Generally speaking, spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in the fall (a few weeks before first frost), while summer-flowering bulbs should be planted in the spring (a few weeks after last frost).
Although each plant's needs may vary and some will be more winter-hardy than others, in general about a month before the last fall frost is sufficient in giving the plant enough time to establish itself and take root.
The best time to plant any plant is during the dormant season – in North America, this is usually late fall through early spring. While it's okay to plant during the rest of the year, it will require more maintenance from you in the form of watering, fertilizers, etc.
While you can plant a late planting to the first frost date, it's always best to allow as much growing time as possible. If you missed the spring planting, then calculate which vegetables you can grow now and still have a harvest before the first frost.
The best month to plant flowers in spring is really down to the USDA hardiness zone you live in and the likely last frost date. This is likely to be from around March, but if you live in a northern zone, be sure to plant frost-tolerant perennials until you are happy that the risk to more tender flowers has passed.
Most flowers should be planted after your region's last frost date. Planting flowers in spring is the most popular time, but perennials do fine if planted in early fall in the North and late fall in the South.
You actually can plant many different edibles and ornamentals in July to squeeze out a second harvest or brighten up faded flower beds, containers and planter boxes.
Mid- to late-August is often an excellent time to plant fall flowers, as long as the weather isn't still so hot that the plants will suffer heat stress. But don't wait too late to plant, or you'll have a very short window to enjoy your flowers. Check the growing requirements for each plant.
Starting too soon can result in a weak, lanky plant, while starting too late can give you one that is just not ready for the outside world—both will struggle to survive!
Mid-August to mid-October is an ideal time of year to plant new trees, though, that time frame can be stretched into November and December. To be 100% sure, measure soil temperature early in the morning for a few, consecutive days. If your soil is consistently 50° F or higher, you're good to plant.
While spring may be the most common season to tend to your flower garden, that doesn't mean you can't grow something beautiful this fall! August is often the perfect time to start planting because it encourages root growth in the soil before things start freezing, giving your garden a head start for the spring.
Alyssum. Alyssum is a warm zone perennial plant, which means it can bloom all year in climates like California. It has small, fragrant white, pink or purple flowers and grows best in full sun.
For starters, spring-blooming bulbs should be planted in fall. Trust us: You'll be glad you planned ahead when you see them pop up after a long, dark winter! Get them in the ground any time before the ground freezes, which is from October to mid-December, depending on where you live.
You can transplant perennials anytime until the ground freezes in the fall, or wait to transplant them in the spring. Fall is an excellent time to transplant herbaceous perennials because your plants will then have three seasons to establish a good root system before hot summer weather sets in next year.
The general advice for gardeners is to get their crops in the ground by the end of June at the latest, but that doesn't mean you should give up hope now that it's July. There's some wiggle room for planting late in the season, depending on your hardiness zone and how strategic you are about what goes in the ground.
When to Plant Marigolds. Young French and signet marigolds can be planted from spring through midsummer, but the tall African marigolds are best planted right away in the spring (after danger of frost has passed) because they are slower to mature and produce flowers.
Chrysanthemums. Late summer or early fall is an excellent time to plant mums, one of the symbolic flowers of the season. Practically any time in September that strikes your fancy is a good bet, so long as it's at least six weeks before the year's first frost.
Vegetables that can be planted in August include leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, collards, kale and mustard. Radishes, turnips, beets and carrots can all be started from seeds in August.
Perennials like Sedum, Lavender, Echinacea, and Rudbeckia don't require a ton of supplemental water and will do great in the July heat. Wildflowers are also another low-water solution for any sunny spot in the garden.