Hyams Garden Center and Accent Store

Serving Greater Charleston Area with Quality, Variety & Professionalism since 1981

Bedding Plants

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Grow an Early Vegetable Patch

For home gardeners in Charleston, March is prime planning time for a productive vegetable garden. Whether you want fresh greens for salads or hearty crops that transition into summer, now is when gardens start humming. 

Perfect picks for early planting:

Greens — Lettuce, mustard, spinach, collards, and peas thrive in cool spring weather.

Root veggies — Radishes and beets grow quickly and can be planted outdoors.

Onions and leeks — Sets and starts do well this month.

Herbs — Cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives love cool soil.

Pro tips from Hyams:

Choose well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

Water consistently — young seedlings don’t like drying out.

Ask our horticulturists which varieties perform best in our coastal conditions.

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March in the Lowcountry: What to do in the Garden?

Spring starts here long before the calendar says so!

The Charleston area has a mild climate, and while the official start of spring is around March 20th, many gardeners feel it quietly begin in early March. This month is all about planning, prepping, and planting cool-season crops while the soil warms up. 

What to focus on this month:

Soil preparation – Turn beds, remove winter debris, incorporate compost and slow-release fertilizer.

Plant cool-season veggies — Sow or transplant peas, spinach, radishes, and leafy greens. Charleston’s typical last frost is mid-March, so cool crops have a head start. 

Start warm-season seeds indoors — Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be started now so they’re ready to go after frost.

Containers & pots — Refresh your patio planters with vibrant cool-weather annuals.

Hyams tip: Stop by for soil mixes, compost, seedlings, and planting tools — our team is here to help every step of the way! 

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Prepare, Don’t Rush: Setting the Stage for Spring

February brings a familiar temptation: the first warm afternoon, the sun slanting just right, and suddenly spring feels close enough to touch. But wise gardeners know this is a month for preparation and restraint, not impatience.

Late frosts are still possible in Charleston, yet there is plenty that can—and should—be done. Cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots, and radishes can be planted now, thriving in the mild days and cool nights. These early crops remind us that spring does not arrive all at once; it unfolds.

This is also the perfect time to start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and summer flowers. Watching seedlings emerge on a windowsill is one of gardening’s quiet joys—a promise held in miniature.

Beyond planting, February is ideal for garden readiness:

Inspect and repair irrigation systems

Clean, sharpen, and oil tools

Refresh containers and raised beds

Plan garden layouts with intention

What should wait? Tender annuals, warm-season vegetables, and aggressive lawn fertilizing. February rewards patience far more than haste.

The garden is listening this month. Every small act of preparation tells it, We are ready—when you are.

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Charleston Summer Colors: Bedding Plants That Beat the Heat

As the summer sun rises high over Charleston and the humidity thickens the air, many gardeners pause and wonder—what can possibly thrive in this heat?

The answer? A vibrant palette of summer bedding plants that love our Lowcountry climate and keep blooming beautifully all season long.

At Hyams Garden Center, we’re celebrating the summer garden with a curated collection of heat-tolerant, eye-catching favorites that will turn your beds, pots, and hanging baskets into a riot of color—even during the dog days.

 Marigolds: Sunshine in Bloom

Bold, golden, and cheerful, marigolds are a summer staple. Their long-lasting blooms aren’t just beautiful—they’re also a natural deterrent to garden pests. Perfect for full sun and well-drained soil, they bring both charm and practicality.

 Petunias: A Splash of Color

Whether you favor trailing varieties for baskets or compact ones for border beds, petunias are a classic for a reason. Available in just about every color imaginable, they bloom reliably through the summer with a little deadheading and love.

 Zinnias: Easy Elegance

Zinnias thrive in the heat and dazzle with their jewel-toned blooms. These low-maintenance flowers are perfect for pollinator-friendly gardens and add drama to beds or containers with minimal effort.

 Impatiens: Cool Color for the Shade

Have a shady porch or garden nook? Fill it with impatiens. These shade-loving stars come in a variety of colors and will happily brighten up areas where the sun takes a break.

 Geraniums: Old-Fashioned Favorites

Known for their vivid blooms and sturdy demeanor, geraniums are as charming in a clay pot as they are lining a garden path. Many varieties can even be brought indoors during winter, making them a lasting addition.

 Verbena: Pollinator Magnet

Delicate, lacy foliage and clusters of vibrant blooms make verbena a standout. These sun-loving plants are a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds, adding motion and life to your garden.

Hot Tip: Mix these heat-lovers in your containers and beds for a layered, colorful effect that carries your garden right through the Charleston summer. Don’t forget to mulch generously and water consistently to keep roots cool and happy.

Visit Hyams Garden Center to see these beauties in full bloom and let our team help you choose the best combinations for your space. Whether you’re planting a pollinator patch, brightening up a porch, or filling in garden gaps, we have everything you need to keep your summer garden thriving.

Let your garden glow this summer—come grow with us!