Cauliflower is a cool-season crop; it thrives in temperatures between 57°F and 68°F (14°C-20°C). Plant fast-maturing cauliflower varieties in spring or fall. Any variety that requires more than 80 days to mature should be planted for fall harvest. Purple varieties are both heat and cold tolerant. Cauliflower matures in 50 to 85 days depending on […] More
Broccoli is a cool-season crop. It thrives in temperatures between 60° and 70°F (15-21°C). Mature plants can withstand cold temperatures down to 25°F (-4°). Broccoli can be temperamental; if you plant too early plants may produce only small heads—called “buttons.” And if you plant too late—and plants mature in very warm or hot weather—heads may […] More
Sow turnips in spring for an early summer harvest and use; direct sow in the garden 5 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring. Start a second crop in late summer for winter storage and use. Grow turnips and other roots crops in light-textured soil free of pebbles and stones. This will ensure […] More
Carrots are a cool-season crop; they are best grown in spring and fall. Grow carrots and other root crops in light-textured soil free of pebbles and stones. This will ensure roots do not split or become malformed. Plant carrots for winter harvest and storage in late spring or early summer when you plant tomatoes; they […] More
Spinach grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Mature spinach plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 20°F (-12 to -7°C). Time spinach seed starting so plants come to harvest before or after the very warm and hot weather of summer. Hot weather will trigger bolting and seed-stalk formation. Bolting […] More
Peppers are a tender, warm-weather crop. Start peppers indoors 8 to 6 weeks before the average night time temperature is expected to stay above 55°F (13°C) if you plan to transplant seedlings directly into the garden. Start seed indoors up to 14 weeks before the last spring frost if you plan to harden off seedlings […] More
Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop; they thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (16-21°C). Mature plants can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C). Brussels sprouts require a long growing season—90 to 120 days. Commonly Brussels sprouts are planted in late spring to mid-summer for harvest in fall. Brussels sprouts touched by frost just […] More
Use runners from existing strawberry plants to start new strawberry beds each year to maintain sufficient yield from your home garden. Strawberry plants are productive for three to five years. As time goes by, aging plants yield smaller and fewer berries. Renewing your strawberry patch each year will ensure you never run low of tasty […] More
Carrots and other carrot family crops such as parsley and parsnips can be slow to germinate. They require consistently moist soil and sometimes two weeks or more for germination. Dry or windy weather can mean slow or no germination for carrots. Pre-sprouting is the best way to short-cut carrot germination time and ensure a crop; […] More
Start tomato seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in spring. Transplant tomato seedlings to the garden just after the last frost in spring. Here are important tips to keep in mind when you start tomatoes from seed. See also: Tomato Seed Starting Tips How to Grow Tomatoes Tomato Seed Starting […] More
Lettuce is easily started in seed-starting trays or small pots. Lettuce started indoors can be set into the garden when plants have about four leaves, usually in three to four weeks from sowing. Lettuce Planting Distance Set lettuce in the garden 12 inches (30cm) apart if you are planting for full heads and closer if […] More
Stephen Albert