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…
Seed Starting Specific Crops
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…
Cucumber Seed Starting Tips
Cucumbers are a tender, warm-weather crop. Start cucumbers indoors 6 to 3 weeks before you plan to transplant them into the garden or direct sow seed in the garden 2 to 3 weeks after all danger of frost is past and the soil has warmed. Support cucumbers on a trellises, poles, or cages or plant…
Peanut Seed Starting Tips
Peanuts are a warm-weather crop. They require a long frost-free growing season to mature. If you can grow melons in your garden, you can likely grow peanuts. Start peanuts in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 70°F (21°C) or greater. Peanuts can be started indoors but…