How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Minnesota Yard

Nobody wants to plan a lovely garden, only to find that none of the plants that they’ve picked out grow properly. This is especially common in Minnesota, where temperatures can fluctuate.

However, it is possible to have a stunning yard in Minnesota; you just need to make sure you pick plants that can handle the climate and thrive. Here are a few tips to help you find plants that will grow in your yard.

The Minnesota Growing Zone

The first thing you need to know is what growing zone you live in. Minnesota lies within USDA Hardiness Zones 3 and 4. That basically means that it gets very cold in Minnesota, as you probably well know. 

So when you’re picking plants, especially perennials, shrubs, and trees that are supposed to live through the winter, make sure that you check what USDA Hardiness Zones they can survive in. Lilacs are a very common option, as are coneflowers and maple trees. If in doubt, the Otten Bros team can help you find low-maintenance plants that can survive a harsh winter.

Sunlight In Your Yard

Once you’ve narrowed your plant selection to plants that won’t die at the first snowflake, you should think about what can grow in your yard specifically. 

One common misconception is that all plants want as much sun as possible. Some plants like this, but others only need a few hours of sunlight a day, and others prefer shady areas.

Walk around your yard and see what parts get the most sunlight and at what times. You can then work out what plants will grow best in different areas of your yard.

Learning Your Soil Type

Soil can be categorized into several types. These are:

• Sandy soil, which drains quickly
• Clay-rich soil, which absorbs water slowly and holds onto it
• Combination soil, which is a balanced mix and ideal for many different plants

Depending on the root structure of the plants you choose, they might thrive in different types of soil. Some plants need a lot of drainage, or they can suffer root rot, while other plants are very thirsty. 

You can adjust the soil in pots, but ground soil is harder to change, so it’s better to cater plants to the soil.

The Maintenance Needs of Plants

As well as considering what your plants like and what your yard can provide, you also need to think about your own preferences. Some people like the idea of constantly managing their plants and getting the most out of them and are perfectly happy to spend their time watering, fertilizing, and otherwise tending to them.

Other people just want a low-maintenance yard design that looks good even when you ignore it. Maybe you’re short on time, or you’re worried about your plants dying.

Either way, the types of plants you pick will determine how much time you need to invest in your yard. So if you want a low-maintenance experience, then make sure to pick low-maintenance plants.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

One of the most common mistakes people make when picking plants is not researching what the USDA Hardiness Zone in their area is. They try to plant expensive, beautiful plants that don’t stand a chance of surviving because they’re not built for Minnesota.

One good way to avoid this is to try to plant local plants. These will thrive in your yard because they’re designed for this area. Garden designers in Minnesota can help you find some truly beautiful examples of local plants.

Another common mistake is to plant without ensuring you have the right level of sunlight or drainage. Even if temperature isn’t a problem, you should ensure that your plants are in the right place for their needs. Endless sunlight and water aren’t ideal for every plant.

Finally, overestimating the amount of work you’re willing to do or underestimating how much work certain plants need can turn into a huge mistake, as your plants won’t thrive, and you could stress yourself out.

How Otten Bros Can Help

Choosing the right plants for your backyard is a personal decision, and if you don’t have a lot of plant knowledge, it can be hard to pick plants you’re sure will thrive. That’s where Otten Bros can help. We’re a landscape design company with a team that knows plants like the back of our hands. So if you’re looking for the right plants for you, come down to the nursery, and we can give you tailored, personalized recommendations for your needs.