likewise, if it seems on the dry side, add a little water.
4. Once the soil is nice and crumbly, dig according to the recommended depth on the plant tag. You can eyeball it, or check with a tape measure.
5. Place each plant's root ball into its hole, then fill in around it with soil. Be firm but gentle, making sure all roots are covered and that each stem can stand upright without any support.
6. Give your plants a long drink of water to help remove any air pockets and settle them into their cozy new arrangement.

Planting Starter Plants in Containers

1. Fill an appropriate size container with a drainage hole about ⅓ full of potting mix.
2. When putting starter plants in containers, moisten the potting mix in the base of the pot.
3. Place each plant's root ball in the pot at about the same depth as the container it came in.
4. Fill in around the sides with more potting mix until you've covered the roots.
5. Level out the surface by pressing the soil around the base with your hands, stabilizing the stem. Check that the plant is standing firmly on its own in the center of the pot.
6. Water the soil and let it drain.
7. Place a saucer under your plant, and move your container to its new home.

Planting Seeds In-Ground or in Raised Beds

If you're sowing seeds in raised beds or in-ground beds, read the package for the recommended planting method and depth. Follow the same steps for preparing soil as you would planting starter plants. Rake and moisten the soil surface, then go for one of two styles: a trough or a mound, depending on what you're planting. Mounds—or little hills to plant seeds in—work better for plants like melons or squash while long, shallow trenches in trough planting cater to lettuce or carrots.

Trough Planting

1. Use your fingers to create a long, shallow trench, pushing loose dirt to either the side of it.
2. Sprinkle your seeds down into the trough, evenly. Your seed packet will provide information on how to plant your seeds.
3. Spread the soil you set aside back on top.

Mound Planting

1. Make little hills of dirt about 6 inches tall and poke several small holes into the tops, about 2 inches apart.
2. Drop one seed in each hole, and gently place soil back on top.

In either case, pat down the soil and give them plenty of water. (And maybe have some yourself since you're working hard!) Once the seeds germinate, you may need to thin them—pluck seedlings individually or use scissors to snip them at the surface level—in order to avoid crowding.

Planting Seeds in Containers

1. Choose vegetables, herbs, and flowers that grow well in smaller spaces, and containers large enough to hold your plants once they've reached full size. Your plant's tag will help you figure that out. Also, remember that you can start plants in pots indoors before moving them to their permanent home outdoors.
2. Pre-moisten your potting mix before planting. This helps ensure you won't wash away your seeds.
3. Fill your containers with potting mix to about 1 inch from the top rim.
4. Use your finger or a pencil to make holes for your seeds. Typically, the hole should be double or triple the depth of the seed you're planting, but check your seed packet for instructions.
5. Place 2-3 seeds in each hole and cover with potting mix. Not all of your seeds will germinate, so it's best to plant multiple seeds.
6. If you didn't pre-moisten your potting mix, go ahead and gently water the soil.

You may have noticed all our instructions included watering your plants right after planting. Even though they've been planted in slightly damp soil, your seeds and starter plants will need more water. Welcome starter plants to their new home with a thorough soaking near their roots—where plants need it most—to help encourage growth, and water seeds gently so you don't wash them away!

Starter Plants

If you've planted starter plants in an in-ground or raised bed, water slowly with a hose or watering can. Try to avoid the leaves, since wet foliage can lead to disease. Continue to water until puddles form on the surface of the soil, then take a well-deserved break for a few minutes before watering again. Watch for puddles one more time, and you're done!

The same goes for starter plants in containers, but instead of puddles at the surface, you're looking for water running out the bottom. Once a fair amount is flowing out of the drainage holes, you guessed it: take a break and water once more.

Seeds

Think of newly planted seeds as the babies they are, and lend a softer touch when watering them. Thoroughly—but gingerly—moisten the soil with a watering can or a hose with a sprinkler attachment set to a soft mist. Be careful not to wash away the layer of soil that covers and protects the seeds. Stay ahead of the sun and wind by watering often, which will keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds begin to germinate. Once they do, you'll see little green seedlings poking out through the top of the soil. Breathe a sigh of relief and say hello to your new friends!

After Planting

Now, for the follow-through. Plan to water your in-ground or raised bed garden daily during the first week, then less often after that. Containers will continue to need watering every day—or more often—throughout the growing season. 

Get into the habit of checking your soil every day, no matter which garden you're growing. If you stick your finger into the top inch and it feels dry, or your plants have slowed their growth, lost color, or wilted, you need to water. Doing this early in the day or in late afternoon will help more water soak deep into the soil, promoting even stronger roots. Read more helpful tips about watering your garden.

Once your garden is planted, prepare to be amazed! It won't be long before your plants are thriving and producing tasty vegetables and beautiful blooms. Read our articles, Caring for a Traditional In-Ground Garden and How to Care for a Container Garden, for tips on tending to your plants' needs all season long. To keep them growing strong, wait about 30 days, then start them on a steady diet of Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food or Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food. Follow the instructions on the package to add vital nutrients back into the soil—your plants will be happier for it.

Now that you know how to plant vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you're all set for success. Grab your gear and go have fun!