Seasonal Gardening Guides
Know what to do in your garden every season of the year
Why Timing Matters
Successful gardening is all about doing the right thing at the right time. Each season brings specific tasks:
- • Plant at the right time - Too early risks frost; too late misses growing season
- • Harvest at peak - Vegetables have flavor and nutrition windows
- • Prepare for next season - Fall prep makes spring planting easier
Seasonal Guides
Spring Gardening
Planting, soil prep, starting seeds
March - MaySummer Gardening
Maintenance, pest control, harvesting
June - AugustFall Gardening
Cleanup, cover crops, extending season
September - NovemberWinter Gardening
Planning, indoor growing, tool care
December - FebruaryExtending the Season
Cold frames, row covers, greenhouses
Year-roundThe Gardening Year at a Glance
Spring (March-May)
- • Prepare and amend garden beds
- • Start seeds indoors for warm-season crops
- • Direct sow cool-season vegetables
- • Transplant hardy seedlings after last frost
- • Install supports for climbing plants
Summer (June-August)
- • Water consistently - morning is best
- • Mulch to retain moisture and cool soil
- • Scout for pests and diseases weekly
- • Harvest regularly to encourage production
- • Succession plant quick crops like lettuce
Fall (September-November)
- • Plant cool-season crops for fall harvest
- • Harvest and preserve summer bounty
- • Clean up spent plants to reduce disease
- • Plant cover crops or add mulch
- • Amend soil for next year
Winter (December-February)
- • Plan next year's garden layout
- • Order seeds early for best selection
- • Clean, sharpen, and store tools
- • Grow microgreens and sprouts indoors
- • Take soil tests and review results
Know Your Frost Dates
Your local frost dates are the most important timing tool for your garden. They determine when you can safely plant and when you need to protect or harvest crops.
Last Spring Frost
The average date after which your area is unlikely to experience frost. Wait until after this date to plant tender crops like tomatoes and peppers outdoors.
First Fall Frost
The average date when your first fall frost occurs. Count backwards from this date to know your deadline for planting fall crops and harvesting tender vegetables.
Tip: Find your frost dates by searching for your USDA hardiness zone or contacting your local extension office. The time between frost dates is your "growing season" - shorter in the north, longer in the south.
Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Crops
Cool-Season Crops
Prefer temps 60-70F, tolerate light frost, bolt in heat:
- • Lettuce, spinach, arugula
- • Peas, broad beans
- • Broccoli, cabbage, kale
- • Carrots, beets, radishes
- • Onions, garlic
Plant: Early spring & late summer
Warm-Season Crops
Need temps 70-85F, killed by frost, thrive in summer:
- • Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
- • Cucumbers, squash, melons
- • Beans, corn
- • Basil, other tender herbs
- • Sweet potatoes
Plant: After last frost date
Succession Planting
Don't plant all your seeds at once. Succession planting extends your harvest season:
- • Lettuce and greens - Plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous salads
- • Beans - Plant every 3-4 weeks until midsummer
- • Radishes - Plant every 2 weeks for fresh roots
- • Beets and carrots - Plant every 3-4 weeks starting in early spring