Berries, beans, and broccoli—oh my! With all these delicious options to plant in your garden, it can take a lot of planning to manage them all. Different plants grow best at different times of the year. Wait, there is some good news – even if you did not get a head-start on your garden this year, Plantie can help! We have created a simple guide of what to grow and when, so you can enjoy the journey without the stress. Check out our seasonal growing guide below to help you grow the best possible crop this season!
Apples
Apple trees grow best when planted in the spring. Did you know, if you plant a small apple tree, you will need a lot of patience to see any pie? The trees might not (read will not) produce fruit the first year. Apple trees are tough, but worth it in the long run.
Pro tip: Like most of the fruit plants listed here, you need to have several varieties so they can cross-pollinate and produce fruit.
Beans
Beans need to be planted after the last frost, which means early in spring. They grow best when the weather is consistently warmer than 60 degrees. There are lots of different types of beans but do not plant them all hodge-podge, make sure they are in clearly designated patches.
Related Article: The Four Best Ideas for Small Gardens
Blueberries
As with most other fruits, plant your blueberry bushes early to mid-spring. Blueberry plants are both fickle and hardy, they will probably not produce fruit in the first few years after planting, but they will survive (and need!) the cold. Be patient and keep dreaming of those blueberry turnovers to sustain you!
Cucumbers
Plant cucumbers in the late spring when the frost is gone. You will need to plant the seeds or baby plants in mounds, so be sure to leave enough space in your garden. Make sure you harvest the cucumbers before they get too large or the taste can get funky.
Herbs (oregano, basil, cilantro)
If you are growing them from seeds, start your herbs as early as January or February. Allow the seedlings to sprout, thinning them occasionally. Wait a few weeks after the last frost, and then plant them in your garden. The best part about herbs is you can plant some outside and keep the rest indoors!
Peas
Peas need cooler weather to grow, so planting them as early as February can be beneficial, depending on where you are located. If you are farther down south, you can start them later and have a winter crop to turn into soup!
Related Article: The easiest vegetables to grow for a novice gardener
Pumpkins
Like cucumbers, pumpkins and other squashes need to be planted in mounds with plenty of space between them. Plant your pumpkins in late May to early July and they will be perfect for picking by fall. You want to make sure they are ready for the jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin pies!
Raspberries
Spring is an ideal time for raspberries. If you live farther north, you will want to wait until late spring, perhaps as late as June, to plant. If you live towards the south, you might be able to get a spring and fall crop that year. Remember to pick these fruits regularly or the small critters will get them first!
Strawberries
You can plant strawberries as early as March if the soil is workable. Some plants need an early chill (NOT frost) to get them going. Thin the crop after a (usually) June harvest, and you will see an even bigger yield next year!
Tomatoes
The great thing about tomatoes is that you can plant them all year-round. They grow best outside in spring, but you can start their growth in February or March and then plant them mid-to-late May outside, in your garden. They are also great for potted gardens, and you can have a few sitting on your patio, ripening for that perfect salad.
Because of varying climate conditions, each place in the US is designated a different grow zone, which you can check out here. Double-check your zone, and make sure the weather will not fall back into a cold snap before you plant. If you want a generic checklist of things to do to help your garden thrive, see what we have plotted out for you below!
Related Article: The Best Plant-Based Seasonal Dishes
Winter: Time to Plan!
- Make a list of what to plant
- Plot out where your plants will grow in your garden; make sure you have enough space
- Buy seeds (they will often be cheaper during the off-season!)
- Start seedlings for early spring planting
Spring: Time to Plant!
- Prepare your soil once it thaws, rototill your garden plot
- Thin your seedlings so the rest can have strong roots
- Buy pre-started plants
- Plant most of your plants in the garden
Summer: Start those late Bloomers!
- Water your plants
- Monitor leaves for pests that will damage your crop
- Plant any fall squash or other late bloomers
- Harvest throughout the summer months for the best produce
Fall: Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
- Harvest the rest of your crop
- Prune the plants (especially fruit trees and bushes)
- Relocate plants when dormant, if needed
- Make jam out of excess fruit and/or can the surplus vegetables
Remember, gardening is a long-term game. It takes a lot of trial and error to find your green thumb. Make the most of your garden with our tips above. Weed out any insecurities and get started on your own plot today!