Preparing your garden for spring can begin even in the depths of winter. By carefully selecting plants that will emerge and thrive in the spring, you can maximize your garden’s potential. This month-by-month guide outlines what to plant now, taking into account the specific gardening zones and what will provide vibrant blooms and harvests come spring.
Understanding Zones
Before you start planting, it’s crucial to know your USDA hardiness zone. Knowing your zone helps identify what plants will do well in your area. The map categorizes regions based on their climate, with each zone representing a range of average annual minimum temperatures. Here’s a quick overview of the zones:
Zone 1: -60°F to -50°F
Zone 2: -50°F to -40°F
Zone 3: -40°F to -30°F
Zone 4: -30°F to -20°F
Zone 5: -20°F to -10°F
Zone 6: -10°F to 0°F
Zone 7: 0°F to 10°F
Zone 8: 10°F to 20°F
Zone 9: 20°F to 30°F
Zone 10: 30°F to 40°F
Zone 11: above 40°F
Now, let’s move forward into what you can plant to ensure a spring harvest or bloom.
January: Planning for Success
Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Start indoors in seed trays in January.
Soil: Use a light, sterile seed-starting mix in pots with adequate drainage.
Depth: Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep.
Care Instructions:
Light: Provide at least 12 hours of light per day with grow lights or a sunny window.
Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering. Thin seedlings for healthy growth.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 7-9: Transplant indoors-grown seeds to the garden in mid to late March.
Zones 5 and below: Grow indoors to prepare for spring.
Cool-Weather Vegetables (Kale, Spinach, Arugula)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Start indoors in seed trays from late January to early February.
Soil: Use seed trays with a fine, well-draining potting mix.
Depth: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep.
Care Instructions:
Temperature: Maintain temperatures of 65°F to 70°F for germination.
Light: Ensure strong light exposure post-germination.
Transplanting: Harden off seedlings in late February and transplant outdoors by early March.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 6 and below: Ideal situation for starting cold-hardy crops indoors before outdoor planting begins.
February: Getting Ready to Grow
Onions and Shallots
Planting Instructions:
Time: Start sets or seeds indoors mid-February.
Soil: Utilize seed trays with well-drained potting soil.
Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep; plant onion sets with the tip above soil.
Care Instructions:
Light: Provide full sunlight or use grow lights effectively.
Watering: Keep the soil moist without saturation.
Transplanting: As temperatures warm in March, transplant outdoor onion sets directly into the garden.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 5 and below: Perfect for starting onion seeds; bulbs can be planted outdoors once the ground warms up.
Cool-Season Crops (Carrots, Peas)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Direct sow peas in early February, carrots can follow in late February.
Soil: Prepare a well-tiled seedbed rich in compost.
Depth: Sow peas at 1-2 inches deep; carrots at ½ inch deep.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Ensure consistent moisture for germination.
Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to ensure healthy plants.
Mulching: Apply a light mulch to moderate soil temperature.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 7-9: Direct sowing is effective as soil warms.
Zones 6 and lower: Wait for the soil to thaw before direct seeding.
March: The Countdown to Spring
Transplant Seedlings (Kale, Broccoli)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Transplant hardy seedlings outdoors from mid-March.
Spacing: Space plants 12-24 inches apart, depending on the crop variety.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Water thoroughly during and after planting.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer to feed.
Pest Management: Check for pests like aphids and proact to prevent infestations.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 4 and below: Wait until the end of March for transplanting.
Zones 6 and above: Favorable conditions for hardy vegetables.
Direct Seeds (Peas, Radishes, Turnips)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Sow directly outdoors in early to mid-March.
Soil Preparation: Amend soil to ensure good drainage.
Depth: Sow peas 1-2 inches deep, radishes ½ inch, and turnips about 1 inch.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist for even germination.
Thinning: Thin seedlings for adequate spacing to minimize competition.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 6-9: Early planting yields rapid germination and growth.
Zone 5 and below: Ideal outdoor planting by late March.
April: Flourishing Growth Ahead
Summer Squash and Zucchini
Planting Instructions:
Time: Start seeds indoors in early April or direct sow outdoors late April.
Soil Requirements: Needs nutrient-rich soil with good drainage.
Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing plants about 24 inches apart.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Consistent moisture is vital, particularly during flowering.
Fertilization: Use compost or fertilizer mixed into the soil ahead of planting.
Harvesting: Regular harvesting encourages more production.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zone 5 and below: Wait until the soil is warm and all frost danger is past, usually by late April.
Zones 6-9: Ideal conditions for planting and growth.
Tender Herbs (Basil, Dill)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Transplant seedlings outdoors in mid-April after frost has passed.
Soil: Utilize rich, well-draining soil.
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist for healthy growth.
Light: Ensure full sun exposure during the day (at least 6 hours).
Pruning: Pinch off flower buds as they form to encourage bushier growth.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zone 5 and below: Wait for frost-free days before planting.
Zones 6-9: Strong growth conditions are optimal.
May: Full Throttle Gardening
Tomatoes
Planting Instructions:
Time: Transplant seedlings outdoors in late May.
Soil: Choose a sunny area with rich, well-draining soil.
Depth: Plant seedlings up to their first set of true leaves for effective rooting.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Provide consistent moisture, ensuring the foliage stays dry to prevent disease.
Staking: Support plants early to encourage upright growth.
Harvesting: Be vigilant as fruits ripen; pick regularly for best flavor.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 5 and lower: Wait for any last frosts to pass.
Zones 6-11: Fantastic time to establish thriving tomato plants.
Peppers
Planting Instructions:
Time: Transplant seedlings in late May.
Soil: Ensure the site is warm and well-draining, amended with organic material.
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart for healthy growth.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Consistently water; avoid letting soil dry out completely.
Fertilization: Apply fertilizer once flowering starts for better yields.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zone 5 and below: Frost-sensitive, so ensure risk is minimized.
Zones 6-9: Plant growth is ideal as temperatures warm.
June: Mid-Season Tending
Beans (Pole and Bush)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Direct sow beans outdoors in early June.
Soil Preparation: Soil should be warm (approximately 70°F) and well-drained.
Depth: Plant seeds about 1-2 inches deep with adequate spacing.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Water deeply but less frequently to promote root growth.
Support: Provide trellises for climbing varieties to ensure vertical growth.
Zone-Specific Notes:
All zones: Typically safe to sow as frost is no longer a concern.
Late Summer Crops (Corn, Squash)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Direct sow corn and squash in early June.
Soil: Enrich well-drained soil with organic material ahead of planting.
Depth: Plant corn 1-2 inches deep and squash seeds about 1 inch deep.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells.
Feeding: Side-dress with organic fertilizer when corn reaches 6-8 inches tall.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 7-9: Evergreen for summer’s growth and productive yields.
July: Preparing for the Fall
Fall Crops (Kale, Beets, Radishes)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Direct sow seeds in early July to ensure ample growing time before frost.
Soil: Prepare enriched soil with organic matter to support good root systems.
Depth: Sow kale and beet seeds roughly ½ inch deep; radishes ¾ inch.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially as seeds germinate.
Thinning: Thin crops to reduce competition and maintain healthy spacing.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 6-9: Advantageous planting conditions for extended harvest periods.
Perennials (Fall-blooming Flowers)
Planting Instructions:
Time: July is perfect for planting perennials to ensure root establishment before winter.
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil mixed with compost is ideal.
Spacing: Refer to specific plant spacing guidelines based on varieties.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Newly planted perennials require consistent moisture.
Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition.
Zone-Specific Notes:
All zones: Timing allows plants to bloom when spring blossoms.
August: Final Touches
Cover Crops (Clover, Vetch)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Start planting cover crops in mid-August for fall coverage.
Soil Preparation: Till the soil and prepare a seedbed for optimal germination.
Depth: Plant seeds according to package instructions, typically about 1 inch deep.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Initial light watering to ensure germination may be necessary.
Management: Allow crops to grow before incorporating them into the soil in spring for healthy soil.
Zone-Specific Notes:
All Zones: Adds nutrients and improves soil structure.
Fall Garden Extenders (Spinach, Lettuce)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Start sowing seeds late August to early September.
Soil: Ensure fertile, well-draining soil for greens.
Depth: Sow spinach about ½ inch deep, lettuce ¼ inch deep.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial for leaf crops.
Fertilization: Side-dress with organic compost to promote growth.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 5 and below: Utilize cold frames late in the season to extend the growing period.
September: Harvest Timing
Garlic
Planting Instructions:
Time: Garlic should be planted in early to mid-September.
Soil: A sunny, well-draining spot with enriched soil is ideal.
Depth: Plant cloves about 4-6 inches deep, with the pointy side up.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Water lightly after planting but decrease during winter.
Mulching: Apply mulch to protect overwintering garlic from freezing temperatures.
Zone-Specific Notes:
Zones 7-9: Timing is ideal for a healthy spring harvest.
Perennials
Planting Instructions:
Time: Plant perennials in September for optimal root establishment.
Soil: Ensure you have well-draining and fertile soil.
Spacing: Follow recommendations for spacing specific to the variety.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Generously water new plants after transplanting.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer to retain soil moisture as they establish.
October: End of Season
Cover Crops (If Not Already Planted)
Planting Instructions:
Time: Finish planting cover crops by early October to allow for growth.
Soil Preparation: Prepare your garden beds adequately for seeding.
Depth: Again, follow the seed package directions for directed planting.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Water thoroughly to promote initial growth.
Managing Growth: Maintain your cover crop through the winter to strengthen soil.
Zone-Specific Notes:
All Zones: Benefits overall soil health and prepares for the planting season.
Last Harvests
Care Instructions:
Harvesting: Gather remaining harvests before the first frost.
Cleaning Up: Clear garden debris to reduce overwintering pests and diseases.
Conclusion
This comprehensive month-by-month planting guide presents various plants that will thrive in the spring, ensuring beautiful blooms and yields. By understanding your specific gardening zone, you can tailor your approach to maximize success in your garden. Happy planting, and may your garden flourish come spring!
