How to Grow Seasonal Vegetables

Overview

Grow a range of vegetables from spring until fall, and even into the winter months. Employ succession planting, a planting method that makes full use of each season. Plant crops throughout each season based on their ability to grow in warmer or colder conditions. Growing vegetables with this method gives you access to fresh vegetables throughout the year.

Step 1

Select an area receiving at least six hours of direct sun a day for your garden.

Step 2

Till the area with a rake or tiller. Place the tines into the soil and break up the soil until completely loosened. Till to a depth of 8 inches.

Step 3

Shovel a 1-inch layer of compost on top of the soil to improve its health and fertility. Add a 1-inch layer of peat moss to assist with water retention. Re-till the area to mix the compost and peat moss into the soil.

Step 4

Buy seeds or transplants from garden centers, catalogs or online retailers. Choose to buy from reputable resources. Buy healthy plants--those with bright green leaves and no signs of insect infestation.

Step 5

Plant cool-weather crops, such as cabbage, broccoli, peas and lettuce, in early spring or late summer. Plant warm-weather crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, melons and eggplant, in spring after all chance of frost has passed. Follow planting instructions provided with the seeds or plants for specific planting times, spacing and care. When planting seeds, push the seed down into the soil about 1 inch deep and place a thin layer of soil back over the hole. When planting transplants, use a shovel to dig a hole deep and wide enough for the plant's roots and its base. Place the plant in the hole and pack soil on top of the roots and around its base.

Step 6

Water the plants daily, especially during the warmer, dryer months. Skip watering on days when it rains.

Step 7

Pick vegetables as they mature, typically when they are solid in color and firm in texture.