Seasonal Planting Guide

Welcome to the Seasonal Planting Guide at SowHaven, your trusted resource for year-round gardening success! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green-thumb journey, our guide is designed to help you make the most of every season in the USA.

Gardening is all about timing, and understanding what to plant and when can transform your garden into a thriving haven of beauty and abundance. From spring blossoms to winter vegetables, we’ve got you covered with planting tips tailored to the unique climate and growing conditions across the United States.

Spring Planting Guide

(March – May)

Spring is the perfect time to wake up your garden! As the soil warms and the days grow longer, it’s ideal for sowing seeds and planting early crops.

Vegetables: Start planting cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes. As temperatures rise, transition to tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini.
Flowers: Plant vibrant spring blooms such as daffodils, tulips, and pansies. Add perennials like daylilies and hostas for long-term beauty.
Tips: Prepare your soil with compost and mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Summer Planting Guide

(June – August)

Summer is the season of growth and harvest! Focus on maintenance, pest control, and planting heat-tolerant crops.

Vegetables: Sow quick-growing crops like beans, corn, and summer squash. Mid-summer is also the time to plant second rounds of cucumbers and carrots.
Flowers: Add colourful annuals like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. Sun-loving flowers thrive in the heat.
Tips: Water deeply and regularly in the early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation. Mulch generously to keep roots cool.

Fall Planting Guide

(September – November)

As the weather cools, fall is the time to plant crops and flowers that thrive in mild temperatures. It’s also perfect for preparing your garden for the next year.

Vegetables: Plant leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. Root crops like turnips, beets, and garlic are ideal for fall planting.
Flowers: Add mums, asters, and ornamental cabbages for a burst of autumn colour. Fall is also the best time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
Tips: Clean up summer plants, and apply a layer of mulch to insulate soil for winter.

Winter Planting Guide

(December – February)

While many gardens rest in winter, there’s still plenty to do. Winter is the perfect time for planning, preparing, and even planting in milder regions.

Vegetables: In warmer zones, grow cold-hardy crops like broccoli, cabbage, and onions. Indoors, start seeds for early spring planting.
Flowers: Plant evergreen shrubs for year-round structure. Add hellebores or snowdrops for delicate winter blooms.
Tips: Protect outdoor plants with frost blankets and ensure pots are insulated. Take this time to plan your spring garden and organise your tools.

Regional Considerations

The USA is vast, with diverse growing zones. It’s important to consider your local USDA Hardiness Zone when deciding what to plant and when.

Northern States: Shorter growing seasons; focus on cold-hardy crops and early planting.
Southern States: Longer growing seasons; enjoy year-round planting opportunities.
Coastal Regions: Milder climates allow for extended growing seasons and diverse crops.

Why Seasonal Planting Matters

Planting according to the seasons ensures:

Optimal growth and yield.
Reduced pest and disease risks.
Sustainable gardening practices.

At SowHaven, we help you plant smarter and grow better, no matter the season. Please bookmark this page and join our community of gardening enthusiasts as we sow the seeds of joy all year long. 🌱