One of the greatest joys of homeownership is making your space truly your own, both inside and out. Your outdoor spaces should be an extension of your home, offering a place to relax, entertain, and even get your hands a little dirty. But if you’re not a seasoned gardener, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. While hiring a landscaping company is always an option, tackling the project yourself can be a rewarding way to unwind, soak up some Vitamin D, and even get a bit of exercise. 

To set yourself up for success – and ensure your hard work pays off – we’ve outlined some of our top tips to help you navigate the planting process:  

1) Don’t Plant Too Late (Or Too Early)  

Planting before the last frost of the season can wreak havoc on your garden, which is why we suggest researching the average last frost date in your area. Columbus, for example, typically sees its last frost around April 27^th.  

2) Know Where (and When) Sun Hits Your Yard  

Before you choose your plants, it’s important to know the amount of sunlight different areas of your yard receive. Plants are categorized by their sunlight needs – full sun, partial sun, dappled sun, or full shade – and selecting the right ones based on your yard’s sun exposure ensures they thrive. Here’s a quick breakdown:  

Full sun – Full sun plants need 6+ hours of direct sunlight a day

Partial sun – 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day

Dappled sun (or partial shade) – 2-4 hours of direct sunlight a day

Full shade – 0-2 hours of direct sunlight a day 

3) Pick Your Plants 

When picking your plants, ask yourself whether you want to replant every year. If the answer is no, you’ll want to opt for perennials where possible. The tops of perennial plants die back during winter but bloom again in the spring, minimizing the amount of maintenance and replanting required.  

Annuals, on the other hand, live for only one growing season, meaning they’ll need to be replanted in the spring. Annuals are also ideal if you want to switch up the colors and varieties of plants in your garden. 

4) Don’t Skimp on Soil 

Adding soil – and good soil at that – is a step not to be skipped during the planting process. Once you’ve loosened the soil enough, we suggest sprinkling a handful of nutrient-rich potting soil into the ground before you place your plant.  

5) Space Your Plants Out  
It can be easy to forget that plants grow both upward and outward, requiring space for healthy development. A common beginner’s mistake is crowding plants too close together, leading them to compete for water and sunlight, which can stunt their growth and cause disease. To prevent this, refer to the spacing recommendations on plant tags at local garden centers, ensuring each plant has enough room to thrive.  

6) Water, Water, Water  

While it’s not always necessary to water every day, aim for 2-3 soaks a week to guarantee your garden gets enough to stay healthy. It’s also important to watch out for precipitation in the forecast, as this affects how often you need to water. If your area is going through a dry spell and it’s especially hot out (think late July through early August in Ohio), you may want to water every day. Some indicators that your plants aren’t being watered enough include:

Dry soil – If the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, your plants need a healthy drink.

Wilting leaves

Yellowing leaves

Leaves with browning or crispy edges

Planting Classes in Columbus 

If you’re still not confident going into this gardening season, you can always take a planting class or two to sharpen your knowledge.  

Franklin Park Conservatory – The conservatory hosts a wide variety of classes, including several upcoming sessions that focus on gardening. Whether you want to learn more about certain types of plants, how to support your plants’ growth, or even tips on water conservation – they’ve got it. 

Columbus Garden School – If you’re interested in more hands-on class experience, the Columbus Garden School might be more up your alley. They offer everything from one-hour workshops to multi-month skill-building courses so you can gain the knowledge and tools you need to perfect your green thumb! 

Columbus Foodscapes – If you’re more interested in turning your backyard into an edible landscape, Columbus Foodscapes offers several classes – both online and in-person – on how to start, grow and maintain a beautiful vegetable garden.  

Creating the perfect outdoor space is just one of the many joys of homeownership. Whether you’re planting your first flower bed or transforming your backyard into a lush retreat, taking the time to cultivate your space makes a house truly feel like home.

At Vutech | Ruff, Cutler Real Estate, we believe that finding the right home is about more than just four walls—it’s about discovering a place where you can grow, dream, and create lasting memories. With nearly 40 years of experience helping buyers and sellers in Columbus, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Your home, your vision—let’s find it together. Contact us today to start your journey!