What to Plant and How to Care for Your Garden Throughout the Year
Gardening is a year-round activity, and each season presents its own unique opportunities and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do in your garden each season:
Spring:
- Planting: Start seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-season crops. Outdoors, sow cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes.
- Care: Clean up winter debris, prepare garden beds, and test soil for pH and nutrient levels. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
Summer:
- Planting: Direct sow beans, corn, and squash. Consider planting a second round of cool-season crops like kale and broccoli.
- Care: Water regularly, particularly during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases and provide support for growing plants. Harvest early and often to encourage more production.
Fall:
- Planting: Plant garlic and onions for next year. Sow cover crops to improve soil health. It’s also a great time for planting trees and shrubs.
- Care: Clear fallen leaves and debris. Apply mulch to protect soil and plants from winter temperatures. Start planning for next year’s garden layout.
Winter:
- Planting: This is a quieter time for planting, but you can start planning your garden layout and ordering seeds. Consider starting indoor herbs or greens.
- Care: Protect sensitive plants with mulch or frost covers. Prune dormant trees and shrubs. Use this time to review gardening journals and prepare for the upcoming season.
