Planning Your Spring Garden: What Seeds to Start Now for a Fresh, Homegrown Season

There’s something grounding about planning a garden while the ground is still cold — a fresh start filled with soil-stained hands, seed packets, and the hope of sun-warmed afternoons to come.

Whether you're working a backyard plot or planting a few pots on the porch, now’s the perfect time to map out your spring garden. At Blue Hill Petals, our designs are rooted in nature and inspired by the everyday beauty of the Berkshires — and that includes mornings spent planning what to grow, where to plant, and how to bring a little joy to your own backyard.

Here’s how to start your garden prep — and a few of our favorite seed picks to help you grow something beautiful this season.

🧑🌾 1. Set Your Garden Goals
What kind of garden fits your lifestyle?

A practical vegetable garden with your favorite greens and root veggies?

A colorful pollinator garden that invites bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds?

A mix of flowers and food for beauty, harvest, and that garden-to-table lifestyle?

Choose just a few varieties to begin — planting a garden should feel like possibility, not pressure.

📅 2. Know What to Plant (and When)
Timing is everything when it comes to gardening — and knowing your USDA hardiness zone helps you start strong.

Here in the Berkshires, we’re in Zone 5b to 6a, which means our growing season starts a little later than in warmer regions. But no matter where you’re planting, there’s always something you can start now — from cool-season veggies to bee-friendly blooms.

💡 Not sure of your planting zone? You can check it by entering your ZIP code here:
👉 Find Your USDA Hardiness Zone

Start with cool-weather crops like lettuce, peas, and carrots, or get a jump on flowers like zinnias and marigolds by starting them indoors. Marigolds are not only pollinator-friendly — they may also help deter deer and garden pests when planted around your vegetables.

You don’t need a full homestead to enjoy garden-to-table beauty — just a bit of sunshine and a plan.

🛒 3. Our Favorite Seeds on Amazon
These affiliate links help support Blue Hill Petals — at no cost to you. Thank you for shopping through them!

✅ Burpee Culinary Herb Starter Kit – A great indoor seed starter for beginners

✅ Burpee Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Variety Pack – A diverse selection for your backyard garden

✅ Burpee Pollinator Wildflower Mix – A colorful blend of native wildflowers to attract bees & butterflies

✅ Burpee Strawberry Blonde Marigold Seeds – Unique pastel blooms that deter pests and attract pollinators

✅ Burpee Self-Watering Seed Starter Tray (72 Cells) – Perfect for jump-starting your garden indoors

💡 Tip: In colder zones, start your seeds indoors and transplant after the last frost.

🌿 4. Keep It Simple and Seasonal
Let this season’s garden reflect your pace and your place. Whether you’re dreaming big or keeping it cozy, there’s something special about stepping into the morning sunshine with muddy boots and watching something you planted come to life.

Ready to get growing? Grab a few seed packs, sketch your garden plan, and let the season unfold.

And if you’re looking for something to wear while planting — keep an eye out for our new garden-themed tees, inspired by backyard bliss and a life rooted in nature.

💚 From The Berkshires with love,
Blue Hill Petals