In Minnesota, gardening is as much about patience as it is about planting. One day it’s sunny and 75, and the next you’re scraping frost off your windshield. But that’s the charm of it, right? At Love of Luverne, we like to think of our garden—whether it’s sprawling or tucked into window boxes—as an extension of the home: a place where beauty, intention, and a little old-fashioned hard work come together.
So today, I’m sharing my spring and summer planting schedule—a rhythm I’ve come to love over the years. Whether you’re working with a full backyard or a few pots on a city balcony, there’s joy to be found in coaxing green life from the soil.
March: Starting Seeds + Dreaming of Tomatoes
The first week of March is when I pull out my seed packets and get to work. This year, I planted tomatoes, climbing zucchini, kale, and jalapeños. They’re currently thriving on top of our radiators—turns out those old-school heat sources are perfect for keeping soil cozy, and they just so happen to be bathed in direct sunlight all day. It’s like a luxury spa for seedlings.
Starting early indoors gives me a jump on the growing season, and frankly, it gives me something green to fuss over while the ground outside still crunches underfoot.
April: Pansy Season + Fertilizer Focus
By early April, it’s time for a little color therapy. I love planting pansies in our front planters. These little floral faces thrive in the cooler temps and add the perfect hopeful pop of color—reminding us that spring is coming, even if it’s taking its sweet time.
This is also when I give my yard a bit of TLC with some much-needed fertilizer. I focus on our shrubs—hydrangeas and lilac trees in particular—and make sure the soil in my raised garden beds and pots is healthy, nutrient-rich, and ready to help my plants truly thrive. It’s the plant equivalent of giving them a solid breakfast and a pep talk.
Mid-May: The Big Plant-Out
Here’s the thing about gardening in Minnesota: May is not to be trusted. But by the middle of the month, I usually feel safe enough to go all in. That’s when I start planting directly in the yard.
This year, I’ll be transferring my indoor seedlings to their summer homes and filling in with any extra herbs or flowers that catch my eye at the local nursery. (I never say no to a last-minute basil impulse buy. Never.)
No Yard? No Problem.
Even if you’re living in a metro area with minimal space, you can absolutely create a garden that brings you joy. A few thoughtfully chosen planters, a sunny windowsill, and a little daily watering ritual can go a long way. It’s not about having the “perfect” garden—it’s about cultivating moments of calm and beauty, right where you are.
As the season unfolds, I’ll be sharing more about how I bring that same Love of Luverne spirit outdoors—mixing timeless traditions with fresh growth, and always looking for ways to make the everyday feel just a little more special.
Here’s to a summer full of sunlight, soil under our nails, and maybe—just maybe—a tomato that ripens before September.
Follow along for more peeks into our garden life this season.
Love of Luverne 
Leave a comment