MSU Extension

Garden planning calendar

View planning calendar.

• January – February: Order seed catalogs.
• February – March:Order seeds.
• March - April:Prepare thesoilwhen it is dry enough.
• April:Plant cool season vegetables. (Check local planting dates.)
• May:Plant warm season vegetables after danger of frost.

Where to put your garden

View planning your garden tip sheet

• Convenient to your home and close to a water source.
• Where the soil is good and free from toxins.
• Sunny, level spot (six to eight hours of sunlight)
  • Stay away from trees and shrubs.
  • Avoid north-facing slopes and low areas.

Build your garden soil

Learn how to build your soils.

• 添加有机物质。
  • Test your soilfor acidity (pH) and nutrients.
• Use appropriate amount and type of fertilizer.
• Prepare your garden soil for planting and avoid compacting it.

Plan your garden on paper

Create a garden layout.

• Start small (20’ x 10’) and expand with more experience.
  • Plant tall vegetables on the north side.
  • Give each plant the space it needs.
• Draw garden map and include:
  • Specific location of each vegetable crop.
  • Spacing between plants and rows.
  • Vegetables your family likes to eat.
  • Planting dates.

Plant your vegetable garden

• Buy and plant seeds and transplants according to your plan.
• Harden off your transplants.
• Plant when the soil is warm enough for your vegetable crops.
• Use mulch, and maybe row covers.

Keep your plants growing

• Thin plants to increase harvest.
• Keep the garden weeded and manage pest problems.
• Add nutrients in the summer when needed.
• Water when the soil is dry.

收获的蔬菜

• Check your garden often; you’ll enjoy it more!
• 收获的蔬菜at their peak flavor and nutrition level.
• Use as soon as possible.