Free Printable Garden Planners & Checklists
Download and print these free garden planning resources. Monthly checklists, spacing guides, companion planting charts, and more - all designed for clean, ink-saving printing.
Tip: Select "Save as PDF" in print dialog to download
Monthly Planting Checklists
Monthly Garden Checklists
January
- Order seeds from catalogs
- Plan garden layout
- Clean and organize seed storage
- Check stored bulbs for rot
- Inventory garden supplies
- Start slow-growing seeds indoors (onions, leeks)
- Maintain indoor herb garden
- Review last year's garden journal
February
- Start peppers and eggplant indoors
- Test soil pH if not done in fall
- Prune dormant trees and shrubs
- Clean and sharpen garden tools
- Start tomato seeds indoors (late month)
- Order fertilizers and amendments
- Plan succession planting schedule
- Check containers for cracks from frost
March
- Start tomatoes and basil indoors
- Harden off cool-season seedlings
- Direct sow peas outdoors (zone 7+)
- Prepare containers with fresh soil
- Begin hardening off seedlings on warm days
- Plant early lettuce and spinach
- Add compost to containers
- Set up trellises and supports
April
- Transplant cool-season crops outdoors
- Start cucumbers and squash indoors
- Direct sow radishes and carrots
- Install drip irrigation if needed
- Monitor for early pest activity
- Apply mulch to containers
- Thin seedlings as needed
- Begin regular feeding schedule
May
- Transplant tomatoes after last frost
- Transplant peppers and eggplant
- Direct sow beans and squash
- Install plant supports and cages
- Begin regular watering schedule
- Watch for aphids on new growth
- Harvest spring greens before bolting
- Succession plant lettuce every 2 weeks
June
- Harvest early crops regularly
- Side-dress with compost or fertilizer
- Monitor watering in hot weather
- Remove suckers from tomatoes
- Start fall brassicas indoors
- Check for signs of nutrient deficiency
- Hand-pollinate squash if needed
- Keep on top of pest management
July
- Harvest daily in peak season
- Water deeply and consistently
- Apply shade cloth if needed
- Succession plant beans
- Start fall lettuce indoors (in AC)
- Remove spent plants promptly
- Watch for blossom end rot
- Save seeds from open-pollinated varieties
August
- Plant fall vegetables
- Transplant fall brassicas
- Direct sow fall carrots and beets
- Continue regular harvesting
- Reduce fertilizer for tomatoes
- Plan garlic planting
- Save seeds from best performers
- Take cuttings from herbs
September
- Harvest remaining summer crops
- Plant garlic (late month)
- Direct sow cool-season greens
- Cover tender plants on cold nights
- Clean up spent plants
- Add compost to resting containers
- Take notes in garden journal
- Order spring-flowering bulbs
October
- Harvest fall crops
- Plant garlic cloves
- Protect containers from hard frost
- Bring tender plants indoors
- Clean and store tomato cages
- Empty and store sensitive containers
- Plant cover crops if applicable
- Final cleanup of garden area
November
- Harvest cold-hardy crops
- Mulch garlic beds heavily
- Store harvested produce properly
- Clean and oil garden tools
- Empty and store hoses
- Review garden notes
- Plan next year's garden
- Order seed catalogs
December
- Harvest kale and winter greens
- Start garden planning for spring
- Research new varieties
- Organize seed collection
- Maintain indoor herb garden
- Start microgreens indoors
- Clean and organize storage
- Enjoy the rest and review the season
Container Size Quick Reference
Container Size Guide
| Pot Size | Gallons | Best For | Example Plants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-6 inch | 0.5-1 gal | Herbs (single), lettuce, microgreens | Single basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Small lettuce, Microgreens |
| 8-10 inch | 2-3 gal | Most herbs, small vegetables | Basil (bush), Chives, Radishes, Green onions, Spinach |
| 12-14 inch | 5 gal | Peppers, determinate tomatoes, herbs | Bell peppers, Dwarf tomatoes, Multiple herbs, Kale, Chard |
| 16-18 inch | 7-10 gal | Full-size tomatoes, cucumbers | Indeterminate tomatoes, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Zucchini |
| 20+ inch | 15+ gal | Large plants, multiple plants | Squash, Melons, Multiple tomatoes, Root vegetables, Mixed herbs |
Watering Schedule Template
Weekly Watering Schedule
Track your watering by checking off each day. Adjust frequency based on weather and plant needs.
| Plant/Container | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Watering Tips:
- Check soil moisture 1-2 inches deep before watering
- Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Container plants may need daily watering in hot weather
- Reduce watering frequency in cool, cloudy weather
Seed Starting Tracker
Seed Starting Log
| Variety | Date Sown | Date Sprouted | Days to Germ. | Transplant Date | # Seeds | # Sprouted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seed Starting Tips:
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Most seeds germinate best at 65-75°F soil temperature
- Provide 12-16 hours of light once seeds sprout
- Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting
Harvest Log
Garden Harvest Log
Track your harvests to measure productivity and plan next season's garden.
| Date | Crop | Quantity | Weight (oz/lbs) | Container/Location | Quality (1-5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season Totals
Total Harvests:
Total Weight:
Best Performer:
Notes for Next Season
Plant Spacing Guide
Plant Spacing Reference
| Plant | Spacing Between Plants | Plants per 5-Gallon Container |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes (indeterminate) | 24-36 inches | 1 per 5-gallon |
| Tomatoes (determinate) | 18-24 inches | 1 per 3-gallon |
| Peppers | 12-18 inches | 1 per 3-gallon |
| Lettuce | 4-6 inches | 4-6 per 5-gallon |
| Spinach | 3-4 inches | 6-8 per 5-gallon |
| Radishes | 2-3 inches | 10-12 per 5-gallon |
| Carrots | 2-3 inches | 8-10 per 5-gallon |
| Bush beans | 4-6 inches | 4-6 per 5-gallon |
| Cucumbers | 12-18 inches | 1-2 per 5-gallon |
| Basil | 6-8 inches | 3-4 per 5-gallon |
| Cilantro | 4-6 inches | 4-6 per 5-gallon |
| Kale | 12-18 inches | 1-2 per 5-gallon |
| Green onions | 1-2 inches | 15-20 per 5-gallon |
| Strawberries | 8-12 inches | 3-4 per 5-gallon |
Companion Planting Chart
Companion Planting Guide
| Plant | Good Companions (Plant Together) | Bad Companions (Keep Apart) |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Basil, Carrots, Parsley, Marigolds | Brassicas, Fennel, Corn |
| Peppers | Basil, Tomatoes, Carrots, Onions | Fennel, Kohlrabi |
| Lettuce | Carrots, Radishes, Strawberries, Chives | Celery |
| Beans | Corn, Squash, Carrots, Cucumbers | Onions, Garlic, Chives |
| Cucumbers | Beans, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers | Potatoes, Aromatic herbs |
| Carrots | Onions, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Rosemary | Dill, Parsnips |
| Basil | Tomatoes, Peppers, Oregano, Asparagus | Sage, Rue |
| Spinach | Strawberries, Peas, Beans, Brassicas | None known |
Why Companion Planting Matters: Good companions can repel pests, attract beneficial insects, improve pollination, and enhance growth. Bad companions may compete for nutrients, attract shared pests, or inhibit growth through chemical interactions.
Frost Date Reference by Zone
Average Frost Dates by USDA Zone
| USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost (Average) | First Fall Frost (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May 15 - June 1 | Sept 1 - Sept 15 |
| Zone 4 | May 1 - May 15 | Sept 15 - Oct 1 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 - May 1 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 - April 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
| Zone 7 | March 15 - April 1 | Nov 1 - Nov 15 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 - March 15 | Nov 15 - Dec 1 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 1 - Feb 15 | Dec 1 - Dec 15 |
| Zone 10 | Jan 15 - Feb 1 (rare) | Dec 15+ (rare) |
My Zone: | My Last Frost: | My First Frost:
Find your exact zone at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov. These are averages - local microclimates can vary significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I print just one section?
Click the 'Print This Section' button above each chart or checklist. This will open your browser's print dialog with just that section ready to print. Make sure to check 'Background graphics' in print settings if you want borders and shading.
Why are some elements not showing when I print?
Our printables are designed to be ink-friendly with minimal graphics. If you want backgrounds and colors, enable 'Print background colors and images' in your browser's print settings. For the cleanest printout, use Chrome or Firefox.
Can I save these as PDFs?
Yes! When the print dialog opens, select 'Save as PDF' or 'Microsoft Print to PDF' as your printer. This will create a downloadable PDF file you can save and print later.
How often should I check these checklists?
We recommend reviewing your monthly checklist at the beginning of each month and checking off tasks as you complete them. Keep printed copies in your garden journal or near your gardening supplies.
Are these checklists specific to my region?
The monthly checklists are general guidelines. Use the frost date reference chart to adjust timing for your specific USDA zone. Warm climate gardeners (zones 9-10) should shift spring tasks earlier and fall tasks later.
Can I customize these printables?
While these are designed for general use, you can save as PDF and use a PDF editor to add notes. For a fully customized planting calendar based on your specific location and setup, try our AI Garden Planner.
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Want a Personalized Garden Plan?
These printables are great for general planning, but for a custom schedule based on your exact location, container setup, and growing goals, try our AI Garden Planner.
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