Plants are amazing living organisms that go through different seasons just like we do. Understanding the seasons that plants go through can help us better appreciate and care for them. In this guide, we will explore what grows when in the plant world and how you can best support them throughout the year.
Spring is a time of new beginnings for plants. As the weather warms up and the days get longer, plants start to awaken from their winter dormancy. This is when you will start to see buds forming on trees, flowers blooming, and new shoots emerging from the ground. Spring is a time of growth and renewal for plants, as they take advantage of the warmer weather to produce new leaves and flowers.
In the vegetable garden, spring is a busy time for planting. Cool-season crops like lettuce, carrots, and peas can be sown directly into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked. These plants thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and can be harvested in late spring or early summer. Other plants, like tomatoes and peppers, need to be started indoors or purchased as seedlings and planted outside once the danger of frost has passed.
Summer is the peak growing season for most plants. The long days and warm temperatures provide the perfect conditions for plants to grow and produce fruit. In the garden, summer is when you will see your vegetable plants really take off. Tomatoes will start to ripen on the vine, cucumbers will grow rapidly, and zucchini plants will seemingly produce new fruit overnight.
Many fruit trees also produce their fruit in the summer. Apples, peaches, and pears all ripen in the summer months, providing a bounty of fresh fruit for us to enjoy. Summer is a time of abundance in the plant world, with plants producing copious amounts of food and flowers.
Fall is a time of transition for plants. As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to cool, plants begin to prepare for winter. Trees will start to change colors and drop their leaves, flowers will fade away, and many plants will start to go dormant. In the garden, fall is a time of harvest and cleanup. Many vegetable plants will continue to produce until the first frost, giving you a last chance to enjoy fresh produce from your garden.
Fall is also a great time for planting certain crops. Cool-season vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts can be planted in the late summer or early fall and will continue to grow throughout the cooler months. Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils should also be planted in the fall so they can bloom in the spring.
Winter is a time of rest for plants. Most plants will go dormant during the winter months, conserving their energy until the warmer weather returns. Deciduous trees will have dropped their leaves and will appear bare, while evergreen trees will continue to hold onto their needles.
In many parts of the country, winter is a time of hibernation for gardeners as well. However, there are still things you can do to support your plants during the winter months. Mulching your garden beds will help protect the soil and provide insulation for the roots of your plants. Pruning your fruit trees and bushes can also be done in the winter when they are dormant.
Understanding the seasons that plants go through can help you become a more successful gardener. By knowing what grows when, you can better plan your garden and provide the right care for your plants throughout the year. So, next time you are out in your garden, take a moment to appreciate the amazing cycle of growth and renewal that plants go through each season. And remember, just like us, plants need care and attention to thrive.
