Deciding on When to Plant

Deciding on when to plant can often mean the difference between a successful and thriving garden, and one that only manages to limp by. Why waste time trying to figure things out by trial and error? Instead, take a little time to learn a few fundamentals before you begin planting. With the help of these simple guidelines, you can ensure that you always know when to plant your next crop. Keep in mind though that these are simply some general guidelines that are designed to help with as many different plants as possible. For more exact information, then you will need to take a look at the specific plant that you are considering for your garden.

• Types of plants. The best way to begin learning when you should begin planting your crops and flowers depends on the type of plant. Generally speaking different types of plants require different planting times. For example, you will generally plant asparagus in the early spring, while you plant cucumbers between May and June. Flowers are also planted at various times of the year as well.
• Temperature. Each type of plant will require that there be a minimum average temperature before you can begin to plant. On the average, the vast majority of plants will require that there be no frost on the ground for a minimum of a week prior to planting. To truly understand, and prepare for this, be sure that you understand what your hardiness zone is and how it will effect the growth of your proposed garden.
• Season. Decide on what type of garden you wish to have, and choose your plants accordingly. For example, if you want to have a "winter" garden, then begin planting crops that can thrive in the colder weather. Some of the plants that you could begin to plant in the late fall would include things like Chives, broccoli, raspberries, and strawberries. Some plants will grow equally well in multiple seasons, so simply be sure that you know what seasons each plant works best in.
• Soil preparation. When you have finally decided on when you are going to plant, you also need to learn how to properly prepare the soil for your crop. Each plant that you will have in your garden will require a different soil preparation. Be sure that you know what the soil preparation is going to be for each of your plants, and plan your garden accordingly. Try to choose plants that will share the different nutritional requirements, to ensure that you get the best possible results that you can.