The following is a reference I'm creating for starting seed outdoors in my Spring/Summer garden. All New Square Foot Gardening, Grow Guide, and Rutgers Master Gardeners are my key sources of information, as well as Seed-Storage Times and Viability and my gardening pals, Mr. H., Jane and Annie's Granny.
This will be my third year gardening and I'm learning the land as I go. You know what they say, third time's a charm!=)
Below is a planting timeline/guide for Camden County, NJ. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden on/after the date indicated. Use Grow Guide to calculate a timeline tailored to your frost dates. It is recommended to follow directions on seed packets if provided.
average last spring frost date: may 15th
average first fall frost date: october 20th
zone: 6b
late february/early march
clear ground. weed, turn and amend soil with organic compost.
march 20th
eight weeks before last spring frost
spinach
seed to harvest: 5 to 7 weeks
seed storage: 1 year
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 4 per square foot, partial to full sun.
growing: constant moist soil, but not waterlogged. mulch to retain moisture.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks until last spring frost.
companion planting: helped by peas and beans.
kale
seed to harvest: approximately 10 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1/4 inch deep, 1 per square foot, full sun.
growing: moist soil.
harvesting: cut outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks until last spring frost.
april 3rd
six weeks before last spring frost
mustard greens
seed to harvest: 4 to 6 weeks
seed storage: 5 years
sow: 1/4 inch deep, 1 to 4 per square foot, full sun.
growing: constant moist soil, but not waterlogged. mulch to retain moisture.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
radish
seed to harvest: 4 weeks
seed storage: 4 to 5 years
sow: 1/2 inch deep in spring; 1 inch deep in summer. 16 per square foot, full sun to partial shade.
growing: constant and even moisture. mulch in hot weather.
harvesting: pull up entire plant as soon as root is marble to ping-pong size.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks.
april 10th
five weeks before last spring frost
peas
seed to harvest: approximately 10 weeks
seed storage: 3 to 4 years
sow: 1 inch deep, 8 per square foot, full sun; partial sun in warmer months. soak seeds 24 hours before planting. keep vines trained up vertical frame.
growing: never let peas dry out.
harvesting: carefully pick pods off their stems at any stage of growth.
for continuous harvest: plant again in 2 weeks.
april 17th
four weeks before last spring frost
swiss chard
seed to harvest: 7 to 8 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 4 per square foot, full sun. pre-soak seeds.
growing: moist soil.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
leafy greens/lettuce/arugula/escarole
seed to harvest: range from 4 to 8 weeks
seed storage: 5 years
sow: 1/8 inch deep, 4 per square foot, full sun; partial sun in warmer regions
growing: constant moist soil, but not waterlogged. mulch to retain moisture.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
april 24th
three weeks before last spring frost
carrots
seed to harvest: 10 weeks
seed storage: 3 to 4 years
sow: surface sown or covered minimally. 16 per square foot, full sun, but can stand partial shade.
growing: constant and even moisture until almost mature, then reduce watering so carrots don't crack.
harvesting: pull up those with largest tops. to check size, dig around root with fingers.
for continuous harvest: plant every 3 weeks.
beets
seed to harvest: 8 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 4 per square foot, full sun or partial shade. soak seeds 24 hours before planting.
growing: constant and even moisture.
harvesting: to harvest greens, one or two leaves can be picked any time. harvest root when ping-pong to full size. if you're not sure of size, dig around root with fingers.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
german chamomile
seed to harvest: approximately 6 weeks
seed storage: ?
sow: surface sow, full sun or light shade.
growing: most soil.
harvesting: when flowers are fully open. can be used fresh or dried for later use.
companion planting: can enhance the growth of cucumbers.
may 1st
two weeks before last spring frost
dill
seed to harvest: 4 to 8 weeks
seed storage: ?
sow: 1/8 inch deep, 1 per square foot, full sun.
growing: water weekly.
harvesting: harvest the leaves anytime after the plant reaches 6 inches. harvest the seeds after the plants have turned brown but before the seeds start to fall. place seed heads in brown bag and shake gently to remove seeds.
for continuous harvest: plant every few weeks until early summer.
companion planting: dill doesn't do well near carrots.
sunflower
seed to harvest: approximately 10 weeks
seed storage: ?
sow: 1 in. deep, full sun.
growing: water regularly.
harvesting: after the flower begins to die and seeds are full
companion planting: grows well with corn and tomato. avoid planting near beans.
may 8th
one week before last spring frost
last chance for sowing spinach and pea seeds.
bush or pole beans
seed to harvest: bush: 8 weeks, pole: 10 weeks
seed storage: 3 years
sow: 1 to 2 inches deep, 1 or 2 per square foot, full sun. pre-soak seed 30 minutes for faster sprouting.
growing: regular waterings. do not let soil dry out. provide support for pole types.
harvesting: carefully break or cut each stem holding the bean pod when beans are still small and tender.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks
companion planting: beans don't grow well near beets.
cilantro/coriander
seed to harvest: 5 weeks (leaves); 12 weeks (coriander seeds)
seed storage: ?
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 1 per square foot, full sun to partial shade.
growing: water weekly.
harvesting: harvest the leaves anytime after the plant reaches 6 inches. harvest the seeds after the plants have turned brown but before the seeds start to fall. place seed heads in brown bag and shake gently to remove seeds.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks until early summer.
summer squash
seed to harvest: 6 to 8 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1 to 2 inches deep. bush (zucchini): 1 per 9 square feet; vine: 1 per 2 square feet. full sun. pre-soak seed.
growing: keep leaves dry to avoid powdery mildew. provide vertical support for vines. keep soil moist.
harvesting: carefully cut through the fruit stem as soon as the blossoms wilt, usually about 6 inches.
companion planting: grows well with nasturtiums, bush peas, and beans.
•
our spring garden 2009
This will be my third year gardening and I'm learning the land as I go. You know what they say, third time's a charm!=)
our spring garden 2010
•
Below is a planting timeline/guide for Camden County, NJ. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden on/after the date indicated. Use Grow Guide to calculate a timeline tailored to your frost dates. It is recommended to follow directions on seed packets if provided.
average last spring frost date: may 15th
average first fall frost date: october 20th
zone: 6b
late february/early march
clear ground. weed, turn and amend soil with organic compost.
march 20th
eight weeks before last spring frost
spinach
seed to harvest: 5 to 7 weeks
seed storage: 1 year
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 4 per square foot, partial to full sun.
growing: constant moist soil, but not waterlogged. mulch to retain moisture.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks until last spring frost.
companion planting: helped by peas and beans.
kale seed to harvest: approximately 10 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1/4 inch deep, 1 per square foot, full sun.
growing: moist soil.
harvesting: cut outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks until last spring frost.
april 3rd
six weeks before last spring frost
mustard greens
seed to harvest: 4 to 6 weeks
seed storage: 5 years
sow: 1/4 inch deep, 1 to 4 per square foot, full sun.
growing: constant moist soil, but not waterlogged. mulch to retain moisture.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
radish
seed to harvest: 4 weeks
seed storage: 4 to 5 years
sow: 1/2 inch deep in spring; 1 inch deep in summer. 16 per square foot, full sun to partial shade.
growing: constant and even moisture. mulch in hot weather.
harvesting: pull up entire plant as soon as root is marble to ping-pong size.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks.
april 10th
five weeks before last spring frost
peas
seed to harvest: approximately 10 weeks
seed storage: 3 to 4 years
sow: 1 inch deep, 8 per square foot, full sun; partial sun in warmer months. soak seeds 24 hours before planting. keep vines trained up vertical frame.
growing: never let peas dry out.
harvesting: carefully pick pods off their stems at any stage of growth.
for continuous harvest: plant again in 2 weeks.
april 17th
four weeks before last spring frost
seed to harvest: 7 to 8 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 4 per square foot, full sun. pre-soak seeds.
growing: moist soil.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
leafy greens/lettuce/arugula/escarole
seed to harvest: range from 4 to 8 weeks
seed storage: 5 years
sow: 1/8 inch deep, 4 per square foot, full sun; partial sun in warmer regions
growing: constant moist soil, but not waterlogged. mulch to retain moisture.
harvesting: pick outer leaves as soon as plant looks like it won't miss a leaf or two.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
april 24th
three weeks before last spring frost
seed to harvest: 10 weeks
seed storage: 3 to 4 years
sow: surface sown or covered minimally. 16 per square foot, full sun, but can stand partial shade.
growing: constant and even moisture until almost mature, then reduce watering so carrots don't crack.
harvesting: pull up those with largest tops. to check size, dig around root with fingers.
for continuous harvest: plant every 3 weeks.
seed to harvest: 8 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 4 per square foot, full sun or partial shade. soak seeds 24 hours before planting.
growing: constant and even moisture.
harvesting: to harvest greens, one or two leaves can be picked any time. harvest root when ping-pong to full size. if you're not sure of size, dig around root with fingers.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks, skipping hottest months.
german chamomileseed to harvest: approximately 6 weeks
seed storage: ?
sow: surface sow, full sun or light shade.
growing: most soil.
harvesting: when flowers are fully open. can be used fresh or dried for later use.
companion planting: can enhance the growth of cucumbers.
may 1st
two weeks before last spring frost
dill
seed to harvest: 4 to 8 weeks
seed storage: ?
sow: 1/8 inch deep, 1 per square foot, full sun.
growing: water weekly.
harvesting: harvest the leaves anytime after the plant reaches 6 inches. harvest the seeds after the plants have turned brown but before the seeds start to fall. place seed heads in brown bag and shake gently to remove seeds.
for continuous harvest: plant every few weeks until early summer.
companion planting: dill doesn't do well near carrots.
seed to harvest: approximately 10 weeks
seed storage: ?
sow: 1 in. deep, full sun.
growing: water regularly.
harvesting: after the flower begins to die and seeds are full
companion planting: grows well with corn and tomato. avoid planting near beans.
one week before last spring frost
last chance for sowing spinach and pea seeds.
may 15th
average last spring frost date
seed to harvest: bush: 8 weeks, pole: 10 weeks
seed storage: 3 years
sow: 1 to 2 inches deep, 1 or 2 per square foot, full sun. pre-soak seed 30 minutes for faster sprouting.
growing: regular waterings. do not let soil dry out. provide support for pole types.
harvesting: carefully break or cut each stem holding the bean pod when beans are still small and tender.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks
companion planting: beans don't grow well near beets.
cilantro/coriander
seed to harvest: 5 weeks (leaves); 12 weeks (coriander seeds)
seed storage: ?
sow: 1/2 inch deep, 1 per square foot, full sun to partial shade.
growing: water weekly.
harvesting: harvest the leaves anytime after the plant reaches 6 inches. harvest the seeds after the plants have turned brown but before the seeds start to fall. place seed heads in brown bag and shake gently to remove seeds.
for continuous harvest: plant every 2 weeks until early summer.
seed to harvest: 6 to 8 weeks
seed storage: 4 years
sow: 1 to 2 inches deep. bush (zucchini): 1 per 9 square feet; vine: 1 per 2 square feet. full sun. pre-soak seed.
growing: keep leaves dry to avoid powdery mildew. provide vertical support for vines. keep soil moist.
harvesting: carefully cut through the fruit stem as soon as the blossoms wilt, usually about 6 inches.
companion planting: grows well with nasturtiums, bush peas, and beans.
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That brings us up to the average last spring frost date. In part two I will provide information for planting cucumber, melon, basil and winter squash seeds directly in the garden. Check back for favorable planting days by the Moon Calendar as they become available online.
one who plants a garden, plants happiness. ~ chinese proverb
one who plants a garden, plants happiness. ~ chinese proverb
Can't wait to get my garden going again! You've got me so inspired!
ReplyDeleteGarden plans look good, but I am surprised that the last frost date is April 6? I am in the same zone, other side of PA and it can freeze here up to May 20(and did last year). Wow what a difference.
ReplyDeleteCool post Kelli(Biodynamic gardening at it's very best:)!
ReplyDeletex
thanks ladies!
ReplyDeletejane - it's been edited.=)
You have created a wonderful garden schedule. I was surprised at how very similar our gardening climate is to yours as far as zone and frost dates go. I really look forward to seeing everything green and growing in your garden this season...how fun.
ReplyDeleteThat proverb is the truth! This gets me excited, Kelli! We need to plan out our garden too. My fingers are crossed we'll have better weather than last year.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kell for posting all this good info. I want to print it out! Ha! I am definitely going to follow you! Keep them coming! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteGreat plan. I was planting a row of spring onions and I think I mixed my dill in with them. They looked the same at the time... and guess where they are planted...yep... right next to the carrots DOH!
ReplyDeleteawesome.
ReplyDeletefrickin.
post!
This makes me so excited for SPRING! Happy gardening. Looking forward to virtually gardening with you.
ReplyDeletemr h - thank you! good to know we have similar growing conditions - i'm sure i'll have more Q's for you!
ReplyDeleteheidi - i've been so excited too! i keep organizing my seed packets and just found some sunflower seeds i didn't know i had. see i added flowers to this post?=)
miss - i'll be printing it out for myself! i'm not doing tomatoes or eggplant this year but i'll let you know the good times for transplanting puglia plants (and i'll go with you to get flowers!)
liisa - it will make the carrots dilllicious!=)
thanks rick! i have to remember to research wheat grass as well.
bitt - me too!!! it's freezing cold here but i sat and admired the sun still out after 5 pm. we're getting there!=)
I totally missed planting my happiness this season. I have two square foot garden kits in the garage and the new square foot garden book that I have read cover to cover, twice, but do I have my gardens in full bloom? NO. Next year I guess. I had to make due with a potted garden and my sprouts.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Peace & Raw Health,
Elizabeth
So inspiring....love it:) I'm so excited (and nervous) about my first garden!
ReplyDelete