Tips for saving plants after freezing temperature
Expert tips on how to care for your garden and landscape following a major freeze to ensure plant recovery.
Following a harsh winter, a warming trend in South Carolina is creating ideal conditions for spring gardening.The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a warmer-than-normal spring for the South, with mild temperatures in March and a warmer April.Experts recommend planting hardy perennials in early spring and native plants like lavender and succulents later in the season.Gardeners are advised to prepare their soil with compost and mulch to support plant growth and conserve water.
Following back-to-back winter storms with record-breaking snow, ice, and cold in South Carolina, plant lovers can now look forward to a warming trend.
Meteorological spring began on March 1, and the Carolinas have already experienced conditions with temperatures reaching the 60s and 70s. But people should be cautious, as temperatures can fluctuate in early spring.
This weekend’s warming trend may feel like the perfect time for getting your garden ready, as flowers and trees in the area begin to bloom. Even if there is a chance of rain showers.
As the spring season kicks off, plant lovers should focus on selecting the right plants for their specific soil type and climate conditions. Here are some tips for South Carolina gardeners.
South Carolina spring weather brings garden ideas
As the spring season sets in, gardeners can take advantage of this period to start sowing seeds and tending to their gardens.
Gardening tips from Gardenia.net state that March is ideal for planting hardy perennials such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, which can withstand the cooler temperatures of early spring. As we move into late spring, gardeners should consider adding native plants like lavender and succulents, which thrive in the South Carolina climate.
Some of the top recommended spring plants for South Carolina gardens include azaleas, daylilies, and marigolds, which thrive in the region’s warm, humid climate, according to gardenia plant experts, as well as its sandy or clay soils, and, in the case of early spring plants, their ability to withstand lingering cold.
Other top recommended spring plants for South CarolinaPerennials: Shasta daisy, Blanket flower, and Hosta.Annuals-fillers: Zinnias, Petunias, Portulaca, and Vinca.Shrubs-vines: Loropetalum, Carolina Jessamine, and Coral Honeysuckle.Shade-loving: Impatiens, Begonias, Caladiums, and Indian Pink.Success starts with your soil: Mulch and compost time
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services encourages gardeners to use this time to prepare their soil by adding compost and mulch to support plant growth.
The best springtime mulch in South Carolina includes pine straw, shredded bark, and pine needles to conserve water and manage soil temperature.
For soil enrichment, use composted yard debris or locally sourced, high-quality organic compost to improve soil texture and apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch, while avoiding keeping it away from plant stems.
Early planting ensures stronger root systems before the heat of summer, and native plants also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the local ecosystem.
When is the first day of spring 2026?
There is a little over two weeks remaining until the spring equinox, often regarded as the true start of the spring season on March 20, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
As spring unfolds, warmer temperatures will transform the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of blooming azaleas, dogwoods, and wisteria.
Farmer’s Almanac: Warm weather, blooms for spring 2026
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts the South will experience a warmer-than-normal spring, with temperatures potentially rising early and remaining mild in March.
April is expected to be significantly warmer, with temperatures in the South averaging a bit above normal.
May is expected to see a slight cool down with predicted temperatures below or around average in some areas, and rain chances are looking to be average in South Carolina.
Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com
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