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Pea Growing Tips
by
Steve Albert
Grow peas during the winter in mild-winter regions. In cold-winter regions grow peas in the spring and sometimes in the fall. Peas and temperature Spring sowing peas: The optimum seed starting soil temperature for peas is 75°F; this makes growing peas for fall harvest a strong option when they are planted 55 to 70 days […] More
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How to Grow Okra
by
Steve Albert
Okra is a tender, heat-loving annual that grows 4 to 7 feet (1.2-2.1m) tall and produces a green and sometimes red seedpod which is harvested when 3 to 5 inches (7-12cm) long and sometimes longer. Okra has prickly stems and large maple-like leaves and large, yellow, hibiscus-like flowers with red or purplish centers. Mature the […] More
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Squash and Pumpkin Growing Tips
by
Steve Albert
The technique for planting summer squashes, winter squashes, and pumpkins is the same. Grow all squashes on hills spaced 3 to 8 feet apart depending upon the leaf size–the larger the leaf the farther apart. Set seedlings started indoors in the garden as soon as the weather has warmed. Make sure squashes are large and […] More
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When to Plant Cucumbers
by
Steve Albert
Plant cucumber seeds in the garden 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost, or when the soil is at least 60°F (16°C). Set cucumber seedlings in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost. Grow cucumbers in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and need a moderate amount of nitrogen and potassium and […] More
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How to Grow Watermelons
by
Steve Albert
The watermelon is a tender, warm-weather annual. Watermelons along with muskmelons and cantaloupes are sometimes called summer melons. Grow watermelons in the warmest, frost-free time of the year. Watermelon Quick Growing Tips Sow watermelon seeds in the garden or set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date in spring. Start […] More
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When to Plant Pumpkins
by
Steve Albert
Plant pumpkin seeds directly in the garden two weeks or more after the last frost. Transplant pumpkin seedlings to the garden 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost; start seeds indoors 4 weeks before setting out seedlings. The optimal planting soil temperature for pumpkins is 60-85°F (16-29°C). The optimal growing temperature for pumpkins is […] More
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How to Grow Winter Squash
by
Steve Albert
Winter squash is a frost-tender, warm-season annual. Winter squashes are eaten after they have matured and their skins have thickened and hardened. Some winter squashes grow fruit as long as 30 inches (76cm). Fruits vary in shape from round to oblong, to cylindrical to turban shaped. Separate male and female flowers appear on the same […] More
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How to Grow Pumpkins
by
Steve Albert
Pumpkins are a warm-season annual that requires from 90 to 120 frost-free days to reach harvest. Grow pumpkins in the warmest, frost-free part of the year. Pumpkin Growing Quick Tips Sow pumpkins in the garden in spring when all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached 65°F (18°C) and night air […] More
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When to Plant Melons
by
Steve Albert
Plant melon seeds directly in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost date. Start transplants 2 to 4 weeks before setting out, which can be done 4 weeks after the last frost. Plant late and early varieties at the same time to provide a succession harvest of melons over a month-long period. Grow melons […] More
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When to Plant Sweet Corn
by
Steve Albert
Sweet corn is a warm-season annual that is commonly planted directly in the garden. It can be started early indoors in individual containers in very short-season regions. Sow early varieties in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost. Sow mid- and late-season varieties 2 weeks later. The soil should be at least 50°F for […] More
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How to Grow Melons
by
Steve Albert
The cantaloupe or muskmelon is a tender, warm-weather plant. Cantaloupes grow best in very warm to hot weather. The tan, netted melon commonly referred to as cantaloupe is actually a muskmelon. A true cantaloupe has a rough warty rind. Summer Melons and Winter Melons Muskmelons along with watermelons are termed summer melons because they come […] More
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How to Grow Zucchini and Summer Squash
by
Steve Albert
Zucchini and summer squashes are frost-tender, warm-season annuals. The most popular summer squashes are crookneck, straightneck, scallop, and zucchini. Summer squashes are eaten when they are immature, usually when their skins are soft and thin. Summer squash commonly grows as a bush or smaller weak-stemmed vining plant. Squashes have large, broad leaves; 4 to 6 […] More