Seasonal gardening is an enriching and sustainable way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce throughout the year. By understanding what to plant and when, gardeners can optimize their gardens for continuous harvests, aligning with nature’s cycles and reducing reliance on grocery store produce. This guide will help you navigate the seasonal gardening calendar, ensuring a bounty of vegetables, herbs, and fruits no matter the time of year.

Spring Planting: Awakening the Garden

Spring is a time of renewal, ideal for planting cool-season crops that thrive in the mild temperatures of early growing season. Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale, along with root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and radishes, should be sown as soon as the soil is workable. Early spring is also perfect for planting peas and broccoli, which appreciate the cooler start to their growing cycle.

Summer Sowing: Embracing the Heat

As the weather warms, transition your garden to heat-loving plants. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash are summer staples that require longer daylight and warmer soil to flourish. These crops should be planted after the last frost has passed, ensuring they have ample time to mature and produce a harvest before the cooler months return.

Fall Planting: Preparing for the Cool Down

Late summer to early fall is the time to start thinking about your autumn garden. Many of the cool-season crops that were planted in spring can be sown again for a second harvest. Additionally, consider planting garlic and onions in the fall; they will overwinter and provide a crop the following year.

Winter Gardening: Extending the Season

With the help of cold frames, greenhouses, or indoor gardening techniques such as hydroponics, gardening can continue year-round. Leafy greens and herbs can be grown in smaller indoor systems, providing fresh produce even when the outdoor garden is dormant.

By planning your garden with the seasons in mind, you can ensure a constant supply of fresh produce. Rotate crops to maintain soil health, and take advantage of extension techniques like mulching, cold frames, and row covers to protect your plants and extend your growing season.