Spring has sprung and gardening season is upon us. Gardening is a popular hobby for many reasons. It’s therapeutic and rewarding, it allows us to connect with nature and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Whether you are a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, there is always something to learn and improve on in the world of growing flowers, fruits and vegetables. In this article, we are sharing our most valuable gardening tips, plus resources in our local community that will help you along the way.

1. Make your plan. All good things start with a well thought out plan. Decide what you want to grow based on the space available, climate and your personal preferences. Consider factors like sunlight, soil quality and access to water. Bucks County is in the United States Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zone 6. Hardiness zones are regions that are labeled by their average minimum growing temperatures. Educating yourself on what hardiness zone you are located in will help you know which plants will and will not thrive in your garden.
2. Choose the right plants. Select plants that are suitable for your climate and gardening experience. Take into consideration what you and your family enjoy eating and if you need guidance, speak to someone at a local garden center.
3. Plant and water properly. Follow the instructions when it comes to spacing and watering frequency. 
4. Provide adequate sunlight. Most plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Make sure where you decide to plant your garden allows for this.
5. Control weeds and pests. Remove weeds frequently as they will take nutrients and water from your plants. Find ways to control pests, whether that be a natural spray or a fence to keep animals out.

J&J Landscaping and Garden Center

2023 Happening List Winner for Garden Center/Nursery

143 NJ-31 S, Flemington, NJ
(908) 782-1969

J&J Landscaping offers landscape design and plant installation, lawn maintenance, flower bed maintenance, a full garden center and so much more.

Bye-Way Gardens

2023 Happening List Finalist  for Garden Center/Nursery

77 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ
(609) 460-4803

Bye-Way Gardens offers landscaping, garden design and floral arrangements, plus unusual and rare tropicals.

Palumbo’s Nursery & Garden Center

2023 Happening List Finalist  for Garden Center/Nursery

674 County Road #513, Pittstown, NJ
(908) 713-0020

Palumbo’s Nursery is a family-owned and operated full service design/build garden center.

Black Shed

343 County Road 519, Stockton, NJ
(908) 628-0810

Black Shed is a unique destination – an inspirational shop, curated garden center and a sensory experience. The Black Shed offers custom garden design services, a rotating menu of sweet and savory goods in the café, intimate pop-up dinners and sourcing new pieces of home décor for every season.

Sweet Valley Wholesale Landscape Supplies & Nursery

1034 US-202, Ringoes, NJ
(908) 806-3276

Sweet Valley grows their own trees and shrubs that you can purchase at the farm market and garden center.

J&J Landscaping and Garden Center

2023 Happening List Winner for Landscaping

143 NJ-31 S, Flemington, NJ
(908) 782-1969

J&J Landscaping offers landscape design and plant installation, lawn maintenance, flower bed maintenance, a full garden center and so much more.

Stony Brook Helpers

2023 Happening List Finalist for Landscaping

Whitehouse Station, NJ
(908) 489-2072

Stony Brook Helpers is a local business in Whitehouse Station that offers landscaping and lawn care, as well as tree and debris removal.

Rutgers Landscape and Nursery

1051 US Hwy 202, Ringoes, NJ
(908) 788-2600

Rutgers Landscape and Nursery is a premier nursery and your go-to source for reliable information regarding plant advice, selection, and care.

River Birch Landscape Design

56 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ
(908) 255-0475

River Birch Landscape Design will transform your property. Services include conceptual site designs, driveways and entrances, pergolas, fences, decks, arbors and gates, lighting design and installation, water features, vegetables gardens and so much more.