You might already know the value of organic and fresh produce grown at home. However, it is important to know about the plants that you’re going to grow for your edibles. Sometimes it turns out to be a tricky task because there are an array of dazzling plants to choose from. 

There might be some people who are in the process of creating a stunning garden. Whereas others just want to grow a few plants in containers on a balcony space or patio. Well, don’t worry because we are here to provide you with a guide on what to plant in each season. 

Seasonal planting guide

From a Seasonal Planting Guide, you can expect valuable information related to what and when to plant during the distinctive times of the year. Generally, it is tailored to specific growing and climate zones, considering the optimal conditions for several plants to thrive. Now, it’s time to go through the below detailed seasonal planting guide:

1) Spring

Spring is considered a time of growth and renewable which makes it the perfect period for sowing a range of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. The soil turns more workable with the rise in temperature and frost subsiding. During spring, you can focus on these plants and tasks:

Tasks

• Prepare the garden beds: First, clear out any kind of debris and weeds then loosen the soil. Amend it by using organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost to improve its structure and fertility. 
• Start seeds indoors: Are you thinking to grow plants that need warmer temperatures to germinate or plants having longer growing seasons? If yes, then it would be better to head start planting them in pots or seed trays.
• Direct sow cold-hardy crops: Several vegetables like spinach, carrots, etc can be sown directly in the ground as soon as your soil can be worked.
• Transplant seedlings: After your seedlings have grown strong enough then according to their spacing requirements you can transplant them into the garden beds. 

Plants to consider

• Vegetables: Cauliflower, lettuce, chard, cabbage, peas, onions, potatoes, beets, and carrots. 
• Flowers: Daffodils, petunias, lilies, pansies, and tulips.
• Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, chives, basil, and dill.

2) Summer

Summer planting garden is best because it provides abundant harvests and fast growth. Summer is the season that brings longer days and warm temperatures. But it is important to protect plants from extreme heat by managing water. So, just follow the key tasks and focus on the plants mentioned below:

Tasks

• Watering: You can aid your plants to cope with heat stress by providing them with deep watering. Make sure you use mulch to suppress weeds and retain their soil moisture.
• Fertilize: The soil nutrients of heavy-feeding plants can be replenished by applying compost or balanced fertilizer. 
• Monitor pests and diseases: Just watch your pets and diseases daily. Also, don’t forget to take appropriate measures to control it.
• Shade-sensitive plants: Protective measures like shade cloth can be used to shield plants that are highly susceptible to sunburn.

Plants to consider

• Vegetables: Melons, cucumbers, beans, zucchini, okra, bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes.
• Flowers: Cosmos, marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias.
• Herbs: Lavender, thyme, oregano, rosemary and mint.

3) Autumn (Fall)

Autumn is a kind of transitional season in which temperatures start getting cool down. Due to this, it makes the perfect time for preparing for winter and start growing cool-season crops. You can follow some key tasks and plants to focus on during the autumn season: 

Tasks

• Plant cool-season crops: Transplant seedlings or sow seeds of cool-season vegetables only such as broccoli, kale, lettuce, radishes, etc. Such crops can easily thrive in cooler temperatures.
• Harvest and preserve: You can harvest mature crops and preserve excess produce with the aid of freezing, drying, or canning for later use.
• Clean up the garden: Now, remove spent plants and debris. After that, compost healthy plant material and prepare your garden for winter.

Plants to consider

• Vegetables: Cabbage, beets, turnips, cauliflower, carrots, brussels sprouts, and winter squash.
• Flowers: Asters, dianthus, and chrysanthemums.
• Herbs: Cilantro, thyme, and sage.

4) Winter

Winter is considered the resting period for the garden, mainly in colder climates in which it becomes challenging to grow outside. For winter gardening, you can follow some tasks and look for suitable plants:

Tasks

• Protect plants: If there are cold-sensitive plants outdoors then it would be preferable to use covers like blankets and cloths to protect them from freezing temperatures and frost.
• Plan for spring: This time should be used for planning and organizing the garden for the next upcoming season. Try to research and order seeds. Then plan the layout and consider any improvements or changes.

Plants to consider

• Cold-hardy vegetables: Winter varieties of chard, spinach, kale, and lettuce.
• Winter flowers: Ornamental cabbage and pansies.

Conclusion 

Growing your plants is a great way if someone wants a supply of fresh produce as their healthy diet part. However, it can also be a good and rewarding option for well-being. At last, keep in mind that planting dates and varieties can vary according to your climate zone and location.

The post Seasonal Planting Guide: What to Plant in Each Season first appeared on Rewaso.