Seasonal Gardening Guide: What to Plant in Each Season of The Year

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can provide fresh produce throughout the year if you know what to plant and when. 

A year-round garden allows you to enjoy the flavors of each season, from the first tender greens of spring to the hardy root vegetables of winter. 

This guide will walk you through what to plant in each season, ensuring a continuous and diverse harvest.

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Spring: the season of renewal

Spring is the perfect time to kick off your garden. As the soil warms, it's time to plant cool-weather crops that thrive before the heat of summer sets in.

What to plant:

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale are ideal for early spring planting. They grow quickly and can be harvested throughout the season.
• Root vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and beets do well in spring. Plant them early to avoid the hotter temperatures that can cause these crops to bolt.
• Peas: Both sugar snap and shelling peas are great spring crops. Plant them as soon as the soil is workable for a sweet, early summer treat.

Summer: the bountiful season

Summer is when your garden truly comes to life. Warm-season crops are in their element, producing a bounty of fruits and vegetables.

What to plant:

• Tomatoes: A summer garden staple, tomatoes come in many varieties. Plant them in late spring to early summer for a continuous supply through the warm months.
• Cucumbers: These fast-growing plants love the heat and can be harvested throughout summer.
• Beans: Whether bush or pole, beans are a prolific summer crop. They are easy to grow and can provide a steady harvest.
• Squash: Zucchini and summer squash are highly productive plants that can be harvested all summer long.

Fall: preparing for winter

As temperatures start to cool, it's time to shift focus to crops that can handle the cold or be stored for winter use.

What to plant:

• Broccoli and cauliflower: These brassicas thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts.
• Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in the fall for a harvest next summer. It needs the cold to develop properly.
• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, and radishes can be planted again in fall for a late harvest.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are hardy greens that can last well into the cooler months.

Winter: the quiet season

While winter is often thought of as the off-season for gardening, with the right crops and techniques, you can still enjoy fresh produce.

What to plant:

• Winter greens: Certain varieties of spinach, kale, and other hardy greens can survive in cold frames or unheated greenhouses.
• Root vegetables: Some root vegetables, like parsnips and carrots, actually improve in flavor after a frost. Mulch them well to harvest throughout winter.
• Herbs: Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage can be grown indoors or in a protected area outdoors.

Product recommendation:

Organic Perlite Bliss Organic Perlite: enhance soil drainage and root development during the winter months with this perlite. It’s particularly useful for potting up herbs to bring indoors.

Tips for year-round gardening success

• Plan ahead: A successful year-round garden requires planning. Use a garden journal or app to track what you plant and when.
• Use season extension techniques: Cold frames, row covers, and greenhouses can extend your growing season, allowing you to harvest fresh produce even in the dead of winter.
• Rotate crops: To keep your soil healthy, practice crop rotation by changing the location of plant families each season.

By following this seasonal gardening guide, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh, home-grown produce throughout the entire year.

Whether you’re a novice gardener or have years of experience, planning and preparing for each season is the key to a successful, productive garden. Happy gardening!

Next, check out this post on Seeds Vs. Starter Plants: Which Should You Choose?