Zone 7 - Planting Calendar
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: January Planting Calendar
Introduction: January in Zone 7 can be a quiet time for gardeners, but there's still plenty you can do to prepare for the upcoming growing season. While outdoor planting is limited, indoor preparations can ensure a bountiful harvest later in the year.
What to Plant:
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Indoors:
- Microgreens: Start growing microgreens indoors. Varieties like radish, mustard, and arugula are quick to grow and can be harvested in a few weeks.
- Herbs: Sow seeds of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme in seed trays indoors.
- Vegetables: Begin growing cool-season crops indoors, such as lettuce, kale, and spinach, for an early start.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Order seeds now to avoid shortages later in the year.
- Plan your garden layout and prepare your planting schedule.
- Prune trees and shrubs during dormancy to encourage strong growth in spring.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: February Planting Calendar
Introduction: February is when gardeners in Zone 7 can begin to transition from indoor preparations to outdoor activities. The days are getting longer, and the soil is starting to warm up, making it an excellent time to get a head start on the growing season.
What to Plant:
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Indoors:
- Vegetables: Continue starting seeds for cool-season crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
- Edible Flowers: Sow seeds of pansies, nasturtiums, and calendulas indoors for later transplanting.
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Outdoors:
- Wildflowers: Plant wildflower seeds directly in the ground, as many varieties benefit from the cool temperatures.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Test your soil and amend it with compost or organic matter if necessary.
- Start hardening off seedlings that will be transplanted outdoors in the coming months.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: March Planting Calendar
Introduction: March marks the beginning of the growing season for Zone 7. With the arrival of spring, gardeners can begin to plant more crops directly in the ground.
What to Plant:
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Indoors:
- Warm-season Vegetables: Start seeds for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants indoors.
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Direct sow cool-season crops like peas, carrots, radishes, and spinach.
- Herbs: Plant hardy herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives directly in the garden.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Mulch garden beds to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Install trellises and supports for climbing plants.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: April Planting Calendar
Introduction: April is a busy month for Zone 7 gardeners, as warmer temperatures and longer days create ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of plants.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Continue planting cool-season crops and begin transplanting warm-season seedlings like tomatoes and peppers.
- Wildflowers: Sow seeds of sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias for summer blooms.
- Microgreens: Plant outdoors or continue growing indoors.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Start a compost pile to recycle garden waste.
- Keep an eye out for pests and take preventive measures early.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: May Planting Calendar
Introduction: May is a prime planting month in Zone 7, with the threat of frost behind you. It's time to plant most warm-season crops and enjoy the beauty of spring.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Plant beans, corn, cucumbers, squash, and melons.
- Herbs: Transplant tender herbs like basil and rosemary outdoors.
- Edible Flowers: Plant marigolds, violets, and borage for a colorful and delicious garden.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Water newly planted seedlings regularly.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and control weeds.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: June Planting Calendar
Introduction: June brings warm temperatures and long days, making it an ideal time for planting heat-loving crops and ensuring your garden thrives through the summer.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Direct sow beans, okra, sweet potatoes, and summer squash.
- Herbs: Continue planting herbs like mint, dill, and oregano.
- Microgreens: Grow microgreens outdoors for quick and fresh harvests.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Fertilize crops as they begin to produce fruit.
- Keep an eye on watering, especially during dry spells.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: July Planting Calendar
Introduction: July is the height of summer, and while the heat can be intense, there's still plenty to plant and harvest in Zone 7.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Plant late-season crops like pumpkins, winter squash, and fall greens.
- Herbs: Sow seeds of herbs that tolerate heat, such as basil and thyme.
- Edible Flowers: Continue planting heat-tolerant varieties like nasturtiums and marigolds.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Provide shade for tender plants during the hottest part of the day.
- Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: August Planting Calendar
Introduction: August can be a challenging month in Zone 7 due to the heat, but it's also a time to start thinking about your fall garden.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Start planting fall crops like kale, spinach, and beets.
- Herbs: Plant cool-season herbs like parsley and cilantro for fall harvest.
- Wildflowers: Sow late-blooming wildflowers to extend your garden's beauty.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Continue to water deeply and mulch to conserve moisture.
- Prepare garden beds for fall planting by adding compost or organic matter.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: September Planting Calendar
Introduction: September marks the transition from summer to fall in Zone 7. Cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to plant a second round of crops.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Plant broccoli, cauliflower, and other cool-season crops for a fall harvest.
- Herbs: Sow hardy herbs like chives, garlic, and sage for winter.
- Edible Flowers: Plant calendula and pansies for a splash of fall color.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Begin harvesting late-season vegetables.
- Clean up garden debris to prevent pests and diseases.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: October Planting Calendar
Introduction: October is a beautiful month in Zone 7, with mild temperatures and plenty of opportunities to plant and prepare your garden for the colder months.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Plant garlic, onions, and shallots for overwintering.
- Wildflowers: Sow wildflower seeds for blooms next spring.
- Herbs: Transplant herbs like rosemary and thyme into pots for overwintering indoors.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Mulch garden beds to protect plants from frost.
- Begin cleaning and storing garden tools for the winter.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: November Planting Calendar
Introduction: November is a time to finish up any last-minute planting and prepare your garden for winter in Zone 7.
What to Plant:
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Outdoors:
- Vegetables: Continue planting garlic and onions if you haven't done so already.
- Herbs: Plant perennial herbs like lavender and rosemary in containers for indoor growing.
- Microgreens: Move microgreens indoors for continuous harvests.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Protect tender plants with frost covers or mulch.
- Start planning for next year's garden.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7: December Planting Calendar
Introduction: December is a quiet month in the garden, but it's the perfect time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next growing season in Zone 7.
What to Plant:
-
Indoors:
- Microgreens: Continue growing microgreens indoors for fresh greens during the winter.
- Herbs: Grow herbs like parsley, chives, and mint indoors for winter cooking.
Garden Prep Tips:
- Clean and organize your gardening tools and equipment.
- Start dreaming and planning for the upcoming gardening season.
