Seasonal Gardening Guide
Month-by-month gardening tasks and planting schedules to keep your garden thriving throughout the year
Spring
A time of renewal and rapid growth as temperatures warm and daylight increases. Focus on soil preparation, planting, and managing early season pests.
What to Plant in Spring
Vegetables
Flowers
Herbs
Monthly Tasks
March
- •Clean up garden beds by removing debris and dead plant material
- •Test and amend soil based on results
- •Start warm-season vegetables indoors (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants)
- •Prune summer-flowering shrubs before new growth begins
- •Plant bare-root trees and shrubs while still dormant
April
- •Direct sow cool-season crops (lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes)
- •Divide and transplant perennials that bloom in summer or fall
- •Apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating
- •Begin regular monitoring for pests and diseases
- •Fertilize trees and shrubs as new growth appears
May
- •Plant warm-season vegetables after danger of frost has passed
- •Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- •Plant summer-flowering bulbs and tubers
- •Thin seedlings to proper spacing for optimal growth
- •Begin regular watering schedule as temperatures increase
Regional Considerations
Gardening tasks and timing vary based on your climate zone. Adjust the recommendations above based on your local conditions.
Cold/Northern
Shorter growing season with cold winters. Start seeds indoors earlier and protect plants from late spring and early fall frosts.
Temperate
Moderate seasons with distinct winter and summer. Follow the general seasonal guide with minor adjustments for local frost dates.
Hot/Southern
Long growing season with mild winters and hot summers. Focus on heat-tolerant varieties and consider a fall/winter growing season for cool-season crops.
Coastal
Moderate temperatures with high humidity. Watch for fungal diseases and salt exposure. Many plants can grow year-round with proper protection.
Seasonal Gardening Tips
Make the most of each season with these expert gardening strategies.
Extend Your Growing Season
- •Use row covers, cold frames, or hoop houses to protect plants from frost
- •Plant in succession for continuous harvests throughout the growing season
- •Choose varieties with different maturation dates to spread out harvests
- •Use microclimates in your garden to plant earlier or later than typically recommended
Adapt to Seasonal Challenges
- •Install shade cloth to protect sensitive plants during intense summer heat
- •Mulch heavily before winter to protect perennial roots from freezing
- •Adjust watering schedules seasonally based on rainfall and temperature
- •Monitor weather forecasts to protect plants from unexpected temperature changes
Seasonal Pest Management
- •Apply dormant oil in late winter to control overwintering pests
- •Monitor for specific seasonal pests and intervene early before populations explode
- •Rotate crops annually to break pest and disease cycles
- •Use season-appropriate biological controls like beneficial nematodes or predatory insects
Seasonal Soil Care
- •Test soil in fall to determine amendments needed for spring planting
- •Add compost in fall to allow it to break down over winter
- •Use cover crops in off-seasons to prevent erosion and add organic matter
- •Avoid working wet soil in spring—wait until it crumbles easily in your hand
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