One of the most common questions new gardeners ask is, "What should I plant now?" The answer depends on your climate zone, but having a month-by-month planting guide can help you plan your garden calendar for maximum productivity and beauty throughout the year. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what to plant during each season, with specific recommendations for each month.
Spring Planting (March - May)
March: Awakening the Garden
As the soil begins to warm and the last frost dates approach, March is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for the growing season ahead.
What to Plant in March:
- Vegetables: Peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and other cool-season crops can be direct-sown. Start tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors.
- Flowers: Sweet peas, snapdragons, and other cool-season annual flowers can be started indoors. Plant summer-flowering bulbs like dahlias and lilies.
- Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and dill can be direct-sown in milder climates.
March Gardening Tip
If the ground is still frozen in your area, use this time to plan your garden layout and prepare containers for early spring planting. Check soil temperature before planting—most seeds germinate best when soil reaches 50°F (10°C).
April: Spring in Full Swing
With increasing daylight and warming temperatures, April is when garden activity truly ramps up in most regions.
What to Plant in April:
- Vegetables: Carrots, beets, potatoes, and other root crops. In warmer zones, you can plant beans and corn by month's end.
- Flowers: Sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds can be direct-sown. Plant perennials like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans.
- Herbs: Basil (indoors or in warm climates), thyme, oregano, and mint.
A vibrant spring garden with early-season vegetables and flowering bulbs
May: The Garden Flourishes
As frost danger passes in most regions, May opens up planting possibilities for warm-season crops and tender plants.
What to Plant in May:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and melons can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost. Direct-sow beans, corn, and okra.
- Flowers: Cosmos, nasturtiums, and other heat-loving annuals. Plant dahlias and gladiolus corms.
- Herbs: Basil, rosemary, lavender, and other Mediterranean herbs thrive when planted in May.
May Gardening Tip
Harden off seedlings started indoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week before transplanting. This helps prevent transplant shock and strengthens plants.
Summer Planting (June - August)
June: Summer Begins
With longer days and warmer temperatures, June is ideal for planting heat-loving crops and planning for fall harvests.
What to Plant in June:
- Vegetables: Succession plantings of beans and corn. Start fall brassicas like cabbage and broccoli. Plant sweet potatoes in warm regions.
- Flowers: Direct-sow quick-growing annuals like zinnias and sunflowers for late summer blooms.
- Herbs: Continue planting heat-loving herbs like basil and continue succession plantings of cilantro and dill.
July: Summer Heat
While July's heat may slow down some garden activities, it's still a good time for certain plantings.
What to Plant in July:
- Vegetables: Quick-maturing summer crops like bush beans and cucumbers. Start seeds for fall crops of kale, collards, and other brassicas.
- Flowers: Plant perennial seeds for next year's blooms. Consider drought-tolerant varieties that can handle summer heat.
- Herbs: Heat-tolerant herbs like oregano, sage, and thyme can still be planted.
July Gardening Tip
During hot weather, water deeply but less frequently to encourage deeper root growth. Consider providing afternoon shade for newly planted seedlings to protect them from intense sun.
August: Planning for Fall
August marks the transition from summer to fall gardening, with a focus on cool-season crops for autumn harvests.
What to Plant in August:
- Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and other quick-growing greens. Continue planting fall brassicas like Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
- Flowers: Plant fall-blooming perennials and biennials. Start seeds for cool-season annuals like pansies and calendula.
- Herbs: Cilantro, dill, and parsley for fall harvests.
A productive summer garden with tomatoes, peppers, and flowering plants
Fall Planting (September - November)
September: Autumn Arrives
As temperatures moderate, September offers excellent planting opportunities for cool-season crops and perennials.
What to Plant in September:
- Vegetables: Spinach, kale, mustard greens, and other leafy vegetables. Plant garlic and onion sets for next year's harvest.
- Flowers: Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Divide and replant perennials.
- Herbs: Plant perennial herbs like sage, thyme, and oregano so they can establish before winter.
September Gardening Tip
Fall is the ideal time to plant trees and shrubs. The warm soil and cool air encourage root growth while reducing stress on the plants. Keep new plantings well-watered until the ground freezes.
October: Cool Season Planting
October's cooler temperatures and typically more reliable rainfall make it an excellent time for certain garden tasks.
What to Plant in October:
- Vegetables: Continue planting garlic and onions. In mild climates, plant fast-growing cool-season vegetables like lettuce and radishes.
- Flowers: Finish planting spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes. Plant bare-root roses in warmer zones.
- Trees and Shrubs: Excellent month for planting deciduous trees and shrubs as they enter dormancy.
November: Preparing for Winter
While outdoor planting slows in many regions, November still offers opportunities in milder climates and for winter preparation.
What to Plant in November:
- Vegetables: In mild winter areas, plant peas, fava beans, and root crops.
- Cover Crops: Plant winter cover crops like winter rye or crimson clover to protect and enrich soil.
- Last Chance: Plant any remaining spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes.
November Gardening Tip
Apply a layer of mulch around perennials, trees, and shrubs after the ground freezes to prevent frost heaving during winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Winter Planting (December - February)
December: Winter Garden Planning
While outdoor planting is limited in many regions, December is excellent for planning and indoor gardening.
What to Plant in December:
- Indoor Herbs: Start a windowsill herb garden with basil, chives, and parsley.
- Microgreens: Grow quick-harvesting microgreens indoors for fresh winter greens.
- Warm Climates: In zones 9-11, plant cool-season vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and peas.
January: Garden Dreams
While January may seem quiet in the garden, it's the perfect time to start planning and preparing for the upcoming growing season.
What to Plant in January:
- Indoor Seeds: Start seeds for onions, leeks, and celery indoors.
- Sprouts: Grow bean sprouts and other sprouts for fresh winter nutrients.
- Warm Climates: In zones 9-11, continue planting cool-season vegetables and prepare beds for spring planting.
Winter planning with seed catalogs helps prepare for the coming garden season
February: Anticipating Spring
As winter begins to wane, February marks the beginning of the new growing season in many areas.
What to Plant in February:
- Indoor Seeds: Start seeds for tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-season vegetables. Begin cool-season crops like lettuce and broccoli for early transplanting.
- Cold Frames: Plant spinach, lettuce, and other hardy greens in cold frames or under row covers.
- Warm Climates: Plant potatoes, onion sets, and summer-flowering bulbs in mild winter regions.
February Gardening Tip
Use a soil thermometer to check soil temperature before planting outdoors. Many cool-season crops can be planted when soil reaches 40°F (4°C), while warm-season crops need soil temperatures of at least 60°F (16°C).
Adapting to Your Local Climate
While this guide provides general recommendations, your specific planting dates will vary based on your hardiness zone and local microclimate. Here are some tips for adapting this information to your garden:
- Know Your Frost Dates: Find your average last spring frost and first fall frost dates through your local extension office or online resources.
- Monitor Soil Temperature: Many seeds have optimal soil temperature ranges for germination. A soil thermometer is a valuable tool for any gardener.
- Keep Records: Note planting dates, weather conditions, and results to refine your planting calendar for future years.
- Talk to Local Gardeners: Experienced gardeners in your area can provide valuable insights on what grows well and when to plant it.
Remember that gardening is both a science and an art. Use this guide as a starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment and adapt based on your unique growing conditions and experiences. With careful planning and attention to seasonal rhythms, you can create a garden that provides beauty, food, and joy throughout the entire year.
