Gardening is all about timing. Understanding what to plant each month can help you make the most of your garden throughout the year. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, planning your garden around the changing seasons ensures that you get a continuous harvest of fresh vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This month-by-month guide will walk you through what to plant during each month to create a thriving garden year-round.
January
In many regions, January is a quiet time for gardening, especially if you live in a colder climate. However, it’s the perfect month to start planning your garden for the year. If you have a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill, you can start sowing seeds for early crops like lettuce, spinach, and onions indoors. Herbs such as basil and parsley can also be started inside, giving you a head start on the growing season.
If you’re in a mild climate, consider planting cold-hardy vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cauliflower directly into your garden beds. January is also a good time to prune fruit trees and berry bushes to encourage healthy growth in the spring.
February
February is when you can begin sowing more seeds indoors. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be started indoors this month so that they will be ready to transplant when the weather warms up. You can also sow seeds for herbs like thyme and oregano indoors.
In the garden, you can plant peas and broad beans if the ground is workable. If you live in a warmer climate, February is a great time to plant root vegetables like carrots and beets, as well as leafy greens such as lettuce and chard.
March
As temperatures begin to rise, March is the ideal time to start planting outdoors. Early spring vegetables such as radishes, spinach, and arugula can be sown directly in the garden. You can also transplant onion sets and start planting potatoes.
If you’ve started seeds indoors, you may be able to transplant cool-season crops like broccoli and cabbage into the garden. In warmer regions, you can begin planting warm-season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers outdoors, provided the risk of frost has passed.
April
April is a busy month for gardeners as the growing season gets underway. You can sow seeds for beans, carrots, and beets directly in the garden. Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and chard can also be planted this month.
April is also a good time to transplant seedlings of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that you’ve started indoors. If the weather is warm enough, you can start planting herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather, as late frosts can still occur in some areas.
May
In May, the risk of frost has usually passed, and it’s time to plant warm-season crops. Corn, cucumbers, squash, and beans can all be sown directly in the garden. If you haven’t yet transplanted your tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, now is the time to do so.
You can also start planting summer flowers such as marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary can be planted outdoors, and you can continue sowing successive crops of lettuce and spinach for a continuous harvest.
June
By June, the garden is in full swing. You can continue planting warm-season crops like cucumbers, squash, and beans. June is also a good time to plant heat-loving herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
If you have space, consider planting quick-growing vegetables like radishes and lettuce for a late summer harvest. You can also plant sunflowers and other summer flowers to add color and attract pollinators to your garden. Make sure to keep up with weeding and watering, as the warmer weather can cause plants to dry out quickly.
July
July is a great month for planting late-season crops. You can sow seeds for fall vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cabbage, which will mature as the weather cools. If you want to keep your garden productive, plant a second round of quick-growing vegetables like radishes and lettuce.
Herbs such as basil and cilantro can still be planted in July, but be sure to provide plenty of water, as the heat can cause these plants to bolt. You can also plant flowers like marigolds and cosmos to attract pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden.
August
In August, you can continue planting fall vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips. These crops will benefit from the cooler temperatures in the coming months. You can also sow seeds for leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and chard, which will thrive in the cooler fall weather.
If you want to grow herbs, consider planting parsley and cilantro, which prefer cooler temperatures. August is also a good time to start planning for next year’s garden by saving seeds from your favorite plants.
September
As summer comes to a close, September is a good time to focus on fall gardening. You can continue planting leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce, which will grow well in the cooler temperatures. Root vegetables like radishes and turnips can also be planted for a late fall harvest.
If you live in a mild climate, consider planting garlic and onions, which will overwinter and be ready for harvest next spring. September is also a good time to divide perennials and plant new ones, as the cooler weather will help them establish before winter.
October
October is a month for preparing your garden for the colder months ahead. You can continue planting garlic and onions, as well as cover crops like clover or rye, which will protect and enrich your soil over the winter. Leafy greens like spinach and kale can still be planted in some regions, as they are cold-hardy and can withstand light frosts.
If you haven’t already, harvest any remaining summer crops and begin to clear out spent plants. Adding compost to your garden beds in October will help improve soil fertility for next year’s growing season.
November
In November, gardening activities begin to slow down, but there are still a few things you can plant. Garlic and shallots can be planted in garden beds to overwinter and be ready for harvest next year. You can also plant cover crops to help protect and improve your soil over the winter months.
If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, consider planting leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula, which can continue growing even in cooler temperatures. November is also a good time to mulch your garden beds to protect the soil and insulate any overwintering plants.
December
December is a time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. While there’s not much planting to be done outdoors, you can still grow herbs like basil, parsley, and chives indoors on a sunny windowsill. If you have a greenhouse, you can continue growing cool-season vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and kale.
Use December to plan for the upcoming gardening season. Reflect on what worked well this year and what you’d like to do differently next year. Order seeds, clean your gardening tools, and prepare for another year of successful gardening.
Gardening throughout the year requires careful planning and an understanding of what to plant each month. By following this month-by-month guide, you can ensure that your garden stays productive and healthy all year long. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, there’s always something to plant, harvest, or enjoy in the garden.
