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When to plant in the garden


Planting Calendar - When To Plant by Zone

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Two of the most important aspects of gardening are knowing when to plant and what to plant in your vegetable or flower garden. However, it can be difficult to know the exact time to begin planting in order for a garden to fully flourish throughout the growing season. If your plant or garden fails to thrive, simply adjusting your planting time frame might make a big difference. A planting calendar takes the guesswork out of the process.

The Gilmour planting guide is an ultimate guide on when to plant what, based on planting zones and frost dates. Read on to learn more about:

What is a planting calendar?

A planting calendar is a simple guide that tells when the optimal time to plant any type of vegetable, flower or plant is.

How does it work?

Planting calendars are designed to calculate the best time to start seeds and plant a garden. Timing for all planting is based on first and last frost dates. For example, if planting in hardiness zone 5, the last frost date is generally between April 1st – April 15th, and the first frost date typically falls between October 16th – October 31st. These dates will in part dictate when the best time to plant is.

From specific plants and vegetables that thrive in one particular zone, to when to plant, to how much water they need, to when to harvest, the Gilmour Planting Calendar provides everything you need to know to grow a bountiful garden.

What is a frost date?

A frost date is the first and last average day or range of days a frost is usually experienced in a zone. These are important to know, as some plants will not tolerate extreme cold from a frost. Keep frost dates in mind when deciding when to plant to ensure you have a garden that grows and produces as much as possible.

When to plant vegetables?

If you are wondering when the best time to plant vegetables in a specific area is, or what types tend to do better where you live, a planting and growing calendar is the first place you should look.

In zones where vegetables do very well as long as there isn’t an unusually late frost soon after planting (when a plant is still young and vulnerable). Even though you can plant and enjoy almost any vegetable here, we are still very cognizant of when to actually put something in the ground. For instance, broccoli and kale are planted in March – April, whereas corn and tomatoes won’t go in the ground until May – June. A planting calendar helps you decide exactly when to plant every type of vegetable.

When to plant flowers?

Determining when to plant flowers is easy once you learn the first and last frost date in your zone. Zones can be divided even amongst themselves, and this can slightly vary suggested planting dates by a week or two. Always look at the type of flower to see if it will tolerate your zone and frost dates. Hardy flowers like pansies and alyssum will survive light frosts, whereas tender flowers like dahlias and nasturtium need warm soil to grow properly. So, it is the type of flower combined with frost dates that will be the ultimate guide in creating a garden calendar that will result in the most beautiful blooms and bounty.

When to plant herbs?

Most herbs can be started from seed indoors or outdoors. Young starter plants can be put directly in the ground. All three options will often yield a great result. When to actually start or plant an herb greatly depends on zone and the type of herb you want to grow. Some herbs like chives can be started indoors 8 – 10 weeks, or outside 3 – 4 weeks, before the last frost.

When to plant fruits?

Planting fruit trees in early spring or late winter is typically fine if planting them in the ground. Container trees tend to do well if planted any time from September to May. However, if deep in the heart of winter, wait for a milder spell before planting. Other fruit such as strawberries can go in the ground as early as 6 weeks prior to the last average frost date in an area. The best time to plant fruit depends on what you want to plant and where you live.

How to calculate planting dates?

Calculating planting dates is different for each plant. It’s based on growing zone, frost dates and a plant’s maturity date and needs. A planting schedule can be created by determining the first frost date and then working backwards. This will help figure out the best planting date for whatever you are growing. The goal is to ensure a plant has enough time to mature before the first frost of the year. Once armed with this information, check the growing and maturity times for each individual plant or vegetable you will plant.

Why start planting seeds indoors?

Many people wonder about when to start planting seeds. There are many reasons why gardeners may choose to start plants from seed. Some do so simply to get a jump start on the gardening season, since the process can be started even while still cold out. For others, it’s the cost-factor that’s so attractive, as a pack of seeds is cheaper and will produce much more yield than a starter plant. And still others like to know exactly how their plants are raised – this is especially true for gardeners who are concerned with organic practices. But the biggest reason to start seeds indoors can be to protect seedlings from harsh weather conditions.

Which seeds should start indoors?

Some plants are better suited to be planted outdoors from the start. However, many varieties will do exceptionally well when started from seed indoors. Of course, it’s always important to keep in mind there are other factors to note besides just the type of plant. When to plant, and how well a plant will do indoors versus outdoors, will vary from plant to plant. Growing zone also needs to be taken into consideration.

Plants that you can start indoors from seed include:

When should you transplant seedlings?

One of the most important components to starting plants from seeds is timing. Knowing when to move seedlings outside is critical to a plant’s success. Wait too long and you risk a root bound plant and transplanting too soon means your plant may not be strong enough to survive the elements and shock from being moved to a new environment.

Surprisingly, size is not always a steadfast indicator of a plant being ready to move outdoors. Some seedlings will grow quickly but may not be ready to move outside. A better way than size to tell if a plant is mature enough to be transplanted is by the number of true leaves it has. If a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves, it is likely ready. Note that the very first leaves to grow are not what you’re looking for. Those initial leaves are cotyledons and store food for growing plants. True leaves emerge after the cotyledons.

Of course, temperature and frost play a big factor on when to transplant seedlings. Knowing the last frost date and a plant’s standard frost guidelines is important.

Common questions about planting calendars

Can there be more than one planting season?

Some zones offer succession planting, or “second plantings. ” Warmer climates, such as zones 7 – 10, will often provide two opportunities to plant some of your favorite veggies. For example, in Florida, you can plant peppers and tomatoes in February to enjoy a summer harvest, and then again in early fall for a winter harvest.

How to tell how much to water your garden?

A good rule of thumb is to water your garden about 2 inches each week. Use this guide very loosely, though, as specific plants, zones and planting areas will all dictate how much water is actually needed. The water needs of one plant versus another can vary tremendously.

When is the best time to plant a garden?

There really isn’t any one, good answer to this question. Just like water, soil, light and other growing conditions, plants can have very different needs for the best time to be planted. The only way to know for sure is to use a gardening calendar that calculates the first expected and last average last frost date in a specific zone – this will help determine planting timing for each plant.

What can I plant before winter?

Just because the weather is cooling off doesn’t mean the growing season has to be over. Cooler fall temperatures are the perfect time to plant many delicious vegetables such as garlic, asparagus, peas and onions and shallots.

When should I stop watering before harvesting?

For most plants, stop watering about 1 -3 days prior to harvest. Ideally, soil should be relatively dry, but plants should not be so thirsty they wilt or droop.

Planning a gardening calendar is exciting – and a planting calendar takes some of the guesswork out of the process, so it can also be fun and rewarding. With careful thought, the end result is an entire garden of gorgeous plants that will produce all season long.

a month by month calendar |

(Image credit: Dougal Waters / Getty Imabges)

Knowing when to plant vegetables is essential if you’re looking to grow your own edibles. Growing your own vegetables from seed is a great way to give a supply of fresh organic produce as part of a healthy diet, but it is also highly rewarding and good for wellbeing.  

While you can buy seedlings and plug plants from garden centres and online suppliers, planting vegetables from seed is the most economical way of growing produce, plus it also offers the opportunity to try all sorts of different vegetable varieties. However, with a dazzling array to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to begin.

Whether you’re in the process of creating a kitchen garden or simply want to grow a few veggies in containers on your patio or balcony space, this handy vegetable calendar will help get your kitchen garden ideas get off to the best start.

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

When to plant vegetables – points to consider

Planning when to plant vegetables can be confusing as there are a huge array of vegetable garden ideas, plus there are vegetables that can be planted in every month of the year, right through from January to December. 

A vegetable calendar is a great place to start when planning a kitchen garden as it will help you know when to buy seeds so that you don’t miss out on growing your favorite vegetables, plus will it help you organize crop rotations on your patch. It is also a handy source of inspiration for what to plant.

Exactly when to plant vegetables will depend on your climate and weather conditions, so while a vegetable calendar is a handy guide planning tool, it is also important to keep a tab on temperates in your region. 

Throughout the gardening year it's a good idea to note down key information on weather conditions to help build your own personal vegetable planting calendar. The last frost date is particularly useful for gauging when to start sowing and planting out tender crops. 

The temperature of the soil is a key factor in the germination of seeds, and different seeds germinate at different temperatures, so consider buying a soil thermometer to check the temperature is right for sowing.

Different varieties of the same type of vegetable can have different sowing and planting times, so always refer to the instructions on the seed packet. 

(Image credit: Future/Annaick Guitteny)

January

With the ground still very cold, January is a quiet time for sowing and planting vegetables, so this is the perfect opportunity to plan for the year ahead. Take time to look through seed catalogues and make a plan of your plot.

However, there are some things that can be planted under cover to get your growing season off to a head start.

Onions – if growing from seed then onions can be planted under cover in a greenhouse in January and February. While growing onions from sets (immature onion bulbs) is often the easiest method, knowing how to grow onions from seed may be useful as it is a more economical way of growing them if you are looking for a larger crop.

Potatoes - For those keen on learning how to grow potatoes then January is the time when you can begin the process by chitting your Early potato varieties. Chitting encourages potatoes to sprout prior to planting and is usually done 6 weeks before seed potatoes are planted into beds. 

Lay seed potatoes in a tray – egg boxes are often used – with their eyes point up and leave in a light, cool, frost-free place. When the shoots are 1/2-1 inch tall (1-2cm) then the potatoes are ready to plant.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

February

The weather is unpredictable in February but there are some vegetable varieties that can be sown under cover in the greenhouse or on a warm windowsill to kick start the growing season including hardy vegetables.

'In February, you can start sowing choices such as broad beans, peas, carrots, onions, the first potatoes and salad crops under cloches,' explains gardening expert Leigh Clapp. 

Edibles that need warmth and are suited to growing in a greenhouse can also be planted under cover in February including tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and eggplant.

With spring around the corner, February is a good time to prepare your beds for the growing season. You can also cover them with a plastic tarpaulin or cardboard to prevent the soil getting waterlogged.

(Image credit: Crocus)

What to plant indoors:

Fava beans – grow fava beans, also known as broad beans, by sowing them indoors into individual pots or modular trays ready for planting out 4-6 weeks later. Alternatively sow directly from March to May or in October to November for an early spring crop. You can also sow directly in February under cloches.

Tomatoes – sow tomatoes in a propagator in late February – this is the best time to sow if you are thinking of growing tomatoes in a greenhouse. Sow in seed trays or in individual pots if you want just a few plants.

Peppers – sow under cover from February until March. Sow seeds into pots or seed trays and place in a heated propagator 65–70°F (18–21°C) or on a sunny window sill covered with a plastic bag.

Eggplant – growing eggplant – or aubergines – in a greenhouse sow seeds in individual pots in February and plant out in April. Alternatively sow from January for cultivation in a heated greenhouse. If transplanting outside, sow seeds undercover in March and plant out once the risk of frost has past in later May.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What to sow outdoors:

Radish – sow seeds direct where they are to grow in short drills 12 inches (30cm) apart from February until August. Sow little and successively for a continual supply. If sowing in February consider using a cloche. 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

March

In milder regions and areas with light, sandy soil, March is the time when you can begin to sow some vegetable seeds outside. Sandy beds will benefit from the addition of organic matter to help the soil retain moisture. In cooler regions, and areas with heavy clay soil, outdoor sowing may be a little later, explains gardening expert Leigh Clapp.

'Clay soil needs breaking up and takes longer to warm up so suits later crops, whereas light soils are good for early vegetables but will need large quantities of manure and compost to avoid water draining away too rapidly. The ideal is loose, crumbly loam, which absorbs and holds water and nutrients, is well aerated and drains freely.'

If you live in a cooler region you may want to wait until April to begin direct sowing some of the vegetables on this list, however there are vegetable varieties that can be started off in the greenhouse in March, too, including: sweetcorn, spinach, parsnips, leek, kale, cauliflower, beetroot.

You can also continue to sow tomato, eggplant and peppers under cover.

(Image credit: coldsnowstorm / Getty Images)

What to sow indoors:

Pumpkin – sow under cover from March until May or sow direct from late May once frosts have passed.

Cucumber – if you are planning to cultivate cucumbers a greenhouse sow seeds now ½–¾in (1–2cm) deep, in small pots. Be sure to familiarise yourself with how to grow cucumbers before you start out.

Tomatoes – sow seeds under cover in March if you are planning to transplant them outside.

(Image credit: merlinpf / Getty Images)

What to sow outdoors:

Asparagus – plant asparagus crowns in late March and April.

Beetroot – direct sow in rows 12 inches (30cm) apart from March to July for harvesting in as little as 7 weeks. Thin out seedling to 4 inches (10cm) apart at about 1 inch (2. 5cm) tall. Sow every few weeks for continual supply.

Broad beans – sow seeds direct outside into rich fertile soil enriched with manure or organic matter. Sow in seeds at 9 inch (23cm) intervals in double rows set 9 inches (23cm) apart, with 24 inches (60cm) between each double row. Be sure to familiarise yourself with how to grow fava beans beforehand.

Leeks – sow leeks in March and April in a prepared seed bed for transplanting to their final position in early summer. Alternatively they can be sown under cover from January to March in modules and placed in a propagator ready for planting out later. Harvest from October to March.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Onions – plant onion sets from mid March to mid April. Alternatively plant from October and November.

Parsnips – direct sow from March to May in a prepared bed in a sunny position. The soil should be friable and stone-free. 

Peas – sow peas direct from March until July for picking from July to October. To grow them outdoors sow in trenches 2 inches (5cm) at around 3 inches (7.5cm) apart. 

There are three types of pea: Early, Second early and maincrop peas, and each is best planted at different times so be sure to research how to grow peas before starting out.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Potatoes – plant chitted First Early potatoes in mid-late March ready for harvesting in 11-13 weeks. When to plant potatoes will depend on what variety they are so be sure to do your research first.

Spinach – sow summer spinach direct from March to June. Sow every three weeks for picking from May to October. Sow thinly in drills 1inch (2.5cm) deep set 12 inches (30cm) apart. 

Spring Onion – sow seeds direct from March until August. Sow thinly in drills every three weeks for a continual supply. Spring onions can be harvested in just 8 weeks from sowing.

(Image credit: Future)

April

April is a busy month in the vegetable garden as it is when the outdoor sowing season gets into full swing.  

Be sure to label your sowings with the vegetable variety and date as you go. If sowing direct avoid treading on freshly dug soil, instead use boards to stand on. 

What to plant indoors:

Zucchini – you can grow zucchini by sowing zucchini seeds in 3 inch (7.5cm) pots and place in a propagator or on a sunny windowsill.

Sweetcorn – for best results sow sweetcorn seeds under glass in mid April and early May and plant out in late May to early June. 

To avoid root disturbance sow in 3 inch pots, sow two seeds about one inch deep. Alternatively sow outdoors in mid May – sow in blocks with 2 seeds every 18 inches and 1 inch deep. 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What to plant outdoors:

Broccoli – to grow broccoli, sow direct outdoors from May to April. Sow where they are to grow or alternatively sow in a seedbed or under cover, and transplant them to their final position 5-7 weeks after sowing.  

Carrots – If you're wondering how to grow carrots, April is the month to start sowing the seeds outdoors – sow thinly ½in (1cm) deep in rows 6–12in (15–30cm) apart. Ensure the soil is well dug over and raked to a fine tilth – it needs to be free from stones as this can result in forked carrots.

‘For sweet, small carrots, sow every few weeks from early spring to late summer for a successional harvest from June to November,’ says gardening expert Leigh Clapp. 

Alternatively, for an early crop, sow varieties such as 'Nantes' under cloches or in the greenhouse in February and March.

Cabbage – sow winter cabbage April and May. Transplant seedlings to their final position in late June to July and when the plants have 5-6 true leaves.

(Image credit: Miracle Gro)

Cauliflower – sow outdoors in April for transplanting in June. There are three types of cauliflower – spring, summer and autumn and sowing times will vary on what type you choose to grow.

Chard – chard, also known as beet leaf, is a tasty and versatile hardy biennial that can be sown direct from March to September however sowings in April and July are a good way to ensure a continual crop throughout the year. 

'For great-value yielders you can’t beat Swiss chard and perpetual spinach that will crop for a whole year and throughout winter,' says gardening expert Leigh Clapp.

Potatoes – plant Second Early potatoes in early to mid April and maincrop potatoes  in mid to late April.

Salads and lettuce – direct sow rocket, salads and summer lettuce. Or sow from March under cloches.

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

May

May continues to be a busy month for sowing vegetable seeds. From mid-May the risk of frost in the UK has usually passed, meaning you can begin to direct sow half-hardy annuals and begin to harden off tender vegetables grown under cover ready for planting outside including courgettes, pumpkin and French beans.  

Hardening off is where tender plants are gradually brought outside to acclimatise them to cooler temperatures. If raised in a heated greenhouse, move plants to an unheated greenhouse for around two weeks before then moving them to a cold frame. 

If you do not have a greenhouse or cold frame then move the plants outside into the sun for a couple of hours a during the day and slowly increase the time period. 

You can continue to direct sow broccoli, cabbage, carrot, parsnip, peas and spinach.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What to plant outdoors:

French beans – direct sow French beans from May when the risk of frost has passed, or sow under cover from March for transplanting later. Make successive sowing until the end of June for picking until early October.

You'll know when to pick green beans and French beans by the appearance of the crop. The beans should be pencil thin, around 4 inches long, and without any visible bumps along the pod.  

Zucchini – direct sow zucchini outside in late May to June. Plant out courgettes grown under cover from late May but be sure to harden them off beforehand.

Pumpkin – to grow pumpkins, direct sow pumpkin seeds where they are to grow in late May or early June. Pumpkins grow best in warm weather so cover with cloches to give them the best start.

(Image credit: PhotoAlto/Jerome Gorin / Getty Images)

June

In June you can continue to make successive sowings off radish, salad and carrots, as well as direct sow zucchini, beetroot, peas, French beans and parsnips.

What to plant outdoors:

Fennel – Sow seeds direct in late June in fertile, moist soil. Thin to one plant every 10in (25cm) in rows 18in (45cm) apart, and water during dry spells.

Brassicas – direct sow brassicas such as kale cabbage, broccoli and Brussel sprouts for harvesting in winter

(Image credit: Getty Images)

July

July is the last chance to sow French beans and you can also plant out winter winer leeks into their final position. Fast-growing vegetables can still be sown including radish, spring onions and beetroot.

There is plenty of harvesting to be done in July which will keep you busy including, carrots, radish, beetroot, chard, peas, salad leaves, broad beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and more!

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What to sow outside:

Chard – Sowing a second crop of chard in July will give you a fresh supply through autumn. Sowing made in July can also be overwintered for picking the following spring.

Spring cabbage – sow spring cabbage in July and August in seed beds and transplant to their final position in September and October ready for picking the following spring.

Pak choi  – great in soups and salads and easy to grow from seed, pak choi can be harvested in as early as 30 days in baby leaf form or in 45-70 days as semi-mature to full size heads. 

They can be grown outside over winter, providing you with fresh greens all the way through to spring but will benefit from some protection. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 1/2 an inch (1cm) in rows 15 inches (38cm) apart. The seedlings will need thinning to different distances depending on how mature you want to grow your pak choi.

(Image credit: coldsnowstorm / Getty Images)

August 

In August your vegetable plot will be at its peak with a glut of produce ready for harvest, however there are some things you can plant including winter crops such as spinach, kohl rabi, and spring cabbage as well as winter salad leaves.

(Image credit: Dougal Waters / Getty Images)

What so plant outside:

Spinach – late august is a good time to sow a second crop of spinach. 

Spinach is a cool season crop which can easily go to seeds in the heat, so seeds are best grown in early spring as well as in late summer and early fall. 

It can also be over wintered with protection. For later sowings look for 'long-day' varieties. Check out how to grow spinach for more tips.

Kohl rabi – If sown in August this brassica can be harvested up until November. Sow direct in drills 12 inches (30cm) apart and at a depth of ½in (1cm) deep. Thin out seedlings at 1in 2.5cm tall to a final spacing of 6in 15cm (15cm) apart and keep well watered in hot weather. Pick when between the size of a golf and tennis ball.

(Image credit: The Garden Smallholder)

September

Winter salads – there are many hardy salads that will grow over winter including Lamb’s lettuce, mustard greens, 'Winter Gem' lettuce, arugula and oriental leaves such as mibuna and mizuna. 

Early fall is the perfect time to sow these as the soil is still warm. Seeds can be sown in seed trays or direct into finely raked soil.

You can also continue to make sowings of chard.

(Image credit: Jonathan Buckley for Sarah Raven)

October

What to plant outside:

Garlic – October is when you can start growing garlic. Garlic is often grown from sets rather than seed and is best planted in autumn as it needs a cold spell to stimulate growth. However there are varieties that can be planted in early spring. 

Sets should be purchased from garden centres or specialist mail order supplier and not from the supermarket. There are two main sorts to choose from: hardneck and softneck. 

To sow, split the bulb into cloves and plant in rows 4-6 inches (10-15cm) apart, 1 inch (2.5cm) deep with the pointed end facing up. 

Garlic can rot in waterlogged soil so is you have heavy clay soil consider starting them off in modules finding out more on how to grow garlic will ensure your crop is a success.

Broad beans – if your vegetable garden is in a sheltered position early varieties of broad beans can be planted direct in October for an early crop the following year.

(Image credit: Trine Loklindt EyeEm/Getty Images)

November

As the temperature drops there are little sowings that can be made in November, but there is still plenty of edibles to harvest including brassicas such as kale, cabbage, Brussel sprouts and kalettes.  

Root vegetables can be lifted including the last of the carrots, parsnip, beetroot and celeriac, plus hardy salad leaves can be picked. 

Asparagus – while the crowns are traditionally planted in spring, you can grow asparagus by planting in fall, too, to help give the crop a head start.

(Image credit: Alamy)

December

December is a good time to plan what you are going to grow in the year ahead and crisp winter days can be a good opportunity to prepare the soil for the coming growing season. Take notes of what worked well and plan crop rotations for the year to come. 

Winter salad – seeds of mustard greens, mizuna, corn salad, lambs lettuce and ‘Winter Gem’ lettuce can be grown outside in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. If you live in a mild area you can grow them in the ground and use cloches to protect them if temperatures dip dramatically.

Garlic – December is the last chance to plant fall garlic varieties.  

If you live in a mild climate and you have free-draining soil sets can be planted directly – they do not grow well in waterlogged soils. 

(Image credit: RHS/Georgi Mabee)

What month do you plant vegetables?

There are vegetables that can be planted right through the year from January to December. Using a vegetable planting calendar is a handy tool for planning when to plant vegetables, but ultimately what month you plant vegetables will depend on your climate and growing zone, as well as the last frost date in your area. 

Generally March and April, when the soil begins to warm, are the best months to begin sowing many hardy annual vegetable seeds outdoors including broccoli, cabbage, chard, carrots, peas and parsnips. Some of these can be started off under cover in a greenhouse or on a sunny window sill from February to help give them a head start, ready for planting outside once the weather warms. 

Vegetables suited for growing in a greenhouse such as tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, cucumbers and chilli peppers can also be planted undercover from February.

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

From March, frost-tender, half-hardy vegetables can be started off under cover ready for transplanting once the risk of frost has passed including zucchini, pumpkin, sweetcorn and aubergine. After this time, generally from late May and June, frost tender half-hardy annual vegetables can then be planted out into their final position or sown directly outside.

Successive sowings of many fast maturing vegetables can be sown from March up until July including radish, beetroot and spring onions. 

In July and August many hardy vegetables can be planted for winter harvesting including cabbage, pak choi, spring cabbage, spinach and chard.

The growing season slows from October when temperatures begin to dip but this is the prime time to plant garlic. winter salads can continue to be planted and broad beans can be sown for an early spring crop.

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

Gardening calendar: what and when to plant at home and in the country

Tips

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JANUARY

January is the perfect month for planning your future plantings. Inspect pots and tubs, check gardening tools and order seeds. If you still can not wait to start planting, sow chili peppers. Keep the plants warm and use grow lights when the seeds sprout.

FEBRUARY

It's time to plant tomatoes for seedlings, prune geraniums, apples and pears. For good growth, tomatoes need sunlight: it is desirable that the windows in the apartment face south. To create a comfortable environment for the seeds to grow, the boxes must be covered with foil. For individual pots, you can make a mini-greenhouse from cut plastic bottles.

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As soon as the snow melts and the soil thaws, you can start replanting trees and shrubs. It is important to do this while the plant is dormant - in a fairly short period of 2-3 weeks between the snow melting and the buds swelling. Trim dead perennials and shrubs to make room for new, healthy growth. In addition, March is a great time for planting any seedlings (peppers, celery, eggplant, artichokes, tomatoes, physalis) and some types of flowers (asters, petunias, dahlias, coleus, mirabilis, geraniums). It is also time to start sowing spicy and salad herbs (basil, coriander, parsley, dill, onion, parsnip, different types of lettuce).

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APRIL

April is the time for planting seeds of cold-resistant crops in open ground; Toward the end of the month, you can plant cucumbers, sunflowers, and sweet peas. After April 20, depending on the temperature, most vegetable crops (carrots, radishes, turnips, radishes, beets, peas, beans, corn, onions, beans, potatoes) can also be sown in the ground. In addition, April is the best time to prune roses.

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In May, you can start planting plants on the balcony and in the garden. In mid-May (depending on the temperature outside), you can plant citrus, fig, olive and other types of Mediterranean heat-loving trees. Overwintered tubers of dahlias, irises, gladiolus and lilies can be returned back to the soil. We plant strawberries and wild strawberries on the balcony. Indoors, we plant different varieties of cabbage, zucchini and pumpkin for seedlings.

June is the "high season" for growing any crop, both indoors and outdoors. Everything is growing well! Dig up the soil, remove weeds, add fertilizer if necessary. As soon as the cold nights are over, summer flowers can be planted in open ground.

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Now the gardener's main concern is not so much growing as caring for his plantings. Water vegetables, flowers and trees regularly, remove weeds. Mowed grass can be placed under beds and bushes: this prevents weeds and fertilizes the soil. If you have tomatoes growing, in July they begin to actively bear fruit, so you should regularly remove the tops and "stepchildren" and do not forget that it's time for the second feeding of tomatoes.

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AUGUST

This month can be described in three words: weeding, watering, harvesting. Also in August, you can plant strawberry seedlings again, divide and replant peonies, divide and propagate spring flowering perennials, prune berry bushes and fruit trees after harvest.

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SEPTEMBER

Harvesting, tree and shrub pruning and planting of perennials, shrubs and trees continues in September. It is also time to collect and dry the seeds for spring sowing. Vegetables from which it is easy to collect seeds: beans, peas, tomatoes, zucchini, pumpkins. And it's time to plant spring bulbs - this should be done before frost, the earlier in the fall, the better.

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OCTOBER

In October, the first frosts come, so it's time to dig dahlia tubers out of the ground and prepare them for wintering (these flowers do not tolerate frost well). It is also a good month to continue planting shrubs and roses. Deciduous shrubs and trees can be planted until the ground is frozen. And do not forget to plant tulip bulbs (in winter they form the substances necessary for flowering): they should be placed in the ground when the soil temperature drops to 10 degrees at a depth of 15 cm. Carrots and garlic can be planted from vegetables before winter, and then already at the beginning summer harvest awaits you.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

The harvest is harvested, the plants are planted - you can take a break from the garden! Time to make bird feeders and care for houseplants. You can also now grow amaryllis bulbs and hyacinths.

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TIP: To improve your yield, attract more butterflies, bees, bumblebees, and other pollinating insects to your yard or balcony by planting honey plants. Here are some of them: crocus, lavender, loosestrife, purple echinacea, verbena, lilac, meadowsweet, thyme, sunflower, calendula.

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How to plant trees in the garden

If you plant trees too close to each other or try to "make friends" incompatible crops, the garden will not bring a decent harvest. Read our article on how to avoid this.

Let's talk about what factors to consider when arranging trees in a garden.

What plants can be planted nearby

This is perhaps one of the most important things to find out before planting seedlings. The compatibility of plants is called allelopathy. It is both negative and positive.

The best compatibility of fruit trees will be achieved if plants of the same species are planted side by side: apple trees with apple trees, pears with pears, cherries with cherries. But such a garden of the same type will look rather boring. And therefore, in our gardens, trees of different types grow, which are important to plant correctly. For example, a pear will feel great next to an apple tree and red mountain ash, while a cherry or peach will give her a lot of inconvenience.

In the case of positive allelopathy, the trees in the garden can not only exist safely in the neighborhood, but also be mutually beneficial. Therefore, before planning plantings in the garden, it is recommended to check the compatibility table of different crops.

Worst of all with the "neighbors" in the garden get along walnut. This tree is considered toxic and can inhibit almost all fruit crops. Therefore, if you are going to start such a plant in the garden, find a place for it on the outskirts of the site, where it will not bother anyone.

How to make a tree planting plan

Drawing up a plan will depend on many factors - primarily on its size, location and degree of illumination.

Garden site selection

Most trees prefer to grow in full sun. Therefore, the garden should be located so that light-loving crops (apricot, pear, peach, plum, cherry, apple tree) are located on the south or south-west side of the site. Here they will grow and bear fruit best.

If the area allotted for planting trees in your area is small, plants should be placed in steps: low - on the south side, tall - closer to the north.

Garden styles

When planning a garden, the first thing to do is to decide how the trees will be planted. There are two main garden styles:

When planning a regular garden, crops should be arranged so that they organize symmetrical shapes (squares or rectangles). It is advisable to "arrange" the trees in a row so that straight paths can be laid between them. It is permissible to place plants on the site and in a checkerboard pattern - so they will receive more sunlight.

If the site is on a hill, then the rows of trees should be placed across the slope.

Landscape style looks more natural - trees in nature grow chaotically. That is, you can place the crops in any way you want (taking into account the compatibility of plants and other factors that affect their successful growth). This method of planting fruit crops is suitable for uneven areas, with depressions and mounds, since such "shortcomings" of the relief will create the illusion of a natural composition.

Selection of species and varieties of fruit trees

After you decide on the location of the trees and the planting scheme, it is worth considering how many and which plants should be planted. To do this, it is best to draw a rough site plan with all buildings and large objects. The selection of species and varieties of horticultural crops should be carried out with the condition that they can pollinate each other.

For example, if you are planting apple trees, make sure that more than half of the seedlings are winter varieties. Their fruits will subsequently be stored until spring or even early summer.

The maturity of the crop is also an important criterion. It is advisable to plant varieties with different ripening dates - this will extend the harvest time.

Distance between trees

In order for crops to have enough space for harmonious development, they must be planted at a certain distance from each other, as well as from buildings. So, cherries and plums should not be located closer than 3 m from the boundaries of the site (as well as from fences and buildings). It is advisable to plant apple and pear trees even further away from them.

The distance between the rows of trees grafted on tall rootstocks should be on average about 5-6 m. In the rows between crops, a gap of 4-5 m should be left. If you plant fruit crops closer, they will begin to stretch ahead of time (they will stretch towards the sun), their productivity will decrease, and the quality of the crop will deteriorate.

If you plan to plant trees with a small crown, the distance between them can be reduced by 0.5-1 m. With mixed placement of fruit trees and berry bushes, the distance between crops in rows should be increased by 1-2 m, and between rows - by 1-1.5 m.

Culture

Row spacing (m)

Distance between plants in a row (m)

Apricot

5-6

3-4

Quince

5-6

3-4

Cherry tall

4-5

3-4

Low cherry

3-4

2. 5-3

Pear on vigorous rootstock

6-8

4-6

Pear on a stunted rootstock

4-5

1.5-2.5

Sea buckthorn

2.5-3

2-2.5

Walnut

6-8

4-5

Peach

5-6

3-4

Tall plum

4-5

3-4

Plum stunted

3-4

2. 5-3

Apple tree on vigorous rootstock

6-8

4-6

Apple tree on a low-growing rootstock

4-5

1.5-2.5

When to plant trees: in autumn or spring

Trees are usually only planted or replanted when they are at rest: in spring or autumn. In summer, such a procedure is unsafe, because the plants are in the midst of the growing season. And if you disturb a young tree at this time, then after the stress it has suffered, it runs the risk of getting sick or even dying. How to determine in which season it is right to plant trees? The choice depends on the climate zone.

Region

Time of planting (replanting) trees

Southern regions

Trees are planted in autumn. Seedlings planted in the spring run the risk of not having time to take root before the onset of hot weather. Therefore, they can get bark burns or die from lack of moisture in the soil

Central regions

Trees can be planted in both spring and autumn. Regardless of the time of planting, the result will be approximately the same: in a temperate climate, seedlings of fruit crops will take root safely

Northern regions

Trees are planted in spring. Not too hot spring and summer will allow the plants to adapt and timely leave for winter rest. Fruit crops planted in autumn, on the contrary, will not be able to acclimatize in time and will die with the onset of the first frosts

How many trees to plant in the garden

Usually each gardener decides individually, based on the size of the plot and his needs.

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