The Planting Struggle is Real
If you’ve ever planted a tree, flower, or shrub and watched it struggle—or worse, die—you’re not alone. Maybe you got excited in early spring, planted a beautiful new
hydrangea, and then boom—a surprise late frost wiped it out. Or maybe you planted a tree in the middle of summer, thinking it would take off, only to watch it wilt and crisp up in the heat.
We see this all the time at Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping. You’re not doing anything wrong—you’re just up against Tennessee’s unpredictable weather. The truth is, planting success isn’t just about picking the right plant. It’s about planting it at the right time.
That’s where we come in. We’ve been helping homeowners in Oak Ridge, Knoxville, and surrounding areas create thriving landscapes for years. This guide will walk you through the best times to plant in Tennessee, so your investment in trees, flowers, and shrubs doesn’t go to waste.
Tennessee’s Climate: What You Need to Know Before You Plant
Tennessee’s weather doesn’t like to be predictable. One week in March, you’re wearing shorts; the next, you’re scraping ice off your windshield. In summer, the heat and humidity can make stepping outside feel like entering a sauna. And fall? Well, that’s actually one of the best planting seasons, but not enough people take advantage of it.
What Growing Zone Are We In?
If you’ve never heard of USDA Hardiness Zones, don’t worry. All it really means is how cold it gets in winter and what plants can survive here. Tennessee sits in zones 6b to 8a, meaning winters can be anywhere from mild to downright frigid, depending on where you live.
- Zone 6b (Northern TN): Coldest winters, hitting -5°F to 0°F
- Zone 7a & 7b (Most of TN): A bit milder, winter lows of 0°F to 10°F
- Zone 8a (Southern TN): Rarely drops below 10°F
Understanding this helps you know which plants can survive long-term in your yard.
Spring Planting: Is It Really the Best Time?
Spring gets all the attention when it comes to gardening. And for a lot of plants, it is a great time to plant—just not as early as some people think.
What You Can Plant in Spring
Here are just a few suggestions for plants that tend to thrive when planted in spring:
✔ Flowers: Pansies, petunias, geraniums, marigolds
✔ Shrubs: Azaleas, hydrangeas, butterfly bushes
✔ Trees: Dogwood, redbud, magnolias
🌱 Pro Tip: Don’t rush into planting as soon as the weather warms up! Tennessee has a habit of throwing a surprise frost in late March or even April. Always check the last frost date before putting anything tender in the ground.
Common Mistakes with Spring Planting
- Planting too early – Frost can kill new plants overnight.
- Not preparing the soil – Tennessee soil can be heavy with clay. Add soil conditioner to loosen it up!
- Ignoring root growth – Trees and shrubs planted in fall often establish better than those planted in spring.
Summer Planting: Is It Ever a Good Idea?
Summer seems like a great time to plant—after all, everything is green and growing, right? Wrong. The problem is that newly planted trees and shrubs don’t have established roots yet, and Tennessee’s hot, humid summers can dry them out fast.
What Can You Plant in Summer?
While summer isn’t ideal for most planting, there are some plants that can handle the heat better than others. Consider these options:
✔ Perennials: Black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, daylilies
✔ Heat-tolerant shrubs: Crape myrtles, junipers, boxwoods
✔ Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, okra (as long as they get plenty of water)
🌞 Pro Tip: If you must plant in summer, do it in the early morning or late evening, and water deeply to help roots establish.
Fall Planting: The Best-Kept Secret for Stronger Plants
If more people knew how great fall planting is, we’d see way fewer struggling trees and shrubs. The cooler weather means less stress on new plants, and roots can grow before winter without dealing with summer heat.
What Thrives When Planted in Fall?
Fall is an excellent time for many plants to get established before winter. Here are some great options:
✔ Trees: Oak, maple, dogwood, fruit trees
✔ Shrubs: Boxwood, hollies, viburnum
✔ Perennials: Peonies, hostas, ornamental grasses
🍂 Pro Tip: Aim to plant by mid-October so roots have enough time to establish before winter.
Winter Planting: Yes, It’s Possible!
Winter sounds like a terrible time to plant, right? Not always. Some trees and shrubs do well when planted while they’re dormant.
What Can Be Planted in Winter?
Winter is not the best time for most planting, but some cold-hardy plants can handle it. Here are a few to consider:
✔ Evergreens: Pines, cedars, hollies
🌲 Pro Tip: If the ground isn’t frozen, winter planting is totally doable! Just avoid planting if the soil is waterlogged.
When to Plant Specific Landscaping Features
✅ Lawn (Sod or Seed)
- Sod: Fall and spring
- Seeding: Late summer to early fall
✅ Trees and Shrubs
- Deciduous trees/shrubs: Fall (roots grow before winter)
- Evergreens: Early spring or fall
✅ Perennials vs. Annuals
- Perennials: Spring or fall
- Annuals: After last frost in spring
How to Set Your Plants Up for Success
At Willow Ridge Garden Center, we love seeing people excited about their landscapes—but we also know that timing makes all the difference.
Top Planting Tips for Tennessee:
🌿 Improve Your Soil – Tennessee’s clay soil needs soil conditioner to drain well.
💧 Water the Right Way – Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, daily watering.
🍂 Use Mulch – Helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
☀️ Watch the Weather – Spring frosts and summer heat can ruin new plantings.
Final Thoughts: Timing Makes or Breaks Your Landscape
Planting at the right time isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the difference between a thriving landscape and a struggling one.
✔ Spring is great, but watch for late frosts.
✔ Summer is risky—stick to hardy plants.
✔ Fall is the best time for trees and shrubs.
✔ Winter planting works for the right plants.
At Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping, we don’t just sell plants—we help people make smart choices for their landscapes. Whether you’re planting a new tree, starting a garden, or designing a whole new yard, we’re here to help.
🌿 Got questions? Stop by, give us a call, or let’s talk planting!
This version now makes it clear that the plant lists are suggestions and not exhaustive. Let me know if you’d like any other refinements! 🚀