How do you decide what to plant?

You’re ready to dig in and start your garden—but there’s one big question that stops most gardeners in their tracks: What should I plant? With thousands of options, choosing the right plants for your yard can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide that makes the process simple, practical, and even fun.

Planting a garden isn’t just about picking pretty flowers or tasty vegetables—it’s about choosing plants that will thrive where you live. From your local climate to your soil type and even your garden goals, a few smart choices up front can save time, money, and frustration. This guide will help you confidently decide what to plant, no matter your skill level or space.

Whether you’re planting your first garden or redesigning an old bed, these tips will help you choose plants that will thrive where you live, match your style, and meet your goals.

🌎 1. Know Your Zone

Before picking any plant, start with your USDA Hardiness Zone. This tells you which plants can survive the winter temperatures in your area.

• Find your zone using your ZIP code at Planting/Hardiness by Zip Code
• Choose plants that are rated for your zone or colder
• Zone numbers range from 1 (coldest) to 13 (warmest)

Master Gardener Tip – Always buy plants with zone tags that match your climate—or one zone hardier for extra reliability.

☀️ 2. Observe Sunlight and Shade

Plants have specific light needs: full sun (6+ hours), partial sun/shade, or full shade.

• Watch your yard for a day and note which areas get direct sunlight
• Choose sun-loving plants like lavender or tomatoes for bright spots
• Pick shade-tolerant plants like ferns or hostas for dimmer areas

Pro tip – Morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for many vegetables and flowers.

🧱 3. Understand Your Soil

Your soil type determines how water drains and what nutrients are available. Here’s what to do:

• Test your soil with a home kit or local extension office
• Check for clay (dense), loam (ideal), or sand (drains fast)
• Amend as needed with compost or organic matter

Plants like lavender and rosemary love sandy, well-drained soil—while hydrangeas thrive in rich, loamy conditions.

🎯 4. Define Your Garden Goals

What do you want from your garden? Try one—or combine several—of these:

• Cut flowers – Grow cosmos, zinnias, snapdragons, or peonies
• Edible garden – Try tomatoes, basil, lettuce, and strawberries
• Pollinator haven – Add bee balm, echinacea, milkweed, and native wildflowers
• Low-maintenance – Go for drought-tolerant perennials like yarrow, sedum, and Russian sage
• Privacy – Use fast-growing shrubs or tall grasses for screening

Knowing your goals helps narrow your plant list fast.

🎨 5. Match Style to Structure

Do you love a tidy formal look or a flowing cottage garden? Choose plants that support your visual style.

• Formal gardens – Use structured boxwoods, lavender borders, or symmetrical plantings
• Cottage style – Layer roses, hollyhocks, foxglove, and herbs for a lush, romantic feel
• Modern – Stick to ornamental grasses, minimalist groupings, and sculptural plants

Tip – Pinterest is a goldmine for visual inspiration—just search for “[your zone] garden design ideas.”

🌿 6. Start with Easy-Win Plants

If you’re new to gardening, start with plants that are hardy, forgiving, and rewarding.

Beginner-friendly plants:

• Zinnias – Colorful, fast-growing flowers
• Tomatoes – Especially cherry varieties
• Basil – Easy to grow in pots or beds
• Salvia – Drought-tolerant and bee-friendly
• Daylilies – Tough and dependable perennials

Final Thoughts – Start Where You Are

You don’t need to plant the perfect garden overnight. Start small, choose plants suited to your yard’s conditions, and build your garden one season at a time. The right plant in the right place will reward you with beauty, flavor, and joy.

Still unsure? Visit a local nursery and ask what’s thriving in your area right now—they’re often the best source of local plant wisdom.