By Debbie Wey and Gardening On The Cay
Spring has arrived on the Cay, and for gardeners, it truly is the most exciting time of year. Trees are leafing out, beds are waking up, and that familiar urge to dig in the dirt and start planting is hard to resist.
Over the past few years, I’ve focused on growing flowers specifically for cutting—and like many gardeners, I’ve learned as much from trial and error as from success. If you’ve ever thought about growing your own bouquets, now is the perfect time to start.
Lessons from a Backyard Cutting Garden
My first year, I kept things simple. While not everything thrived, Shasta daisies proved to be reliable and mostly deer-resistant—a big win here in Tega Cay.
By year two, I expanded into starting seeds indoors. Snapdragons were a standout—beautiful, productive, and resilient to late winter/early spring temperatures (especially when paired with deer netting). After the average last frost date (April 6 for Tega Cay) I also directly sowed zinnias and dahlias, which added vibrant color through the summer heat.
Last year, I experimented with winter sowing, a low-maintenance method of seed starting during late winter using recycled containers outdoors. Along with herbs and more snapdragons, I later added sunflowers and tall marigolds, creating a steady supply of blooms.
Each season builds confidence—and more flowers!
Gardening with a Purpose: Food for the Soul
One of the most rewarding parts of gardening has been participating in our club’s “Food for the Soul” project. For the past two years, a few of us have gathered flowers from our gardens and created small mason jar bouquets for the Fort Mill Care Center (in addition to contributing canned goods and financial donations).
These simple arrangements are shared with clients to brighten their day—and they truly do.
It’s a wonderful reminder: gardening doesn’t just grow flowers—it grows community.
What I’m Trying This Year
This season, I’m experimenting with soil blocking, a seed-starting method that eliminates plastic pots and encourages strong root systems. I started many plants in the fall, and they’re already thriving as temperatures warm.
I’ve also started my summer annuals indoors in my garage—zinnias, dahlias, celosia, and sunflowers—so they’ll be ready to go into the ground once we pass our average last frost date and soil temperatures reach about 70°F.
Practical Tips for Tega Cay Gardeners
If you’re looking to grow your own cutting garden, here are a few tried-and-true tips:
- Start seeds smart:
Try starting seeds indoors. I do it in the garage to avoid indoor pests like gnats. A small greenhouse setup with basic grow lights works beautifully. - Experiment with soil blocking or reuse materials:
Soil blocking is a great plastic-free option, but reusing cell trays from past purchases works just as well. - Use local, low-cost resources:
Compost and mulch don’t have to be expensive. Check for community compost suppliers in the Charlotte area and take advantage of free mulch offered locally in Tega Cay. - Control weeds naturally:
Rolled paper or cardboard makes an excellent biodegradable weed barrier. - Plan for deer:
Even with netting, it helps to choose more deer-resistant flowers like snapdragons and daisies.
Why It Matters
Gardening has become more than just a hobby for me. It’s a way to unwind after work, reconnect with nature, and share something meaningful with others. There’s nothing quite like stepping into your backyard and cutting a fresh bouquet you grew yourself.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden—or expanding what you grow—this is your season. Start small, try something new, and don’t be afraid to learn as you go.
We’ll see you out in the garden, Tega Cay.
Save the Date! Gardening on the Cay’s 2026 Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tega Cay City Hall
Featuring member-grown plants and local favorites. Proceeds support our local community beautification projects.
