What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

Annuals are plants that complete their entire life cycle in one season. They grow, flower, set seed, and die all in one year. Popular annuals at Stew Leonard’s Garden Shop include geraniums, impatiens, petunias, marigolds, and begonias. Perennials return year after year and often take a few years to mature. Many flower for shorter periods than annuals, but they can provide long-term beauty in the garden. Popular perennials include hostas, lavender, bleeding hearts, astilbe, coneflowers, and dianthus. For continuous color all season long, combine perennials that bloom at different times with annuals.

How do I plant and take care of newly planted trees and shrubs?

Start by digging a hole about 2.5 times the diameter of the pot. Measure the depth using the root ball, not the container depth, since pots may not be completely full. Remove the plant from the container, loosen the roots, and inspect for visible roots or signs of insects. Scoring the roots with a knife can help the plant establish itself more easily. Place the plant in the hole and fill it halfway with a mixture of one-third dehydrated cow manure, one-third peat moss or coconut coir, and one-third topsoil. Water, let the soil settle, and then continue filling until the soil is level with the ground. After planting, apply mulch to help prevent moisture loss and weeds. Water every day for the first two weeks, then two to three times a week for the first year. Popular trees at Stew Leonard’s Garden Shop include dogwoods, cherry trees, magnolias, and Japanese maples. Popular shrubs include forsythia, boxwoods, rhododendrons, andromeda, holly, and junipers.

What can I plant to help repel insects and bugs, especially along my patio?

While no garden is ever completely pest free, some plants can help repel insects and bugs naturally. Dill may help repel aphids and spider mites. Lavender can help deter mosquitoes, fleas, gnats, moths, and flies. Lemon balm and lemongrass are often used to help repel mosquitoes. Marigolds may help deter aphids, mosquitoes, Japanese beetles, nematodes, and rabbits. Mint, especially peppermint and spearmint, may help repel mosquitoes, ants, whiteflies, moths, aphids, and beetles. Oregano may help repel pests, especially mosquitoes. Rosemary can help deter mosquitoes, slugs, and snails. Sage may help repel mosquitoes, cabbage moths, carrot flies, and ticks while also attracting honeybees. Planting these near patios or outdoor sitting areas can help create a more comfortable backyard space.

Gardening tips for beginners & common questions answered

The Top 5 Gardening FAQs

Q: How much mulch do I need?

Stew Leonard’s Garden Shop sells mulch in 3-cubic-foot bags, and each bag covers about 18 square feet at approximately 2 inches deep. To calculate how much mulch you need, measure the area you want to cover by multiplying the length by the width to get the total square footage. Then divide the total square footage by 18 to estimate the number of bags needed. For example, a bed that measures 10 feet by 15 feet equals 150 square feet. Dividing 150 by 18 means you will need about 8 bags of mulch.

Q: Which plants are deer resistant?

Deer resistant does not mean deer proof, since deer habits can change and they may eat plants they once ignored. Deer resistant trees include Norway spruce, white pine, and crepe myrtle. Deer resistant shrubs include boxwoods, andromeda, and mountain laurel. Deer resistant annuals include ageratum, alyssum, and cleome. Deer resistant perennials include astilbe, coreopsis, and yarrow. In addition to planting deer resistant varieties, customers can alternate repellents such as Bobbex Deer Solution and Deer Scram granules for extra protection.

Getting into gardening comes with a lot of questions and the right answers can make all the difference.

If you're planting flowers, refreshing your yard, or starting from scratch, here are five of the most common gardening questions we hear (and how to get it right the first time)!

Jump to a Question:

What is the difference between an annual and perennial?
How do I plant and care for new trees and shrumbs?
How much mulch do I need?
Which plants are deer resistant?
What can I plant to help repel insects and bugs?

1. What is the difference between an annual and perennial?

Annuals complete their entire life cycle in one season. They grow, bloom, produce seeds, and die all within a year.

Popular annuals include:

Geraniums
Impatiens
Petunias
Marigolds
Begonias

Perennials, on the other hand, return year after year. Some can live for decades and continue to grow stronger over time.

Popular perennials include:

Hostas
Lavender
Bleeding hearts
Astilbe
Coneflowers
Dianthus

Stew's Garden Shop Tip: For continuous color all season long, mix perennials that bloom at different times with annuals for instant impact.

2. How do I plant and care for new trees and shrubs?

Start with the right foundation.

Step-by-step:

Dig a hole about 2.5 times the width of the container
Measure depth by the root ball, not the pot
Remove the plant and gently loosen the roots (score them if needed)
Place in the hole

Soil mix:

1/3 dehydrated cow manure
1/3 peat moss (or coconut coir)
1/3 topsoil

Fill halfway, water, let it settle, then finish filling until level with the ground.

After planting:

Add mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds
Water daily for the first 2 weeks
Then 2–3 times per week for the first year

Popular tree and shrub options for your yard:

Trees: dogwoods, cherry, magnolia, Japanese maple
Shrubs: forsythia, boxwoods, rhododendrons, holly, junipers

3. How much mulch do I need?

Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health but getting the amount right matters.

At Stew Leonard’s Garden Shop:

1 bag (3 cubic feet) covers 18 square feet at ~2 inches deep

Easy Mulch Calculator

Measure your space (length × width = square feet)
Divide total square feet by 18

Example:

A 10 ft × 15 ft bed = 150 sq ft
150 ÷ 18 = about 8 bags

4. Which plants are deer resistant?

Important to know: deer resistant does NOT mean deer proof.

Deer habits are changing, but some plants are less appealing than others.

Trees:

Norway spruce
White pine
Crepe myrtle

Shrubs:

Boxwoods
Andromeda
Mountain laurel

Annuals:

Ageratum
Alyssum
Cleome

Perennials:

Astilbe
Coreopsis
Yarrow

Stew's Garden Shop Tip: For extra protection, rotate repellents like Bobbex Deer Solution and Deer Scram granules.

5. What can I plant to help repel insects and bugs?

No garden is completely pest-free, but certain plants can help naturally reduce unwanted visitors.

Top plants that repel insects:

Lavender → repels mosquitoes, fleas, moths, flies
Lemon balm → helps repel mosquitoes (crush leaves for extra effect)
Lemongrass → contains citronella properties
Marigolds → deter aphids, beetles, mosquitoes
Mint → repels ants, mosquitoes, aphids, beetles
Rosemary → helps repel mosquitoes and slugs
Sage → repels mosquitoes and attracts pollinators
Dill → helps deter aphids and spider mites
Oregano → general pest deterrent

Stew's Garden Shop Tip: Plant these near patios or seating areas for the biggest impact.

Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge and a few simple steps, you can grow something you’re proud of.

If you’re not sure where to start or want help choosing the right plants, stop by Stew Leonard’s Garden Shop. Our team can help you find what works best for your space and season.