With Derby weekend officially in the rearview mirror and summer just around the corner, it's time to head outside, get dirt under your nails, and start growing your garden.

But if you're anything like City Editor Sam, whose thumb is closer to gray than green, you might not know where to begin. That's where Lexington Fayette Urban County Government's Plant by Numbers program comes in.

Gardening guides

Plant by numbers is easy as 1-2-3. Simply decide on a planting location, check the area's access to sunlight, then select the appropriate guide. Each guide is full of information on purchasing, planting, and caring for your new green friends. But the most helpful part has to be the plant by numbers map that tells you exactly where to place which plants.

Each map maximizes space, diversity, and access to sunlight. | Screenshot by LEXtoday

Here's a quick look at the different planting location types:

Front yard — Designed for planting next to buildings, along sidewalks, and between property and roads.
Streetside — Planting in easements improves water quality while creating food + habitat opportunities for local pollinators. Think: birds, bees, and butterflies.
Streamside — Reinforce streambanks, add natural filters to the water cycle, and welcome wildlife with guides to planting in wet soil.