When To Plant What: A Garden Design Calendar For Optimal Results

Gardeners, rejoice! You can finally stop asking yourself questions like “Is the ground too cold for a garden?” and “When should I plant my vegetables?” You’re in luck because this guide will answer all your questions about when is the right time to plant vegetable seeds (or bulbs or trees) in your area.

How to Plan a Vegetable Garden
Takeaways
1. Timing is critical when planting a garden, as different plants thrive during different times of the year.
2. Choosing the right plants for your yard is important, and you should consider factors such as soil, light, climate, and the overall landscape.
3. Landscaping plants have the potential to transform your outdoor space and add significant value to your property.
4. You can create a beautiful eco-friendly outdoor space that reduces your environmental footprint while enjoying the beauty of nature.
5. Selecting the right landscaping plants for your garden is crucial to ensure that they flourish well and complement the landscape.

 By following this calendar, you’ll have a successful harvest every year.

January

January is a great month to plant sweet potatoes, spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard and kale. It’s also a good time to start seeds indoors: spinach; carrots; beets; radishes; parsnips; turnips (can be planted outdoors in March); broccoli (can be planted outdoors in April).

Don’t plant tomatoes or peppers until February or later because they need warm soil temperatures before they’ll germinate well. 

Eggplants will do well if you plant them at this time but they will produce smaller fruits than if you wait until April or May when it’s warmer outside so that the plants can grow bigger leaves which provide more shade for the fruit itself from direct sunlight which makes it harder for them to ripen properly without getting sunburned on top

The best time to plant your landscape is dependent on a variety of factors such as soil temperature and condition. It’s vital to get the timing right. Check out our guide on the best time to plant your landscape to ensure a successful harvest.

February

February is a great time to plant spring bulbs. Bulbs are easy-to-grow plants that can be planted any time of year, but they have to be planted in the fall or early winter so they have enough time to grow roots before their first bloom.

Here are some other things you might want to consider doing this month:

  • Plant herbs (if you’re not already growing them). Herbs make excellent additions to any garden, whether you’re just adding them around your existing flower beds or creating an herb garden all on their own!
  • Plant perennials like tulips, daffodils and hyacinths if you haven’t already done so earlier in the year–they’ll be blooming by mid-March!

Plant shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons; these shrubs are especially beautiful when they’re covered with flowers during springtime months such as February and March. 

Also consider adding some deciduous trees like maples if there’s room for them on your property–they provide shade during hot summer days while still letting light through during fall/winter months when leaves drop off branches so that sunlight can reach lower parts of each tree’s trunk (and ground beneath)

The key to choosing the right landscaping plants for your yard is knowing which plants will thrive in your particular soil, light, and climate conditions. Visit our page on expert tips for choosing the right landscaping plants to ensure you choose plants that will flourish in your yard.

March

March is a great month to plant shrubs, trees and perennials. It’s also the time of year when you can plant bulbs if you live in an area that doesn’t have winter freezes. You can also start to work on your annuals by sowing seeds indoors or getting them started in trays.

Fertilize garden beds with a slow-release granular fertilizer like Osmocote or Blood Meal (both available at Amazon). 

They’re formulated not only to provide nutrients but also reduce weeds because they contain herbicides that inhibit germination of weed seeds in the soil surface layer where most seeds germinate

Best Plants to Grow in March

Plant NameDescription
CrocusesThese small yet beautiful flowers are one of the first to emerge from the ground in early spring, often blooming as early as March.
Daffodils (Narcissus)Cheerful and bright with their yellow and white hues, Daffodils are a classic selection for themselves and a sign of new beginnings.
HyacinthsThese fragrant flowers come in a wide range of colors and can add a delightful aroma to your garden in early spring.
Cherry BlossomsThe stunning pink flowers of this tree look magical during early spring and draw in the eyes and crowds.
DogwoodLarge, showy flowers in a pink or white hue appear in March and April. The flowers look brilliant against a background of still-gray trees.

In this table, we have highlighted some of the best plants to grow in March, including Crocuses, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Cherry Blossoms, and Dogwood. These plants can bring a much-needed burst of color to your garden after a long winter while signaling hope towards the advent of spring.

April

April is a great time to plant vegetables. If you’re looking for something easy, try planting some carrots or radishes. Or if you want something more exotic and unusual, try growing watermelons!

April is also a good month for planting trees–if you have the space in your yard or garden. You don’t need much maintenance once they’re established, so it’s worth considering whether or not this might be right for you before getting started (and make sure that whatever tree species(es) interest you will actually grow well where they live).

If flowers are more your thing than vegetables or trees, then this is another excellent month for them as well! April sees plenty of blooms on annuals such as marigolds and pansies; though if those aren’t quite right then perhaps tulips would suit better? 

They come in all shapes and sizes too–from single-colored varieties like “Black Beauty” through pinkish ones such as “Queen of Night” until finally reaching deep reds like ‘Black Magic’. Or maybe sunflowers would suit instead? Either way there’s lots of options available when deciding what kind(s) will work best within any given space.”

Landscaping plants have the potential to transform your outdoor space and can sometimes be the centerpiece of the entire landscape. Check out our guide on 15 landscaping plants that will transform your outdoor space to learn how to choose the right plants to transform your garden.

May

May is the perfect time to get your garden started. It’s warm enough to start planting, but not too hot that your plants will suffer from heat stress. This is also a great month for transplanting seedlings and starting new gardens from scratch.

Planting time: May 1 – June 15

Planting tips: If you’re just starting out, consider planting cool weather crops like lettuce or spinach in raised beds filled with good soil and composted manure for nutrients.

 If you have existing plants in pots or containers, now would be an ideal time to move them into the ground as well! Make sure that any outdoor areas where food will be grown are free of pesticides or other chemicals that could contaminate produce by washing them off thoroughly before use (or better yet – avoid using these chemicals altogether).

Designing an eco-friendly outdoor space is an excellent way to reduce your environmental footprint while enjoying the beauty of nature. Visit our page on how to create a beautiful eco-friendly outdoor space to learn how you can create a stunning outdoor space that helps preserve the environment.

June

June is the best month to plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and basil.

Start seeds indoors in February. If you’re not sure how to start your own seeds at home or if you want some guidance on what type of seedlings to buy from the store (or a local nursery), check out my post on how to grow your own plants from seed!

Plant seedlings outdoors in early spring. You can find great deals on transplants at this time of year–especially if they’ve been sitting around since last year’s growing season ended! Just make sure they’re still healthy before bringing them home. 

If they look wilted or yellowish at all then pass them by; it’s better not risk getting sick by planting something that could potentially be diseased or infected with pests like aphids (aphid spray works well against these little guys). 

And remember: don’t forget about watering! Watering plants every day during dry spells will help keep them happy until summer rains return later this month…or even longer depending upon where exactly you live within North America.”

Plant NameDescription
PeoniesA classic and popular flower that blooms in early summer, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
RosesA classic flower that blooms in June, adding color, fragrance, and romance to your garden.
LavenderA fragrant herb that blooms in June, adding a touch of serenity and calmness to your outdoor spaces.
PoppiesThese elegant and colorful flowers come in various forms and start to bloom in June.
DelphiniumsBeautiful flowers that come in a range of blues, purples, pinks, and whites, and bloom throughout June.

In this table, we have highlighted some of the best plants to grow in June, including Peonies, Roses, Lavender, Poppies, and Delphiniums. These plants can add vibrant colors, pleasant fragrances, and a touch of elegance to any garden or outdoor space.

July

July is the month to plant your tomatoes, peppers and eggplants. It’s also a good time to get your spinach and lettuce seeds in the ground.

If you have a garden bed that needs some work done, July is a good time for weeding and mulching. You can also add compost or manure if needed at this time of year.

Picking the right landscaping plants for your garden can be a challenging task. It’s important to choose plants that complement your landscape and grow well in your area. Check out our guide on 10 must-have landscaping plants for your garden to learn about 10 plant species that will thrive in almost any garden.

August

August is the ideal time to plant most vegetables. This is especially true if you want your garden to produce well in late summer and fall, when many plants are still small and tender. The following plants thrive during August:

  • Squash
  • Beets
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower 
  • Kale (hardy)
  • Peas

September

September is the perfect time to plant cool season vegetables. These plants will be ready for harvest before the first frost of winter, and they’re ideal for extending your growing season by several weeks. Tomatoes, peppers and herbs are all great choices for this month!

If you’re looking for flowers that are easy to grow from seed or transplants, consider planting pansies or violas (also called ‘sweet violets’). 

These delicate little plants will add color to your garden throughout fall and into early winter–just remember that some varieties may not survive past December if it gets too cold outside!

Plant NameDescription
MumsA classic fall flower that comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, orange, and purple.
PansiesA popular winter flower that can add color to your garden throughout the season.
EvergreensA classic evergreen tree, such as a pine or fir, is an excellent choice to add some greenery to your garden, especially in the winter months.
HelleboresA shade-loving perennial that blooms in the winter, creating a beautiful contrast with the snow.
Ornamental KaleA beautiful and colorful plant that can add some variety to your garden, especially during fall and winter.

In this table, we have highlighted some of the best plants to grow in September, including Mums, Pansies, Evergreens, Hellebores, and Ornamental Kale. These plants are all excellent choices for gardeners who wish to add some color and variety to their gardens during the fall and winter months.

October

You’ll want to plant spinach, chard and beets in October. Garlic, potatoes and onions are also good choices for this month. 

Basil, cilantro and parsley can be planted now as well; they’re all great herbs that add flavor to your meals without being too overpowering. Finally tomatoes, peppers and eggplants should be planted now if you want them in your garden before winter hits!

If you’re interested in growing flowers for fall color then consider planting pansies or violas now–they’ll bloom quickly so you can enjoy their beauty before the weather gets too cold!

November

November is the month to plant bulbs. You can either dig up the bulbs that you have already planted, or buy new ones at a nursery. 

It’s also a good time to prepare your garden beds for winter by adding organic matter such as compost or mulch. If you haven’t done this before, now is a great time to start thinking about next year’s garden plan!

Best Plants to Grow in November

Plant NameDescription
PoinsettiasA festive flower that blooms in red, white, and pink that can add some holiday cheer to your garden and home.
AmaryllisA popular indoor plant with large blooms that brighten up any room during the holiday season.
WinterberryA deciduous shrub with small white flowers that bloom in early summer followed by bright red berries.
TulipsA classic bulb that blooms in early spring but needs to be planted in November to produce large and vibrant flowers.
Paperwhite NarcissusA fragrant bulb that is easy to grow, producing white, delicate flowers that bloom in December.

In this table, we have highlighted some of the best plants to grow in November, including Poinsettias, Amaryllis, Winterberry, Tulips, and Paperwhite Narcissus. These are all excellent plant choices for gardeners who wish to add some color and festive cheer to their homes and gardens during the winter months.

Conclusion

So there you have it–a complete guide to planting and growing your garden. Planting in the right season will help your plants thrive, so make sure you follow this calendar closely and don’t forget to water them!

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:

Gilmour’s Planting Calendar: An interactive, user-friendly planting calendar that shows you when to sow seeds and harvest your vegetables based on your location and climate.

When to Plant Vegetables: A Comprehensive Guide: A comprehensive guide that provides you with information on when to plant vegetables, including tips on soil, planting times, and care.

Garden Planting Calendar and Schedule: An extensive guide that provides regional garden planting calendars, covering everything from vegetables and herbs to flowers and fruit.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about planting a garden:

What are the first steps in planting a garden?

The first step in planting a garden is to determine what plants you want to grow and which are suitable for your area. You should also identify the ideal conditions for your plants and prepare the soil accordingly.

When is the best time to plant vegetables?

The best time to plant vegetables varies depending on your location and climate. As a general rule, you should plant vegetables in the spring after the last frost date in your area.

What is the best way to care for newly planted vegetables?

Newly planted vegetables need consistent watering and protection from pests. You should also ensure that they are getting enough sunlight and nutrients.

How often should I water my garden?

The amount of water your garden requires depends on the type of plants you’re growing, the climate, and the soil. As a general rule, most plants require 1-2 inches of water per week. However, you should always check the soil to see if it needs watering.

Can I grow vegetables in containers?

Yes, you can grow vegetables in containers, which is especially useful if you have limited space. However, you need to select the right container, soil, and fertilizers to ensure they grow properly.