Accessible Gardening

Gardening for all abilities.

Accessible Planting Calendar

This planting or vegetable calendar will help you learn about the ideal timing for planting, growing, and harvesting different types of vegetables throughout the year – both indoors and outdoors.

A planting calendar can help gardeners and farmers plan their planting schedules and maximize the productivity of their vegetable gardens. The calendar typically takes into account factors such as regional climate, frost dates, and the specific requirements of each vegetable crop. By following a vegetable calendar, individuals can ensure that they sow seeds or transplant seedlings at the appropriate times for optimal growth and yield.

What to Plant in January

January is typically a dormant period for outdoor planting in most Northern Hemisphere regions due to cold temperatures and frost. However, it can be a good time for starting seeds indoors or planning for the upcoming growing season. See the complete January Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors January Top 3: Aloe vera, English ivy, and peace lily.

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents

Outdoors

Outdoors January Top 3: Winter veggies (kale, spinach, carrots), bare-root fruit trees apple, pear, peach), and hardy perennial flowers (pansies, primroses, and hellebores).

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Rhubarb
  • Asparagus (crowns)
  • Strawberries (bare root)
  • Peas (in mild climates)
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Arugula
  • Mustard greens
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Radishes (in mild climates)
  • Carrots (in mild climates)
  • Parsnips
  • Turnips
  • Collard greens
Planting pansies in Winter
Pansies are cold-tolerant annual flowers that can be planted in January in milder regions.

What to Plant in February

Similar to January, February is still considered a cold and inactive month for outdoor planting. However, some cold-hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and certain types of lettuce can be started indoors for later transplanting. See the complete February Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors February Top 3: Tomatoes, herbs (basil, parsley, or chives), and succulents.

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Eggplants
  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender

Outdoors

Outdoors February Top 3: Snowdrops, daffodils, and tulips.

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Rhubarb
  • Asparagus
  • Strawberries (bare root)
  • Peas
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Arugula
  • Mustard greens
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Parsnips
  • Turnips
Accessible planting: Onions
Onions and shallot bulbs can be planted in February as they are cold-tolerant.

What to Plant in March

As winter subsides, March marks the beginning of the planting season for cool-season vegetables. It’s a suitable time for direct sowing or transplanting crops like peas, carrots, radishes, onions, and certain leafy greens. See the complete March Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors March Top 3: Peppers (bells peppers or chili peppers), cucumbers, and microgreens.

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Eggplants
  • Cucumbers
  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary

Outdoors

Outdoors March Top 3: Lettuce, radishes, and carrots.

  • Peas
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Parsnips
  • Turnips
  • Mustard greens
  • Arugula
  • Bok choy
  • Fennel
Accessible planting: Strawberries
In March, you can start strawberries from seeds or purchase young strawberry plants to grow indoors in containers.

What to Plant in April

April is a busy month for planting in the Northern Hemisphere. As temperatures rise, it becomes possible to sow a wider range of cool-season vegetables and start warm-season crops indoors. Planting options may include beets, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. See the Complete April Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors April Top 3: Herbs (mint, oregano, or thyme), strawberries, and beans (green beans or bush beans)

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Eggplants
  • Cucumbers
  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary

Outdoors

Outdoors April Top 3: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and snap peas.

  • Peas
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Parsnips
  • Turnips
  • Mustard greens
  • Arugula
  • Bok choy
  • Fennel
Accessible planting: Eggplants
Eggplants can be started indoors in April.

What to Plant in May

May is an ideal month for transitioning to warm-season vegetables in most Northern Hemisphere regions. It’s the time to plant crops like cucumbers, zucchini, beans, corn, melons, and squash. Transplanting seedlings that were started indoors earlier is also common. See the Complete May Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors May Top 3: Mint, sunflowers, and dill.

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Eggplants
  • Cucumbers
  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary

Outdoors

Outdoors May Top 3: Zinnieas, pumpkins, and basil.

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Beans
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Radishes
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Beets
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Sunflowers
  • Marigolds
  • Petunias
Accessible planting: Peppers
May is the ideal time to plant warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans.

What to Plant in June

June offers favorable conditions for continuing to plant warm-season crops. Many gardeners focus on tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and other heat-loving vegetables. Additionally, herbs, such as basil and cilantro, can be planted during this month. See the Complete June Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors June Top 3: Pothos, spider plants, and begonias.

  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents
  • African violets
  • Peace lilies

Outdoors

Outdoors June Top 3: Geraniums, summer squash, and cilantro.

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Beans
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Radishes
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Melons
  • Pumpkins
  • Sunflowers
Accessible planting: Zucchini
June is the perfect time to plant warm-season vegetables that love the heat. This includes tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini.

What to Plant in July

July is typically a month for maintaining and harvesting crops rather than extensive planting. However, fast-maturing vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and bush beans can still be sown for late summer or fall harvests. See the Complete July Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors July Top 3: Snake plants, peace lilies, and African violets.

Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents
  • African violets
  • Peace lilies

Outdoors

Outdoors July Top 3: Sunflowers, watermelons, and cucamelons.

  • Tomatoes (in warmer climates)
  • Peppers (in warmer climates)
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Beans
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Radishes
  • Lettuce (in cooler climates)
  • Spinach (in cooler climates)
  • Kale (in cooler climates)
  • Swiss chard (in cooler climates)
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Melons
  • Pumpkins
  • Sunflowers
Accessible planting: Corn
July is ideal for planting warm-season vegetables that love the heat, like corn, zucchini, and summer squash.

What to Plant in August

Similar to July, August is more focused on tending to existing crops and harvesting rather than new plantings. However, certain cool-season crops, such as spinach, kale, and arugula, can be sown in late August for a fall harvest. See the Complete August Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors August Top 3: Philodendrons, ZZ plants, and aloe vera.

Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents
  • African violets
  • Peace lilies

Outdoors

Outdoors August Top 3: Tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers.

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Beans
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Radishes
  • Lettuce (in cooler climates)
  • Spinach (in cooler climates)
  • Kale (in cooler climates)
  • Swiss chard (in cooler climates)
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Melons
  • Pumpkins
  • Sunflowers
Accessible planting: Root Vegetables
Plant root vegetables like turnips, rutabagas, parsnips, and potatoes in August.

What to Plant in September

September is a prime time for planting cool-season vegetables in the Northern Hemisphere. Crops like beets, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can be sown for fall or overwintering. It’s also an excellent month for starting garlic and onion sets. See the Complete September Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors September Top 3: Spider plants, pothos, and Boston ferns.

  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Strawberries (in containers)
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents
  • African violets
  • Peace lilies

Outdoors

Outdoors September Top 3: Kale, swiss chard, and beets.

  • Fall vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Turnips
  • Arugula
  • Mustard greens
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Fennel
  • Parsley
  • Green onions
  • Garlic (cloves)
  • Strawberries (bare root)
  • Pansies
  • Violas
Accessible planting: Green Onions
Plant green onion sets or sow seeds of scallions in September.

What to Plant in October

October is generally the last opportunity for outdoor planting in many Northern Hemisphere regions before the arrival of winter. Gardeners can plant cold-hardy vegetables like radishes, turnips, winter greens, and garlic for harvest before the onset of severe frost. See the Complete October Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors October Top 3: Spider plants, snake plants, and Christmas cacti.

  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents
  • African violets
  • Peace lilies
  • Spider plants

Outdoors

Outdoors October Top 3: Bulbs (like tulips, daffodils, or hyacinths), pansies, and ornamental cabbage or kale.

  • Garlic (cloves)
  • Onions (sets or transplants)
  • Shallots
  • Bulb flowers (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths)
  • Rhubarb (crowns)
  • Perennial flowers (peonies, irises, daylilies)
  • Pansies
  • Violas
  • Cabbage
  • Kale
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Radishes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Turnips
  • Arugula
Accessible planting: Shrubs
Fall is a fantastic time for planting shrubs and trees as they can focus on root development during the dormant season.

What to Plant in November

November is typically not a significant planting month in the Northern Hemisphere as winter approaches. However, it’s a good time for preparing garden beds for the following year, removing debris, and applying compost or mulch. See the Complete November Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors November Top 3: Amaryllis, Christmas cacti, and Norfolk Island pine.

  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents
  • African violets
  • Peace lilies
  • Spider plants

Outdoors

Outdoors November Top 3: Garlic, onions, and lettuce (cold-tolerant varieties).

  • Garlic (cloves)
  • Shallots
  • Onions (sets or transplants)
  • Bulb flowers (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths)
  • Rhubarb (crowns)
  • Perennial flowers (peonies, irises, daylilies)
  • Pansies
  • Violas
  • Cabbage
  • Kale
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Lettuce (in milder climates)
  • Spinach (in milder climates)
  • Radishes (in milder climates)
  • Carrots (in milder climates)
  • Beets (in milder climates)
  • Turnips (in milder climates)
  • Arugula (in milder climates)
Accessible planting: Kale
Consider sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings of crops like kale, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and carrots.

What to Plant in December

December is a dormant period for outdoor planting in most Northern Hemisphere regions due to cold temperatures and limited sunlight. Gardeners can focus on indoor gardening activities like tending to houseplants or planning for the upcoming growing season. See the Complete December Gardening Guide >

Indoors

Indoors December Top 3: Poinsettias, cyclamens, and Christmas cacti.

  • Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, etc.)
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Radishes
  • Beets
  • Carrots
  • Green onions
  • Microgreens
  • Chives
  • Mint
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Cacti and succulents
  • African violets
  • Peace lilies
  • Spider plants

Outdoors

Outdoors December Top 3: Evergreen trees (like spruce or fir), winter pansies, and ornamental kale or cabbage.

  • Garlic (cloves)
  • Shallots
  • Onions (sets or transplants)
  • Bulb flowers (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths)
  • Rhubarb (crowns)
  • Perennial flowers (peonies, irises, daylilies)
  • Pansies
  • Violas
  • Cabbage (in milder climates)
  • Kale (in milder climates)
  • Brussels sprouts (in milder climates)
  • Broccoli (in milder climates)
  • Cauliflower (in milder climates)
  • Lettuce (in milder climates)
  • Spinach (in milder climates)
  • Radishes (in milder climates)
  • Carrots (in milder climates)
  • Beets (in milder climates)
  • Turnips (in milder climates)
  • Arugula (in milder climates)
Accessible planting: Garlic
December is an excellent time to plant garlic cloves for a summer harvest.