Cleveland gardening services
Gardening in Cleveland, OH
According to the USDA, Ohio is located in plant hardiness zones 5 and 6. This is helpful to know for planning a garden, as it gives you an idea of what you might be able to grow and when. Luckily, there are many options if you're establishing a garden in Ohio. Many fruits and vegetables do well here, including beets, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cucumbers. There are many flowers that you can plant in a garden, too. Considering Ohio leads the nation in greenhouse and nursery plants, that means you have many options.
Starting a Garden
In Cleveland, the first frost is usually late October. The last frost date of the year is the end in April. This means you have quite a long growing season. However, keep in mind that frost and cold temperature can occur before and after these dates, too. Educators at Ohio State University say that the type of plant or produce you plant in your garden determines your likelihood of gardening success, also.
Cool-season plants and vegetables can be planted outdoors in fall and spring. They can withstand lower soil temperatures, even frosts. However, some people choose to start with transplants or seedlings indoors, then move them outside when the threat of extreme cold temperatures has passed. Warm-season flowers and produce, on the other hand, should not be planted until the threat of a frost has passed. Ideally, that means May. They do best when soil temperatures are 55ºF and above. Putting plastic mulch over the soil can increase the temperature by about 10 degrees. However, keep in mind that even if the soil temperatures are warm, exposure to cold air can also damage plants. Most new plants need about six hours of sunlight, well-drained soil, and ample water.
What to Grow in Ohio
Dozens of flower species are native to Ohio. Native species provide many benefits. For starters, they are water-conscious, which means you won't have to water them as frequently as you would non-native plants. Since they're conditioned to grow in the local climate, they don't need as much fertilizer and maintenance. Native plants are great resources for pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, too. Visually appealing, they add plenty of colors and aesthetic appeal to your yard.
If you're wondering what to plant in your garden (or need ideas for adding to it), we have some suggestions.
- Bee Balm
- Black-Eyed Susan
- False Indigo
- Blue Flag Iris
- Vervian
- Marigold
Bee balm, as the name suggests, is a late-summer bloomer. It's a great addition to any garden, but especially a garden with herbs and flower borders. Bee balm has beautiful, rounded purple flower heads. It attracts many pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Black-Eyed Susan is a member of the sunflower family. It is an annual flower native to Central North America and eastern parts of North America. It is also found in other places around the world, including China. Black-Eyed Susan has a distinctive appearance with bright yellow flowers that have black centers. Black-Eyed Susan is a low-maintenance species that thrives in Ohio's gardens. It is also Maryland's state flower.
False indigo reaches heights of 3-5 feet. It is a member of the pea family and resembles many species in that family with its brilliant blue flowers and foliage. False indigo is a cool-weather flower that prefers some shade and moderate amounts of moisture. False indigo can broaden into a bush form when it reaches maturity. This flower is indigenous to the Midwest. False indigo is another species that attracts pollinators. It is a perennial that returns from one growing season to the next.
Blue flag iris is a perennial species that can reach three feet tall. It is most well-known for its stunning purple and yellow flowers. However, it also has distinctive sword-shaped basal leaves that grow up to three inches long. The longer leaves can even develop an equally striking arch shape. Blue flag iris grows best in fertile, moist soils.
Vervain belongs to the verbena family of herbs. This family contains about 250 species. Its plants are either perennial or annual. Vervain is native to North America, South America, and Europe. It is a cool-season species that does best in the shade and wooded areas with damp to wet nutrient-rich soil.
Marigold reaches a height of just over six inches. It is an herbaceous species that grows naturally in North and South America. Although it is comparatively short, Marigold is part of the sunflower family. Its color is just as striking, however. Marigold grows in the wild, and it can grow at a very fast rate. However, it can also be controlled and adapted to a residential garden setting, too.
Starting a garden takes some work and time. However, you'll find that the effort pays off. Once you've gotten a healthy, flourishing garden underway, you'll have more time for Cleveland's action-packed schedule of events.
Events in Cleveland
With all the events that it has going on, you'll find something exciting any weekend or season in Cleveland.
Cleveland Garlic Festival
The Cleveland Garlic Festival celebrates one of the state's most popular species. As you'll see at the Garlic Festival, there are many different kinds of garlic, too. Attending the festival will introduce you to some new culinary tastes. It's also a great place to go to get inspiration for your own garden.
Cleveland Oktoberfest
Running more than 15 years, Cleveland's Oktoberfest is one of its most anticipated fall activities. This Oktoberfest is a lively celebration of German music, beer, and food. A highlight of the event is a competition where local brewers compete for the title of "best beer."
Cleveland is a great place for nature and humans alike. With a relatively long growing season, it supports a diverse array of plant life. There are also many events to check out throughout the year. If you decide that you'd rather spend your time out and about enjoying Cleveland's events, let Lawn Love take care of your gardening and lawn care. Contact us today!
