New to planting fruit and vegetables? First things first, every crop has a season of interest. When they should be planted and when they can be harvested.

If you're new to gardening, or just need a quick refresher, this quick fruit and vegetable planting guide can help you navigate each planting season.

Spring

Spring is the prime planting time for fruit and vegetables. From the start of spring in March to the end in May, there are plenty of fruit and vegetables to plant throughout the season.

There are lots of fruits to plant throughout the spring season for summer harvesting. Cranberries and bare-root fruit trees can be planted in March, where other fruit trees and bushes can be planted in April (if there's no danger of frost).

March is the busiest month for planting out vegetables. Onions, garlic, asparagus and peppers can be planted in vegetable patches from March, as long as there is no danger of frost. Early potatoes can be planted in early April, whereas maincrop should be planted in late April. Runner beans, french beans and cucumbers can be planted out from May.

Summer

Although summer is the perfect time for harvesting, there aren't many fruits to plant throughout the season. However, there are plenty of vegetables to get started on that are hardy enough to survive a warmer climate.

Beetroot, lettuce, runner and broad beans, sweetcorn and courgettes are ideal for planting in June. Carrots can be grown throughout summer up until August to be ready for harvesting after 12-16 weeks. Kale can be grown from early summer.

Autumn

As the weather becomes colder after the warm summer months, autumn offers a perfect excuse to get your gloves and trowels at the ready.

Fruit trees and bushes are ideally planted in November, as long as you avoid frosty and wet soil.

Veggies like turnips, spinach and oriental crops can be planted in patches and allotments through September. Garlic cloves, spring cabbages and peas can be planted in October in milder areas of the country. Avoid planting through these months if overly wet or frosty.

Winter

Winter is the only season in the year that you will struggle to find things to plant. However, that doesn't mean that there's absolutely nothing to choose from.

Plant bare-root bushes and trees in January, if the ground isn't covered in frost. In February, you can start planting raspberry and blackberry canes. Bare root strawberry plants and stone fruit trees can then be planted in February.

In December, reach for garlic and shallots for the vegetable patch. Start to chit early potatoes as soon as February arrives to plant in spring, and plant rhubarb crowns through February. 

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