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Gardening guide: The best plants to add to your garden (and when) in North Carolina

Whether you're new to gardening or just want to expand your knowledge, here's everything you need to know to plant the perfect garden in North Carolina.

Posted Updated
Springtime color paints WRAL Azalea Gardens
By
Delaney Eyermann
, WRAL multiplatform producer

Whether you're new to gardening or just want to expand your knowledge, here's everything you need to know to plant the perfect garden in North Carolina.

It's important to know the best plants to add to your garden and the best time of year to do so. These include everything from your vegetable garden to your flowers. Some plants are native to North Carolina, and some need love to flourish and thrive.

The weather and season are also significant factors. Planting too late is sure to end in disaster. If you plan to grow exotic or out-of-season plants, getting acquainted with a greenhouse might be in your best interest.

You can upgrade your gardening game this spring with hard work and knowledge. Read on to discover the best things to plant in North Carolina, and start gardening today!

What are plant hardiness zones & why are they important?

What better way to celebrate the start of spring than to introduce some new seeds into your garden? With brighter and warmer days ahead, you'll have the right conditions to cultivate new plants.

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

So, let's talk about plant hardiness zones and why they're important.

Hardiness, or a plant’s ability to survive winter temperatures, is an important factor to consider when growing a garden. It helps you decide which plants will be best for your garden – and which plants will be able to survive year round.

A plant hardiness zoning guide is perfect for beginner gardeners who are unsure which plants are most suited for their area. The same is true if you're looking to expand your garden. Using a plant hardiness zoning guide will help you gain a better understanding of the climate of your locale.

You can find your plant hardiness zone by clicking here.

North Carolina has a humid and subtropical climate unless you're in the Appalachians. Its plant hardiness zone, though, averages from 8a to 6a. This means winter temperatures average from 10F to 15F and -10F to -5F.

Most of North Carolina falls under zone 8, but parts of western NC and areas in the mountains fall under zone 7 or even zone 6.

According to masterclass.com, these are the best plants to grow in zone 8:
  • Herbs
  • Flowers
  • Fruits
  • Ground cover
  • Succulents
  • Trees
  • Vegetables
For a list of the best plants and flowers to grow in zone 7, go to masterclass.com.

Depending on your setup, there are still loopholes for you to plant whatever you want, whenever you want. Identifying your plant hardiness zone and gardening goals is essential for choosing the right plants and seeds for your garden.

You'll be off to a good start with extra knowledge of seasonal plants and a good green thumb.

Plants for every season

Some gardeners prefer to switch their plants with the seasons. Then there are others who'd rather pick plants that can withstand all seasons. Why not do both?
You can also opt for root crops and hardy leafy greens in the winter for your vegetable garden.

Maintaining plants in your yard or garden can be difficult in the winter, especially if your area gets a lot of snow.

House plants are another great option since your home will have controlled temperatures. Indoor plants will also need adequate sunlight and water to thrive in the winter. Don't forget to check them for pests like bugs or fungi and mold.

Another way to bypass the seasons is by getting a greenhouse.

Getting a greenhouse

Greenhouses can be quite a project, which may seem daunting. But they come in all sizes, and you can even make one yourself!

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

Greenhouses can be an investment, but they don't have to be expensive or fancy – as long as you can achieve the temperatures you need. With a greenhouse, you can keep flowers and vegetables all year long.

If you're up for a challenge and want to add new seeds to your garden, consider getting a greenhouse. It's a great way to grow plants outside of your plant hardiness zone.

With the right maintenance, you can grow whatever plants your heart desires.

The most difficult part is keeping an ample heat source, lighting and ventilation. Regardless, the efficiency of a greenhouse is undeniable. Even house plant enthusiasts swear by indoor greenhouses for their tropical plants.

With a greenhouse, you won't have to buy new plants every spring or watch your annual plants succumb to winter temperatures. Re-pot and transfer your existing plants into your greenhouse before the first frost. If you have the space, you can start growing some seedlings in preparation for spring.

Photo by Francesco Gallarotti on Unsplash
Greenhouses are also great for plant propagation.

What to grow in your vegetable garden

Having a vegetable garden is like having a personal produce aisle. The key to keeping it well-stocked is knowing the best vegetables to plant every season.

Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash

Of course, spring is the optimal time to grow a vegetable garden. The weather conditions are ideal and more forgiving if you don't have a green thumb.

Are you looking for vegetables that'll brave the winter? Go for carrots, beets and potatoes – root crops are always hardy. Kale and collards are popular choices if you're looking to plant some greens.

Winter vegetables growing in a garden including Broccoli, Rhubarb, Cabbage and Red Cabbage

If you have a greenhouse, you can plant your starter veggies in the winter to prep them for spring and summer.

Vegetable gardens are one of the best ways to remain self-sufficient. With your own vegetable garden, you can skip out on going to the grocery store for overpriced produce.

Ornamentals and landscaping

Keeping your garden healthy and happy in the winter will require the hand of an experienced gardener. However, you'll always have a splash of color with the right perennial plants.

In spring and summer, you'll often find tulips, dianthus and roses everywhere. They're easy to keep as long as you follow the right timing and care instructions. Winter flowers and ornamentals, on the other hand, can be quite tricky.

Here are some lovely flowering plants and fruit-bearing shrubs you can look into. Start with some perennials and evergreens instead of annual plants so you won't have to worry about when to plant them. Winter Jasmine, which blooms from December to March, is a good example.

Holly Bush is an evergreen plant with lovely red fruits in the winter months. Having it in your garden is also a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

If you're looking for a plant that can tide you up until late spring, try Hellebores. They start blooming around February to May. You may also opt for winter pansies, which come in all colors.

Photo by Karolina Kołodziejczak on Unsplash

Heathers are another good option. You can plant them around autumn since they're hardy enough to withstand winter and re-bloom the next year. Dusty Miller is another good choice if you're looking for a beautiful garden filler that will last all year.

Native vs. invasive species

When planting in North Carolina, it's crucial to remember to preserve our delicate ecosystem. There are many beautiful plants that are native to our great state and a few that are invasive. Invasive plants could cause damage to our forests and rivers if they get out of hand.

Familiarize yourself with some of the common native and invasive species of plants.

Invasive species are those introduced by humans in the last few hundred years. While these plants may seem like a nice added touch to your garden, they can do more harm than good. They lack the natural ecological limits that would keep them in check compared to native plants. These include Asian wisterias, Japanese honeysuckle and English ivy.

Our local ecosystems became balanced after thousands of years. Because of this, pollinators, birds and other wildlife can thrive in harmony. If we allow invasive species to mess with that balance, everyone suffers.

Gardening equipment essentials

Photo by Eco Warrior Princess on Unsplash

Gloves, pruning shears, a garden hoe, weeder, shovel and fork are good basics to include in your gardening tool kit.

Do your own research to find the right tools for your gardening needs and goals. Happy gardening!

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