Best Vegetables To Plant In Your Garden By Season
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Understanding the best plants to grow in your garden based on the weather, month, and season can help a plant owner and novice gardener keep their plants in good condition. After all, you don’t want to plant a tasty seed before it is ready to mature!
Let’s see the best vegetable to plant for the most optimal growing period.
Tips For Growing Seeds
Before you figure out the best seeds, plants, and foods to grow per season, gardeners must know a few tips to help them keep their plants healthy and nourishing soil.
First, owners must understand the correct timing for planting their seeds and fertilizing their foods. Some vegetables should be started outdoors, whereas others should be started indoors. Knowing the correct temperature and environment is key to facilitating optimal growth.
Second, owners must choose the right containers and soil for their plants or seeds. Certain plants need deep containers with drainage, whereas others only need shallower trays to help keep the same moisture levels.
Thirdly, owners must know the timeframe of when to start planting and how to plant seeds. Some seeds can be placed on the surface, whereas other seeds must be buried in the soil.
In addition, plant owners need to keep up to date with the correct care. Knowing the timeframe and the order of steps, such as watering, feeding, and temperature control, can help plant owners understand when to let the oil dry, the correct amount of lighting, and how to feed their seeds.
Lastly, understanding the correct amount of light for seedlings helps plant owners know when to rotate their pots, how to adjust the lights, and when to let the seedlings rest (and recuperate without direct light or sunlight).
Early Winter
There are actually plants and seeds that owners should plant in the early winter! Although most people think of plants and flowers as only suitable for hot temperatures, this is not true.
One of the most common seeds for the cold weather is garlic. Gardeners should find garlic seed for sale beginning in late December, so they can plant this seed by the early winter (or late autumn if they are eager to get started!). Garlic usually needs between 1-2 months to develop its bulbs, with the ideal temperatures ranging between 32-50 degrees Fahrenheit — making the winter development period perfect for planting in late autumn or early winter.
Other popular seeds and foods to plant in early winter include broccoli, parsnips, cabbage, kale, leeks, and other root vegetables and leafy greens. These leafy crops typically require very little protection, making them durable and suitable for harsh conditions and low temperatures.
Furthermore, certain vegetables, like carrots and squash, can be grown in the winter if they are properly stored in the right temperature and climate conditions.
Springtime
After a long winter, plant owners should figure out what to plant during the springtime. Beginning in March, passionate gardeners should narrow down their list of plants and seeds to winter vegetables and leafy options. For example, leeks, cabbage, kale, Brussel sprouts, chicory, and parsley are smart options that will last through the winter and be ideal choices for the spring and summer months.
Since the springtime can be unpredictable in terms of consistent weather, row covers should be used by plant owners. Plant owners can prepare their garden using slightly acidic oil (which may need conditioners or compost) and raised beds with proper soil. Some of the best options include tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, and squash.
Early Summer
During the early summer, like May, June, and July, plant owners should take advantage of hte longer days and stronger sunshine. During this time, analyzing the soil temperature (ex: seeing if it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit) can confirm the weather is hot enough to plant specific food and plants.
Plant owners and gardeners should watch for insect damage, lack of moisture, and leaf damage. If this is the case, gardeners must remove the damaged parts and use pesticides.
The best plants and seeds to use during this time period include greens, peas, herbs, and beans.
Late summer/Fall
After you pass through the springtime, there are plants, seeds, and vegetables that are perfect for the late summertime (think of July and August). At this point, salad leaves (like rocket, mibuna, or mustard) and potatoes can be the best choices for planting during the hot summer months.
Some of the best options to grow in the late summer months heading into the fall season are kale, greens, arugula, beets, onions, cauliflower carrots, bok choy, broccoli, spinach, sprouts, and turnips. The benefits of leafy greens are their ability and hardiness that can withstand harsh conditions and colder temperatures than other seeds and vegetables.
How To Grow Vegetables In The Winter
There are some basic must-follow steps for those who want to learn how to grow vegetables in the winter (and avoid dead plants or un-grown seeds!):
- Harden seedlings grown in greenhouses before moving them outside
- Move seedlings to their final growing position after they have formed 2 or 4 pairs of leaves
- Plant salad plants directly into the ground during the summer months
- Cover salad leaves and leafy plants for protection during the cold winter months
Things to keep an eye out for when growing plants
Just like anything else, there are certain things to keep an eye out for when it comes to correctly growing plants, seeds, and flowers. Owners need to take into account a few must-know facts before growing their first garden area.
Some of the essential facts and figures to know include keeping an eye out for flea beetles and pigeons, looking for the signs of bolting, avoiding cultivation issues, and identifying the case of splitting after heavy rain or precipitation.
Before You Go
As you can see, there are certain things to keep in mind before you grow seeds, vegetables, flowers, or plants in your garden. Understanding the ins and outs of the best seasons for growing specific items can help plant owners and gardeners keep their gardens healthy and happy.