Unlock Your Planting Potential: Your Expert Guide to a Thriving Garden!

While gardening is a journey, knowing when to plant is the key to success. Our comprehensive seasonal planting calendar is a strong benefit, designed to guide you through the ideal planting windows for your region, ensuring every tree, shrub, and plant you place has the best chance to flourish. Use this expert-created guide to make smarter planting decisions and cultivate a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape all year long.

A seasonal planting calendar for the entire United States must be very general, as microclimates and USDA zones can vary dramatically. However, breaking it down into four major regions provides a great, high-level guide.

Here is a seasonal planting calendar that is specific to the trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers we sell at Greenwood Nursery, combining the four major regions with the specific months and planting activities for each.

1. Northeast & Midwest (Zones 4-6)

• Spring (March - May): Plant hardy perennials and shrubs after the last frost date to give them the entire growing season to establish strong root systems. This is an ideal time to plant evergreens and deciduous trees.
• Summer (June - August): Focus on maintenance for newly planted trees and shrubs, including consistent watering. It's also a good time to plant container-grown perennials and groundcovers.
• Fall (September - November): This is a crucial planting season. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall are perfect for planting all new trees, shrubs, and perennials. Fall planting gives them a head start on root growth before winter sets in.
• Winter (December - February): Focus on maintenance, such as protecting young plants and mulching. Plan your spring garden and browse our inventory.

2. Southeast (Zones 7-9)

• Spring (March - May): Plant new trees, flowering shrubs, and perennials to take advantage of the milder temperatures. This is a great time to get groundcovers established before the summer heat.
• Summer (June - August): Maintain your landscape with consistent watering. Apply a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots from the heat.
• Fall (September - November): This is an excellent time to plant a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Planting now allows them to establish a strong root system without the stress of summer heat.
• Winter (December - February): Continue to plant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. The mild weather in most areas is ideal for planting and transplanting.

3. Southwest & Arid West (Zones 8-11)

• Spring (March - May): Plant drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, and perennials. This is a short, intense window for planting before the high heat of summer.
• Summer (June - August): Plant very little. Focus on protecting your existing plants with shade and mulching.
• Fall (September - November): This is the primary planting season in the Southwest. Plant evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and desert-adapted perennials.
• Winter (December - February): This is often the most active planting season. Continue to plant new trees and shrubs. The mild temperatures are perfect for root establishment.

4. Northwest (Zones 7-9)

• Spring (March - May): Plant new perennials, shrubs, and deciduous trees. Start evergreens now to give them plenty of time to establish before winter.
• Summer (June - August): Plant new container-grown trees and shrubs. Maintain your landscape with consistent watering during dry spells, which are common in summer.
• Fall (September - November): This is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, and all types of perennials. The consistent moisture and mild temperatures help promote vigorous root growth.
• Winter (December - February): Focus on garden cleanup, planning, and maintaining perennial beds. You can plant some cold-hardy trees and shrubs as long as the ground is not frozen.

A Note on Timing:

This calendar is a great, high-level guide to seasonal planting across the United States. Please remember that local microclimates and specific USDA Hardiness Zones can vary. For the most precise planting dates, always consult with your local extension office or a trusted garden resource to ensure perfect timing for your unique garden.