Year-Round Garden Planning: When to do it and why it’s important
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Hello, fellow garden lovers! I’m Miss Marissa, a preschool gardening teacher who adores getting little hands dirty while teaching the magic of growing food. One of the best lessons I’ve learned over the years is that with a little planning, you can enjoy fresh produce all year long! Let’s dive into how and when to plan your garden for each season, complete with helpful dates and tools to keep you on track.
Why Plan Year-Round?
Gardening isn’t just a springtime activity—it’s a full-year adventure! With a bit of foresight, you can have fresh tomatoes in the summer, hearty kale in the winter, and crispy garlic ready for next year’s harvest. The key? Planning ahead! Below, I’ve mapped out when to plan and plant so you never miss a season.
Garden Planning by Season
Winter (December – February) – Dream and Plan
It may be chilly outside, but winter is the perfect time to dream big! Use this time to sketch out your garden, order seeds, and prepare for early planting. 📅 Set a reminder: Add to Google Calendar – Garden Planning
Spring (March – May) – Start Planting
Spring is when things start getting exciting!
- March: Start cool-weather crops like broccoli, kale, and potatoes.
- April: Sow beans directly into the garden.
- May: Get tomatoes in the ground after the last frost. 📅 Set a reminder: Garden Planning – Spring
Summer (June – August) – Maintain and Harvest
- Keep up with weeding and watering!
- Plant a second round of beans for a late summer harvest.
- July-August: Start planning for your fall garden! 📅 Set a reminder: Garden Planning – Summer
Fall (September – November) – Extend the Harvest
- September: Plant garlic for next year!
- October: Start cold-hardy crops like kale for winter.
- November: Mulch garden beds to protect soil over winter. 📅 Set a reminder: Garden Planning – Fall
Helpful Tools for Staying on Track
Garden Planning Apps:
- Farmer’s Almanac Garden Planner- https://www.almanac.com/planning-vegetable-garden-garden-planner-vegetables-herbs-and-flowers
I use Seedtime to plan our garden. I like how easy it is to use and how you can select your growing zone, what you are planting, and get reminders for garden tasks. It has helped us increase crops by scheduling succession planting.
Garden Planning Books & Planners:
- Garden Journal and Planner– https://amzn.to/43EcPYt
- Year-Round Vegetable Gardener Book– https://amzn.to/3XDQUwK
Final Thought: Just Start!
Planning makes gardening more rewarding, but don’t stress if you’re a little behind. There’s always something you can grow, no matter the season. Grab a garden planner, mark your calendar, and enjoy the journey of year-round gardening. Happy growing!
If you’re eager to start planting with your little one but don’t know where to start, sign up for our free planting class! We designed the experience to focus on preschool aged children, but gardening is foreverone. Select the “workshop” tab for more information. Hope to see you there!
