When To Plant Vegetables – A Month By Month Calendar

January is not an ideal month to start planting vegetables for a bountiful harvest because the cold temperature stuns the plants hampering their growth.

However, that does not stop an enthusiastic gardener, like yourself, from getting a head start for the year. Numerous vegetables such as onions and potatoes can be started indoors in a greenhouse or covered to protect the seedlings from frost and freezing.

Onions: Onion seeds can be planted inside of greenhouse for the seedlings to start growing early on. The onion sets can be later transplanted to the garden in mid-March or early April.

Potatoes: January is the perfect time for preparing the potato seeds. Start the chitting process inside a greenhouse or a covered shade for the potato seeds to sprout making it easier and faster to transplant them later in mid-March.

Cabbages: Starting the summer cabbages inside of a greenhouse in January is a great idea if you wish to have a bountiful harvest quickly. The cabbage seedlings can be transplanted outside in the garden in March or April after the risk of frosting has passed.

Other vegetables to consider planting or starting in January include:

• Fava beans (Indoors)
• Kohlrabi (seeds or transplants)
• Mustard (seeds or transplants)
• Onions bulbing (transplants)

February has the most unpredictable weather of all the months but with the spring just about to start this month is also the best time to prepare for the planting season.

Gardners can start with starting seedlings indoors in a greenhouse or a covered area for them to later be transplanted to the grounds or start crops directly outdoors.

Radishes: Radishes are one of the hardiest vegetables that can be sown directly outdoors without requiring any covers. Radishes have a short seed-to-harvest time making them great vegetables for this transitional time as the grounds can be turned around for spring planting.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes can be started indoors inside of unheated greenhouse or enclosed area with no risk of chills or frosts. Little tomato plants will be ready for their new home outdoors by the end of March.

Peppers: Just like tomatoes, peppers also work great for indoor sowing where the ideal temperature is around 18 to 21°C. They will also be ready to go outdoors alongside their neighbor's tomatoes. Fun fact, tomatoes and peppers make exceptional companion plants to grow together.

Other vegetables to plant during this time include:

• Eggplant (indoors)
• Fava beans (indoors)

March is a fantastic month to start the full-fledging planting season and bring out all the indoor saplings outdoors to their permanent homes.

Different vegetables can be planted during this month of the early spring and will produce a bountiful harvest for you to enjoy during the summer months.

Asparagus: This healthy and crispy vegetable is all set to go directly outdoors during March. Asparagus can be planted directly outside the planting beds in your garden without having to care for them inside of a greenhouse first.

Beetroot: Another healthy vegetable, beetroot, is also hardy enough to tolerate the little cold of early spring and go directly to the grounds in March.

Peas: Peas also prefer to be planted in mid to late March. This vegetable is not just known for its delicious taste but also for welcoming spring with open arms by blooming colorful and fragrance-infused flowers.

Other vegetables that can be started are:

• Onions (transplant outdoors)
• Parsnips (direct outdoors)
• Leeks (direct outdoors)
• Fava Beans (transplant outdoors)
• Pumpkin (start indoors)
• Cucumber (start indoors)
• Tomatoes (start indoors) (transplant outdoors)

April is one of the best months to sow vegetables for a sweet summer harvest and in the middle of spring, April has all the qualities to foster a great plant.

The season is favorable for outdoor planting or transplanting vegetables that you had been priming from earlier this year. Some vegetables like zucchini and sweetcorn, however, still prefer to be planted indoors in April.

Broccoli: While kids might be against it, planting Broccoli in April directly into the prepared outdoor planting bed will yield a fruitful harvest in months to come.

Chard: This leafy vegetable will be more than happy to anchor itself into a sunny and warm outdoor planting bed in April. Chard with quick harvest time will be ready to eat in a couple of months if planted correctly in April.

Lettuce: Lettuce prefers warm soil but not scratching hot temperatures and direct sunlight making April the best season to plant this crispy vegetable. Moreover, if planted in April, you'll have a crispy leafy veggie ready for summer harvest to snack on.

Other vegetables to sow directly on transplant in April are:

• Zucchini (Indoors)
• Sweetcorn (Indoors)
• Carrots (Outdoors)
• Cabbage (Outdoors)
• Cauliflower (Outdoors)
• Potatoes (Transplant Outdoors)
• Salad Greens (Outdoors)

May is a prime time for sowing vegetables that will thrive in the warmth of summer. With the weather becoming more inviting, it's an excellent opportunity to plant a variety of crops.

Some vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, can be transplanted outdoors in May after being started indoors.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers adore warm weather. Plant them in May, and they'll reward you with crisp, refreshing bites in the heat of summer. This hydrating vegetable can be used in numerous ways like pickling, salad, or a quick bite.

Squash: Summer and winter squash varieties, such as zucchini and butternut, can be sown directly into your garden to prepare for a hearty harvest. Squash is filled with taste and nutrients required to beat the summer heat.

Beans: Bush and pole beans can be directly sown in May, setting the stage for a later summer and fall crop. Beans help fix nitrogen into the soil which will help the later crops to grow profoundly.

Other vegetables that prefer the warmth of May include,

• Basil (Outdoors)
• Peas (Outdoors)
• Cilantro (Outdoors)
• Pumpkins (Outdoors)

June is the time to continue your vegetable gardening journey, and it offers a wonderful opportunity to sow or transplant several varieties.

Although the sun may be a bit harder on the young vegetables, the warmer weather and longer days create an ideal environment for these vegetables. Some of the vegetables that prefer such warth include:

Fennel: Fennel can be planted in June, either from seeds or transplants. It thrives in the heat and sunshine, producing sweet, aromatic bulbs that are perfect for salads, roasting, or adding a unique flavor to your dishes.

Brassicas: This group includes cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli, all of which can be planted outdoors in June. They enjoy the warmer climate and will develop into crisp and delicious additions to your summer and fall meals.

French Beans: June is perfect for sowing French beans directly into your garden. With their rapid growth and high yield, you can anticipate a bounty of tender, green pods that are excellent for stir-fries and side dishes.

Other vegetables that can be sown during this time of the year are:

• Radishes (Outdoors)
• Summer Squash (Outdoors)
• Peas (Outdoors)
• Scallions (Outdoors)

July, bathed in the warmth of summer, presents an ideal opportunity to plant or transplant a variety of vegetables that will thrive in the forthcoming months.

The season is also associated with unbearable heat and scratching sun but this should not stop your gardening adventures as many vegetables will do just fine in the heat. Here are some vegetables to consider:

Chard: Chard is a robust, leafy green that welcomes the sun's embrace. Plant it in July in a sunny spot, and it will flourish, providing you with tender leaves for salads or sautés as early as late summer.

Spring Cabbage: Despite its name, spring cabbage can be planted in July for a fall harvest. This cool-weather crop is hardy and will develop into a flavorful addition to your autumn dishes.

Pak Choi: If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, Pak Choi is a must-plant. Sow it in July for a late summer or early fall harvest. This leafy green adds a unique flavor and crisp texture to stir-fries and salads.

Other vegetables to sow or start in July include:

• Dwarf French beans (Outdoors)
• Winter Cabbages (Outdoors)
• Turnips (Outdoors)
• Lettuce (Outdoors)

August is a fantastic month to continue your vegetable garden journey, with the summer sun still shining bright. It's an ideal time to sow or transplant various vegetables for a late summer and fall harvest.

Spinach: As the weather begins to cool down slightly, August is the perfect time to plant spinach. This leafy green thrives in milder temperatures and can be harvested well into the fall. You'll enjoy a steady supply of fresh, nutrient-rich spinach leaves.

Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi, with its unique appearance and mild, turnip-like flavor, can be planted in August. This versatile vegetable is perfect for adding to salads, roasting, or even making delicious slaws.

Okra: Okra loves the heat, and August provides the ideal conditions for this Southern favorite. Plant okra for a bountiful late summer harvest of the tender, green pods, perfect for frying, grilling, or adding to gumbo.

Other vegetables that can perfectly work with the climate offered by August include:

• Carrots (Outdoors)
• Oriental Leaves (Outdoors)
• Leeks (Outdoors)
• Parsley (Outdoors)

September is a splendid time to sow vegetables that will thrive in the cooler days of fall. The end of summer and the approaching autumn provide an ideal backdrop for a variety of crops.

Here are a few vegetables that eagerly embrace the September planting season:

Radish: These quick-growing, peppery root vegetables are perfect for September planting. They love the cooler weather, and you can expect a harvest of crunchy radishes in just a few weeks.

Mustard Greens: Mustard greens, with their slightly spicy and tangy flavor, flourish in the milder temperatures of September. Plant them now, and in a matter of weeks, you'll have nutritious greens to add to your salads and dishes.

Arugula: Arugula, a leafy green with a peppery kick, is another excellent choice for September. It thrives in the cooler weather, and your salads will soon be graced with its fresh, zesty leaves.

Other vegetables and herbs to consider planting during September are:

• Lamb’s lettuce (Outdoors)
• Winter Gem' lettuce (Outdoors)
• Mibuna (Outdoors)
• Mizuna (Outdoors)

October marks the transition into the cool autumn months, and it's an excellent time to plant vegetables that will thrive in the crisp weather.

With the new season approaching, October opens doors to sow or start numerous vegetables for winter or early spring harvest. Here are some vegetables that eagerly embrace the October planting season:

Garlic: October is the prime time to plant garlic. It allows the bulbs to establish roots before the ground freezes. You'll enjoy a bountiful garlic harvest next summer with this timely planting.

Fava Beans: Fava beans, also known as broad beans, thrive in cooler temperatures. Planting them in October allows them to grow during the fall and winter, providing you with a springtime harvest of these hearty legumes.

Cilantro: Cilantro loves the cooler weather of October. By sowing cilantro seeds now, you can have a fresh supply of this flavorful herb throughout the fall and early winter for your culinary delights.

Apart from the above-mentioned vegetables, other plants also thrive well in the winter season.

• Kale (Outdoors)
• Salad Mixes (Outdoors)
• Onions (Outdoors)
• Peas (Outdoors)

November has an unforgiving weather that makes it difficult to make the sowing and planting. However, there are a few varieties of vegetables that can still be planted in November without much damage to the crop, it only gives a headstart for the crop to grow.

Here are some of the vegetables to consider this November:

Asparagus: While asparagus is traditionally grown from crowns in spring, it can also be planted in late fall, allowing it to establish its roots before the growing season begins. This perennial vegetable will yield fresh, tender spears in the coming years.

Pak Choi: With its quick growth and resistance to cooler temperatures, Pak Choi is an excellent choice for November. This leafy green adds a fresh, mild flavor to your dishes and can withstand the chill of late autumn.

Shallots: Planting shallots in November ensures a supply of these flavorful bulbs next summer. They're hardy and can handle the winter cold, making them a practical choice for late-season planting.

There are not many varieties of vegetables that can break the frosted and freezing ground in November making it more of a harvesting month than planting month.

December is the month to prepare for the upcoming year draw a planting schedule and make up plans. While December is generally considered the middle of the winter season with a lot of holidays, gardens do not sit quite as there are a few vegetables that can still be planted.

However, making December useful will require a greenhouse or covered area for planting seeds without the risk of them going bad due to unforgiving cold. Here are some vegetables to consider for December.

Corn Salad (Mache): This hardy, cold-tolerant green thrives in the winter cold. Plant it in December, and you'll have a nutritious, nutty-flavored addition to your winter salads in just a few weeks.

Garlic: December is the ideal time to plant garlic. It will establish its roots during the winter months and provide you with robust, flavorful bulbs the following summer.

Mizuna: Mizuna, a mild and slightly peppery green, is an excellent choice for December planting. It can endure the cold weather and is a wonderful addition to your winter salads.

Other vegetables and herbs to consider sowing in December include:

• Winter Gem' lettuce (Indoors)
• Lamb’s lettuce (Indoors)
• Mustard greens (Indoors)