After researching the characteristics of the plants you chose, create a calendar for the year that will indicate when seeds were planted, whether they were planted in pots or directly into the garden, the number of days for germination, the length of time until harvest and a watering and fertilizing schedule.
Calendar of Garden Tasks
September
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- Start winter vegetable garden.
- Plant seeds directly into garden: carrots, radishes, beets, peas, spinach, cilantro, lettuce and Japanese turnip.
- Start seeds in flats for: cabbage, broccoli, chard, bulb onions (short day varieties, like Grano) and scallions.
- Buy and plant seedlings from a nursery for a quicker harvest.
- Keep beds moist to ensure good germination.
October
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- Continue to plant winter vegetables. Plant more seeds of quick maturing vegetables, such as radishes, spinach and lettuce to extend harvest time.
- Plant annuals (e.g., Alyssum, Calendula and California Poppy), perennials, shrubs and trees.
- Fertilize the plants set out in September.
- Keep beds moist to ensure good germination. Continue irrigating plants unless heavy rains occur.
- Pull weeds as they appear.
- Check for pests and diseases.
November
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- Continue to plant winter vegetables, annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. Plant Irish potatoes and strawberries.
- Thin earlier plantings such as spinach and carrots.
- Pull weeds and control pests.
- Keep plants moist. Supplement rainwater as needed.
December
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- Feed plants that are actively growing.
- Supplement rainwater as needed.
- Monitor beds for weeds, pests and diseases.
January
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- Plant a dormant deciduous fruit tree, such as persimmon or pomegranate, that will provide fruit in the fall.
Expand this Planting Calendar to cover the entire growing season. You may want to keep your schedule on a monthly calendar rather than as a list.
If your schedule does not allow time for garden maintenance, some schools have used after school garden clubs or before and after school services to plant, maintain, and harvest produce. Teachers give input as to grade level use and possible themed gardens and then the clubs and extended day programs tend the gardens. It is a great partnership with teachers, students, and extended day programs all benefiting.