How to Plant a Seasonal Garden
With the sun shining and pollinators out to play, the summer months provide the perfect recipe for planting and growing a garden. But while summer is ideal for getting down to the dirty work of gardening, every season comes with its own unique mix of blooms.
The benefits of gardening are numerous and proven: gardening increases your vitamin D levels, boosts your mood and even combats loneliness into old age. Reap these advantages all year round by learning how to plant a strategic seasonal garden.
With the right concoction of seeds, sunlight and, of course, TLC, you can plant a fruitful garden that survives rain, snow, hot and cold alike. Our seasonal gardening tips will advise you which plants bloom best in which seasons, how to tend to your garden during difficult weather and how best to reap the rewards of gardening from January to December.
SUMMER
What to Grow
Fruit -- Strawberries. The classic, all-American red berry is ripe for the picking in June.
Vegetables -- Zucchini. A wonderful winter squash that can be eaten 50-60 days after picking.
Flowers -- Marigolds. These sunny annuals come in bright colors and bloom throughout the dog days of summer.
What to Do
Weed diligently. Flowers aren’t the only thing that blooms throughout the summer months. Take advantage of the sunshine to weed regularly, which ensures your annuals will live to bloom another year.
Prune spring bulbs. As the weather warms up and summer plants start to bloom, spring bulbs dry out and die off. Prune dead leaves regularly with sharp, high-quality shears.
Our recommendation: Sophie Conran Hand Pruners -- $45, Williams & Sonoma
What to Make
Organic Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. The classic dessert is a summer staple, perfect for entertaining in the garden.
Zucchini Salad with Roasted Corn. Summer BBQs beg for side dishes bursting with fresh flavor. This zucchini salad from Plated Cravings checks all the boxes!
DIY Flower Hoop Wreath. Beautiful summer blooms lend themselves to DIY home decor such as this flower hoop wreath from Decor Hint.
FALL
What to Grow
Fruit -- Apples. The famous fall fruit grows best in temperate weather, making fall the perfect hour for harvesting.
Vegetables -- Pumpkin. Everyone’s favorite fall flavor comes into bloom around the month of September.
Flowers -- Chrysanthemums. These festive flowers grow in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows that rival the colorful fall leaves.
What to Do
Bring sensitive plants inside. Anytime a freeze is expected, check the USDA Hardiness Zone Finder. Any plants that aren’t hardy should be brought indoors.
Spread mulch. Fall is the perfect season for spreading mulch, which helps protect plants’ fragile roots. When laying down mulch, always avoid trunks and stems to prevent rotting.
Our recommendation: A MANO Ceramic Planter -- $34, west elm
What to Make
Hot Apple Cider. Fall’s favorite hot beverage never tasted so sweet.
Pumpkin Mousse. Featuring chantilly cream and cranberry granola, this decadent mousse recipe is ripe with the flavors of fall.
Easy Fall Centerpiece. Complement an arrangement of mums with a centerpiece from 2 Bees in a Pod that takes only moments to assemble.
WINTER
What to Grow
Fruit -- Pomegranates. The food of the gods blooms through January, making it the perfect addition to a wintry salad.
Vegetables -- Kale. Warm up with one of our favorite superfoods, which goes beautifully in soups and stews.
Flowers -- Poinsettias. These red beauties are the classic Christmas flowers for a reason!
What to Do
Cover up. Protect flowering plants from the frost with a cover. Choose burlap over plastic - or reuse an old sheet - for the ultimate eco-friendly solution.
Prepare for spring. Winter makes the perfect season to stock up on new tools - and sharpen old ones - to ensure you’re ready for peak gardening this spring.
Our recommendation: Essential Garden Tools, Complete Set -- $308, Food52
What to Make
Winter Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate and Almonds. This seasonal salad depends on light flavors to compliment the natural sweetness of pomegranate seeds.
Crispy Kale Chips. Nothing beats snacking on something salty while on a winter Netflix binge. These kale chips are both crispy and healthy to boot!
Poinsettia Christmas Tree. Deck the tree in poinsettias from head-to-toe like Jen Woodhouse for a classy twist on traditional holiday decor.
SPRING
What to Grow
Fruit -- Sweet cherries. Juicy, flavorful cherries are ready to enjoy as early as May in warmer climates.
Vegetables -- Peas. Packed with protein, the childhood favorite makes the perfect addition to your plate this spring.
Flowers -- Tulips. These flowering bulbs grow back year-after-year to color your spring in style.
What to Do
Plant grass. Spring is the prime season for reseeding. Give your lawn a little TLC this time of year for lush, green grass come summer.
Start composting. Fertile soil comprises the key ingredient to a successful spring garden. DIY your compost bin for fresh, organic fertilizer made close to home.
Our recommendation: Bamboo Kitchen Compost Bin -- $40, Pottery Barn
What to Make
Winter Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate and Almonds. This seasonal salad depends on light flavors to compliment the natural sweetness of pomegranate seeds.
Crispy Kale Chips. Nothing beats snacking on something salty while on a winter Netflix binge. These kale chips are both crispy and healthy to boot!
Poinsettia Christmas Tree. Deck the tree in poinsettias from head-to-toe like Jen Woodhouse for a classy twist on traditional holiday decor.