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Gardening enthusiasts and urban gardeners alike can benefit from understanding what to plant each month. A well-planned planting schedule ensures a thriving garden year-round, especially in a corner lot where space might be limited but sunlight can be abundant. This guide provides month-by-month recommendations to help you maximize your garden’s potential.
January
In January, focus on planning your garden and starting seeds indoors. Hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and lettuce can be sown indoors or in protected areas. You can also prepare your soil by adding compost and organic matter to ensure it’s ready for spring planting.
February
February is ideal for starting seedlings indoors. Consider planting tomatoes, peppers, and herbs such as basil and parsley indoors. If the weather permits, you can also begin transplanting hardy seedlings outdoors towards the end of the month.
March
As the weather warms, begin planting cool-season crops directly into the ground. Leafy greens, radishes, and peas thrive in early spring. Prepare your garden beds by tilling and adding organic amendments. Start planning for summer crops now.
April
April marks the beginning of planting warm-season vegetables. Sow carrots, beets, and potatoes outdoors. Transplant seedlings like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants into your garden once the danger of frost has passed. Consider planting flowering plants to attract pollinators.
May
May is prime planting time for most vegetables and flowers. Direct sow beans, squash, and cucumbers. Continue transplanting warm-weather crops and ensure consistent watering. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
June
June offers an abundance of planting opportunities. Plant additional crops like sweet corn and melons. Regular watering and pest management are essential. Harvest early crops such as lettuce and radishes to make space for new plantings.
July
In July, focus on maintaining your garden. Water consistently, especially during heatwaves. Plant heat-tolerant crops like okra and eggplant. Harvest mature vegetables and prune as needed to promote healthy growth.
August
August is ideal for planting fall crops such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Continue harvesting summer vegetables and start planning for the cooler months. Consider planting cover crops to improve soil health during fall and winter.
September
As temperatures cool, plant garlic and onions for harvest next year. Sow cover crops like clover or vetch to protect and enrich your soil. Maintain watering schedules and prepare your garden beds for the upcoming season.
October
October is perfect for planting cool-season vegetables and preparing your garden for winter. Harvest remaining crops and clean up garden beds. Mulch to protect roots from frost and consider planting bulbs for spring blooms.
November
In November, focus on garden cleanup and soil preparation. Plant cover crops and add compost to improve soil fertility. Protect tender plants from frost or consider bringing potted plants indoors.
December
December is a quiet month for planting. Use this time for planning and ordering seeds for the upcoming year. Reflect on your garden’s successes and challenges, and prepare your tools and beds for spring planting.