What to Plant Now in NJ: Your Ultimate Garden Guide

Spring is in the air, and if you're a New Jersey gardener eager to get your hands dirty, you might be wondering, "What can I plant now in NJ?" The Garden State's diverse climate zones allow for a wide range of plants to be cultivated throughout the year. Let's dive into the exciting world of spring planting in New Jersey.

Before we jump into specific plants, it's essential to understand your USDA hardiness zone. New Jersey is divided into four zones: 5b, 6a, 6b, and 7a. Knowing your zone will help you choose plants that are well-suited to your area's climate. Now, let's explore what you can plant now in NJ, organized by your garden's needs.

Vegetables and Herbs

Vegetables and herbs are some of the most rewarding plants to grow, as they allow you to enjoy fresh produce right from your garden. In New Jersey, spring is the perfect time to start many of these plants from seeds or seedlings.

When planning your vegetable garden, consider succession planting. This technique involves planting crops in waves to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. For example, you can plant lettuce in early spring, then replace it with warm-season crops like beans or tomatoes once the weather warms up.

Cool-season Crops

Cool-season crops thrive in the mild temperatures of early spring and fall. Some popular cool-season vegetables and herbs to plant now in NJ include:

• Lettuce and other leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale, arugula)
• Radishes
• Peas
• Carrots
• Onions and garlic
• Herbs: parsley, cilantro, and chives

Warm-season Crops

While warm-season crops prefer the heat of summer, you can start many of them indoors now and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed. Some warm-season vegetables to consider are:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Cucumbers
• Zucchini and other summer squash
• Beets
• Bush beans

Flowers and Ornamentals

Spring is also an excellent time to plant flowers and ornamental plants that will add color and beauty to your garden all season long. Many of these plants can be started from seeds or seedlings, depending on the species.

When selecting flowers, consider planting a mix of annuals and perennials to ensure continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Additionally, choose plants that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to support local ecosystems.

Annual Flowers

Annual flowers complete their life cycle in one growing season, providing vibrant color throughout the year. Some annual flowers to plant now in NJ include:

• Marigolds
• Nasturtiums
• Zinnias
• Petunias
• Impatiens
• Cosmos

Perennial Flowers

Perennial flowers return year after year, making them a wise investment for your garden. Some perennial flowers to consider planting now in NJ are:

• Black-eyed Susans
• Coneflowers
• Daylilies
• Catmint
• Salvia
• Ornamental grasses (e.g., Switchgrass, Miscanthus)

As you plan your spring garden, don't forget to consider the unique microclimates in your yard, such as shady spots or areas protected from the wind. This will help you choose the best plants for each location and ensure a thriving, diverse garden. Happy planting, and may your New Jersey garden flourish this season!