Seasonal Planting Guide: What to Plant Each Month

Gardening is a timeless pursuit that connects us with the rhythm of nature, and knowing what to plant each month is key to a successful garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this seasonal planting guide will help you make the most of each month and keep your garden thriving year-round.

January

As the New Year begins, it’s time to focus on hardy winter vegetables and early spring blooms. Plant garlic cloves, onion sets, and shallots for a bountiful harvest later in the year. Consider adding winter-flowering plants like snowdrops and hellebores to add a touch of colour to your garden during the colder months.

February

As winter begins to loosen its grip, it’s time to start sowing seeds indoors in preparation for the growing season ahead. Plant seeds for early vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, as well as hardy annuals like sweet peas and calendula. Take advantage of any mild days to prepare the soil for planting by removing weeds and adding compost or well-rotted manure.

March

Spring is officially here, and it’s time to get busy in the garden. Plant cool-season crops like spinach, kale, and radishes directly into the ground, and continue sowing seeds indoors for warm-season vegetables like courgettes and cucumbers. Don’t forget to start hardening off any seedlings you’ve started indoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

April

With warmer temperatures and longer days, April is a busy time in the garden. Plant out any frost-sensitive vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and courgettes once the risk of frost has passed. Sow seeds for annual flowers like cosmos and zinnias to add colour and beauty to your garden throughout the summer months.

May

May is the month when the garden truly comes alive. Plant out summer bedding plants like petunias and marigolds to add instant colour to borders and containers. Continue sowing seeds for vegetables like beans and squash, and don’t forget to water and feed your plants regularly to encourage healthy growth.

June

With the arrival of summer, it’s time to focus on maintaining and enjoying your garden. Keep on top of weeding and watering, and harvest vegetables like lettuce, peas, and strawberries as they ripen. Consider planting heat-loving crops like peppers, aubergines, and sweetcorn for a late summer harvest.

July

As the summer heat intensifies, it’s important to water your garden regularly and provide shade for heat-sensitive plants. Continue harvesting vegetables like courgettes, beans, and tomatoes, and deadhead flowering plants to encourage more blooms. Consider planting a second crop of fast-growing vegetables like salad greens and radishes for a fall harvest.

August

As summer begins to wind down, it’s time to start thinking about fall and winter crops. Sow seeds for cool-season vegetables like kale, spinach, and carrots, and plant bulbs for spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips. Continue harvesting summer crops, and preserve any excess by freezing, canning, or drying for later use.

September

With the arrival of autumn, it’s time to start tidying up the garden and prepare for winter. Harvest any remaining summer crops, and clear away spent plants to make room for fall and winter vegetables. Plant garlic cloves and onion sets for a harvest next summer, and continue planting spring-flowering bulbs for a burst of colour next year.

October

As the days grow shorter and cooler, it’s time to focus on preparing the garden for winter. Plant spring-flowering bulbs like crocuses and hyacinths for a splash of colour next year, and continue planting cool-season vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts, and leeks. Mulch your garden beds to protect plants from frost and conserve moisture over the winter months.

November

With winter just around the corner, November is a time to focus on protecting your garden from the elements. Bring tender plants indoors or cover them with fleece to protect them from frost, and insulate outdoor taps and pipes to prevent freezing. Continue planting spring-flowering bulbs, and consider adding evergreen plants like holly and ivy to add interest to your garden during the winter months.

December

As the year draws to a close, December is a time to reflect on the joys of the past year and look forward to the promise of the year ahead. Take some time to plan your garden for next year, and start ordering seeds and bulbs for spring planting. Continue tidying up the garden and clearing away debris, and enjoy the beauty of your garden in its winter coat.

By following this seasonal planting guide, you can make the most of each month in your garden and keep it looking its best year-round. Whether you’re planting vegetables, flowers, or bulbs, there’s always something to do in the garden, no matter the time of year. Happy gardening!