Spring is almost here, and if you’re anything like us, you’re itching to get your hands in the dirt! But before we dive into planting, let’s take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and dream a little about the garden we truly want this year.
Last year had its ups and downs. Maybe your tomatoes thrived but your cucumbers struggled. Perhaps your flower beds were stunning, but rabbits feasted on your lettuce. Or maybe you felt a bit overwhelmed and want this year to be simpler, more joyful, and more successful. Whatever your experience, you’re not alone—and that’s why we’re here.
Thomas Greenhouse & Garden Center, located in Mukwonago, WI—near Waukesha and Lake Geneva—is your go-to gardening resource. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, we love helping you grow a thriving, beautiful, and productive garden!
Step 1: Celebrate Your Wins & Learn from Last Year
Before making big plans, pause and reflect on what made you smile. Did your peonies bloom bigger than ever? Were your zinnias a burst of color? Did you enjoy the best tomatoes of your life?
Also, consider what was frustrating. Did pests or diseases ruin some plants? Were some flowers planted in the wrong spot with too much or too little sun? Did you run out of time or energy to care for everything?
Here’s the good news: every season is a chance to adjust, improve, and try again. Gardens teach us patience, resilience, and the joy of discovery.
Step 2: Plan for a Healthier, Happier Garden
One of the biggest game-changers is planting the right plants in the right places. Sun-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, lavender, and sunflowers need six or more hours of sun. Partial shade plants, such as leafy greens, impatiens, and begonias, thrive in three to six hours of sunlight. For shady spots with less than three hours of sun, consider hostas, ferns, or astilbe.
Not sure what to plant? Stop by our Mukwonago location for personalized recommendations based on your yard’s sun exposure and soil conditions.
Healthy soil is key to happy plants. Was your soil too hard, sandy, or compacted? Did your plants yellow or struggle despite regular watering? Were you battling mold, fungus, or poor drainage? Improving soil health can make a huge difference.
Step 3: Pest & Disease Prevention
If last year’s garden was a battleground against aphids, mildew, or wilting plants, let’s be proactive this season:
Rotate crops to avoid planting the same vegetables in the same spot each year.
Use companion planting, like marigolds to deter pests and basil to help tomatoes thrive.
Give plants proper spacing to prevent disease.
Choose organic and natural pest solutions—we have great options for common garden troubles.
Don’t let last year’s struggles stop you from planting something new! We’ll help you find solutions that work for your garden.
Step 4: What’s on Your Wish List? Let’s Dream Big!
Want more color in your flower beds? Looking to grow your own food for fresh summer salads? Hoping to attract butterflies and hummingbirds?
If you struggled with fussy plants last year, consider going native. Native Wisconsin plants are tough, beautiful, and thrive with less maintenance. Try Black-Eyed Susans, which are pollinator-friendly and long-blooming; Purple Coneflower, great for bees and butterflies; Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm), which adds height and attracts hummingbirds; or Prairie Dropseed Grass, which is low-maintenance and gorgeous.
Feeling confident? Take on a challenge with delphiniums (stunning but need staking and rich soil), peonies (breathtaking but require patience before blooming), or ornamental grasses (beautiful texture but need division every few years).
No matter your skill level, we have plants, tools, and advice to help you succeed.
Step 5: Let’s Make This the Best Gardening Season Yet!
Gardening is about more than plants—it’s about connection, joy, and learning. Whether you’re planting your first tomato or designing a full backyard oasis, we are here to help.
Come visit Thomas Greenhouse & Garden Center in Mukwonago, WI, near Waukesha and Lake Geneva. We’ll help you pick the best seeds, soil, and plants for your space, solve tricky garden problems (we love a challenge!), and find the perfect flowers and veggies for your yard. Your best garden yet starts here!
Next in the Series: Spring Garden Clean-Up!
Next, we’ll tackle how to refresh your garden beds, prune properly, and prep your soil for success.