Vegetable seeds and seedlings require minimum soil temperatures to germinate and grow. Seeds and seedlings require optimal soil temperatures to thrive. Soil temperature triggers not only seed germination but is an important factor in soil chemistry. Soil chemistry includes the release (dissolution) of mineral nutrients in soil moisture. Mineral nutrients are essential for vegetable plant…
Plant
Get growing your favorite vegetables, herbs, and fruits fast with these quick tips, growing guides, and articles. Seeds, seedlings, transplants - from sowing to mid-season to harvest, it's all here. Visit the Index to see a complete list of all of the articles at Harvest to Table.
Best Tomatoes to Grow in Cool and Cold Weather
The best tomatoes to grow in cool or cold climates are short- to mid-season tomatoes—that is tomatoes that mature in the shortest number of days, 55 to about 75 days from transplanting. Short- and mid-season tomato varieties commonly require less days of heat to ripen fruit and are naturally adapted or have been developed for cool…
Beans Seed Starting Tips
Direct sow beans in the garden 1 to 2 weeks after the last expected frost when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). Start beans indoors 3 to 2 weeks before transplanting to the garden. • Bush beans are usually determinate with one week or two week period of harvest; bush beans are…
Corn Seed Starting Tips
Corn is a tender, warm-weather crop. Sweet corn is commonly grown in gardens. • Sow corn in the garden 1 week after the last frost when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). • Start corn indoors 4 weeks before transplanting to the garden. Seedlings as small as 1 inch (2.5 cm)…
Jerusalem Artichoke Plant Starting Tips
Jerusalem artichoke is a tuberous perennial plant also called sunchoke. Jerusalem artichokes are propagated from whole or cut tubers. They are commonly harvested from mid-summer to late autumn. Jerusalem artichokes should be grown in a permanent location in a bed dedicated just to this crop. Once plants are established and tubers begin to reproduce, Jerusalem…
Pumpkin Seed Starting Tips
Pumpkins are a tender, warm-weather crop. Pumpkins are a type of winter squash—grown through the summer for harvest in the fall. • Sow pumpkins indoors 3 to 2 weeks before the last expected frost in spring the transplant them into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. • Sow pumpkins outdoors when the…
Summer Squash and Zucchini Seed Starting Tips
Summer squash are tender, warm-weather crops. Summer squashes include crookneck, pattypan, straightneck, scallop, vegetable marrow, and zucchini. Sow summer squash indoors 4 to 3 weeks before the last expected frost in spring. Sow summer squash outdoors when the soil temperature has warmed to 70°F (21°C). Protect squash in the garden from cool temperatures with row…
Okra Seed Starting Tips
Okra is a tender, warm-weather crop. Plant okra after all danger of frost has passed. Okra requires midsummer warmth and almost tropical heat for best growth. If you sow okra seed outdoors directly in the garden, the soil temperature should be at least 75°F (24°C). Okra matures in 55 to 65 days after planting. Sowing…
Winter Squash Seed Starting Tips
Winter squash are tender, warm-weather crops very similar to summer squashes. But, winter squashes—unlike summer squashes—must fully mature on the vine before harvest. Summer squashes can be picked and eaten immature; they have a succulent texture. Winter squashes are drier and more fibrous than summer squashes. Winter squashes include acorn, banana, buttercup, butternut, cushaw delicious,…
Sweet Potato Plant Starting Tips
Sweet potatoes are a warm-weather crop. They require a long, hot growing season. • Sweet potatoes are grown from rooted cuttings, called “slips” or “draws”. Slips are best started indoors from sweet potato tubers. Slips stated indoors take about 12 weeks to reach transplant size. • Transplant sweet potato slips into the garden after all…