Strawberry plants are perennials. A strawberry plant will bear fruit for 2 to 3 years. A single plant will send you several runners towards the end of each season; these runners easily establish themselves as new, independent plants. There are many varieties of strawberry. Some can be started from seed but most are started from […] More
Radicchio grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Radicchio has a lettuce-like head that colors to a deep rosy red as the weather grows cold in autumn or winter. The slightly bitter taste of radicchio sweetens with cooler day temperatures. When to Plant Radicchio Direct seed radicchio in the spring as soon […] More
Garlic is grown from cloves formed in bulbs. Cloves used to start new plants are called “seed cloves”. Seed clove size is important to yield. The yield of a large clove is usually greater than a medium-size clove, which, in turn, is usually greater than a small-size clove. The largest cloves commonly produce the largest […] More
Artichokes are perennial plants. Artichokes prefer cool, moist summers and mild winters. The perennial artichoke plant will not survive where the ground freezes. Artichokes can be grown from seed or root divisions; they are most commonly grown from root divisions which are also called “crowns”. Sow seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks before the last […] More
Rhubarb is a perennial plant grown for its leaf stalks. Rhubarb grows best in regions where the ground freezes each winter. Winter chill results in rhubarb plants with thick stems and red color. Rhubarb is not productive in areas with very hot summers. Rhubarb is commonly grown from root divisions called “crowns”, not from seed. […] More
Asparagus is a perennial plant. Plant asparagus where it can grow undisturbed and be productive for 15 to 20 years. Asparagus is one of the earliest crops to come to harvest in spring. The edible parts of the asparagus plant are young, tender, green shoots, called spears. Spears are young leaf stalks—eaten leafless—that grow from […] More
Parsnips require a long growing season and are best planted in spring for autumn or winter harvest. In warm-winter regions, sow parsnips in late autumn for harvest the next spring. Mature parsnips store well in the ground as long as the ground does not freeze. Frost and freezing temperatures improve the flavor of the roots. […] More
Arugula grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Arugula is also known as rocket and roquette. The leaves and flowers of arugula resemble those of the radish or turnip. Direct seed arugula in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked or start seed indoors 12 to 8 weeks before […] More
Peas are a cool-weather crop. Sow pea seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or in late summer. Grow peas so that they come to harvest when the weather is cool. Peas can be classified by how large they grow: dwarf, medium, or tall. The taller the plant grows the […] More
Radish is a cool-season crop. Radishes are best grown in spring and fall. Direct sow radishes in the garden 6 to 3 weeks before the last frost in spring. Sow succession crops every 3 weeks after. Growing tip: Shorter and cooler days result in radishes with rounder roots. For mild and tender roots, grow radishes […] More
Potatoes are a cool-weather crop, but the leafy tops can’t tolerate more than a light frost. Plant potatoes so they come to harvest when the weather is cool but not cold. In cold-winter climates, plant seed potatoes in the garden in spring as soon as the soil can be worked—usually about 3 weeks before the […] More
Tomatillos are a tender, warm-weather crop. Start tomatillos indoors 8 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date. Transplant seedlings into the garden two weeks after the last frost just as you would peppers and tomatoes. Tomatillos can be grown much like tomatoes, but they are more sensitive to cold and chilly temperatures much […] More
Steve Albert