You’re gardening? That’s great!
In the United States, one in three households grows their own food. With the rising trend of farm-to-table, many gardeners are desperate to learn when to plant what.
For gardeners looking for the best, check out the best time to plant which produce and when.
Read on to learn more.
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Consider Your Geographic Region
It’s important to consider your geographic region to determine when to plant a vegetable garden. Each region has distinct planting times dependent upon terrain and weather.
Check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to better understand the typical planting time expectations. By estimating the traditional frost dates, this handy map determines the absolute best time to plant your produce in your area.
Remember to consider the average annual extreme minimum temperatures. If you live in customarily low temperatures during the winter months, start planting your produce inside to combat the permafrost.
Some plants that normally thrive indoors include:
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
- Herbs
Begin indoor planting in late January to late February. Plants like peppers and eggplants will take six to eight weeks to reach the necessary transplant size.
Other plants like farming hemp do well in indoor planting. Don’t forget to trim back wayward tops to keep the plant root strengthened. Stay on top of weeds, which are detrimental to still developing seedlings.
Make sure your seedlings do not dry out!
The best vegetable planting guides suggest middle to late April is the perfect time to transplant your produce to your outdoor garden space. Be sure to take the proper preparation steps early.
Do the Preparation Early
Preparation begins will regularly checking the temperature of your soil. Simply use a thermometer and wait until your soil is at a consistent sixty degrees before transplanting or planting.
Most produce prefer slightly acidic soil. Determine the pH from a professional lab test or home test to stop long-term problems like low soil nutrition and pests. Till the soil from middle to late March to make sure you have healthy, deep, and well-drained soil.
Add conditioners like peat moss, coconut fiber, or compost to help foster the soil and ready it for planting. Be aware of unpredictable late-season frosts and stay on top of it with additional nutrients.
The vegetable to plant now is lettuce, spinach, and kale, which thrive in cooler environments.
Most vegetable growing seasons take place between March and June. Some plants like carrots, cucumbers, and cauliflower can be planted later in the spring and be ready by the fall harvest.
Be prepared to harvest your produce diligently, as each season can be very different and weather dependent.
Best Time to Plant
Gardening is a skill in itself, but knowing the best time to plant each item is the secret to success. Know what and when you should grow for the greatest farm-to-table results.
What are you waiting for? Your garden awaits!
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