Gardening and planting labor is billed at a transparent hourly rate of $55 per hour per worker. Simple tasks—such as planting seasonal annuals, installing bulb sets, or dividing hostas—typically take 2 to 4 labor hours ($110–$220). Larger bed installations involving heavy soil digging, planting multiple perennial shrubs, or installing arborvitae hedges usually require 6 to 8 total labor hours ($330–$440). Customers provide all plants, soil amendments, and mulch, while the crew provides the manual digging labor.

Late October through mid-November is the ideal window to winterize garden beds. Dig out dead annual plants using a hand shovel and place debris into yard waste bags. Prune back overgrown perennial stems and deadhead hostas. Late autumn is also an excellent time to divide overgrown hosta clumps, split them into batches, and replant them in new garden spots. Protect sensitive shrubs from harsh winter winds by wrapping them in burlap or frost blankets.

Late March through mid-April is the ideal time for spring garden prep. Clear away leftover winter debris, fallen leaves, and matted mulch to expose the soil. Map out your garden layout ahead of time by considering sunlight exposure, plant height, color arrangement, and bloom cycles. Once your layout is planned, purchase your plants, compost, and topsoil so your planting crew can immediately begin digging and placing plants.

Spring is the primary season for new garden beds, though many cold-hardy plants and perennials can be planted in either spring or fall. Cold-tolerant crops like kale and pansies handle late-winter or early-fall planting. Tender annuals (like begonias and impatiens) and warm-season vegetables (like tomatoes) should not be planted outdoors until after the final spring frost (typically May). Perennials establish strong root systems when planted in mid-spring or mid-fall.

Rich, well-draining soil is crucial for healthy root development. Loam—a balanced soil mixture of roughly 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay—is ideal because it holds essential moisture while allowing oxygen to reach roots. Incorporating peat moss improves moisture retention, while mixing in organic compost or aged manure boosts nutrient fertility. For potted containers, always use lightweight potting mix rather than heavy garden soil.

Select a level site free of large tree roots, landscape boulders, or poor drainage pockets. Edible plants, vegetables, and fruit varieties require full sun (6+ hours of direct daily sunlight). Avoid low-lying areas where rainwater pools, as soggy soil starves plant roots of oxygen and causes root rot. Finally, place your garden within comfortable reach of a outdoor hose spigot for easy watering.

Space plants based on their mature growth dimensions so their leaves barely touch when fully grown. Group flowers and perennials in odd-numbered clusters (3, 5, or 7) for a natural, flowing look. For optimal visibility, plant shorter edging flowers along the front border, medium-height perennials in the middle, and tall focal plants or shrubs toward the back.

Popular, reliable perennial choices include: Lavender has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Hostas can be known for their shade tolerance. Peonies make excellent cut flowers. Coneflowers are known for their ability to attract a variety of pollinators. Daylilies are renowned for their low-maintenance nature. Salvia plants are known for their attractive flowers. Black-Eyed Susans are known for their adaptability and ease of cultivation. Russian Sage is prized for its aromatic foliage.

Plant spring-blooming bulbs (like tulips, daffodils, and irises) in late fall before the ground freezes. Summer-blooming tender bulbs (like dahlias and caladiums) should be planted in spring after frost risks pass. Dig planting holes 2 to 3 times deeper than the height of the bulb. Position the bulb inside the hole with the pointy nose facing up and root base facing down, fill with nutrient-rich soil, and water thoroughly.

Arborvitae thrive in full sun to partial shade and require well-draining soil. For a dense privacy hedge, space individual trees 3 to 5 feet apart (or up to 10 feet apart for large-growing varieties to reach full mature canopy size). Avoid planting directly beneath overhead power lines or eaves, as mature arborvitae can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet. Ensure root balls are planted level with the surrounding soil line and watered deeply during establishment.

Key questions include: Do you work on a straightforward hourly labor basis? Do I need to purchase the plants, topsoil, and mulch ahead of time? What basic hand tools (shovels, trowels, wheelbarrows) will the crew bring? How do you handle bed prep and post-planting cleanup? Click here to get a free estimate on plant installation from His Workmanship.