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Spring: The start of the growing season
Spring marks the awakening of the garden and is the ideal time to lay the foundation for a productive year. As soon as the frost leaves the ground, the first cold-hardy crops can be sown outdoors. Think of radishes, spinach, and various types of lettuce that grow quickly in lower temperatures. This is also the period in which you start sowing tomatoes and peppers indoors, as these warmth-loving plants need a long lead time before they can be moved outside.
Preparing the soil is crucial at this stage; by adding compost, you provide the plants with the necessary nutrients for a healthy start. As soon as the risk of night frost has completely passed, around mid-May, more delicate crops like zucchini and pumpkins can be planted outdoors. Good planning in spring prevents your garden from becoming overcrowded at the end of the season and ensures a staggered harvest, so you do not have to process everything at once.
Summer: Care and abundant harvest
In summer, the focus shifts from sowing to intensive maintenance and harvesting the first fruits. This is the season when your garden is at its peak, and you can enjoy fresh produce daily. During the warm months, consistent watering is essential, especially for crops like cucumbers and legumes that consume a lot of moisture. Applying a layer of mulch around your vegetable plants helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
While enjoying your first harvest, it is important to look ahead as well. In summer, you can still sow for late summer and early autumn, such as carrots, beets, and green beans. Keep checking your crops regularly for pests or diseases, as early intervention often makes the difference between a successful harvest and wasted effort. Frequently harvesting fruit-bearing vegetables also stimulates the plant to produce new fruits, keeping your productivity high throughout the entire season.
Autumn: Harvesting and preparing for rest
Autumn is a period of abundance, but also of preparation for winter rest. This is the time to harvest the last summer crops, such as pumpkins and late tomatoes, before the first frost hits. Many root vegetables, such as parsnips and winter carrots, need a colder period to develop their flavor and can safely remain in the ground until you need them.
Additionally, autumn is the perfect time to plant or sow winter vegetables such as lamb's lettuce and winter purslane, which are often highly resistant to the approaching cold. After the harvest is completed, it is time to winterize the garden by covering empty beds with organic material such as leaves or straw. This protects the soil structure against leaching from heavy rainfall and helps keep soil life healthy during winter.
By reflecting on your kitchen garden planning for the coming year in autumn and potentially planting some garlic, you lay a strong foundation for a successful new garden season. This is how you keep the circle of nature in balance.
