Fruiting Plants Calendar

Planting & Setup

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and tomatillos are heavy-feeding plants that require warm temperatures and rich soil to perform well. These crops should only be planted once soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently.

Tomatoes benefit from deep planting, careful pruning, and spacing that allows for airflow to reduce disease pressure. Peppers and eggplants prefer consistently warm conditions and steady growth.

Companion planting can help maximize production. We often alternate tomatoes with basil, marigolds, and greens to create a balanced and productive bed.

Season extension tools like row covers can help protect young plants and extend harvests later into the season.

HOW TO PLANT guide for the column below:

Direct  = Directly sow your seeds in your outdoor soil at the correct depth

Transplant  = Plant seedlings ("transplants") that were grown indoors

Either  = Direct sow seeds or plant seedlings

Crop Name	How To Plant	Spring Planting	Fall Planting	Germinate Indoors
Eggplant	Transplant	5/15–6/10	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Peppers (Sweet)	Transplant	5/15–6/10	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Peppers (Hot)	Transplant	5/15–6/10	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Tomato (Cherry)	Transplant	5/10–6/10	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Tomato (Roma)	Transplant	5/10–6/10	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Tomato (Heirloom)	Transplant	5/10–6/10	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Tomatillo	Transplant	5/15–6/10	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)

Growing Conditions

Crop Name	Sunlight	Temperature Tolerances	Ideal Soil Temperature	Seed Depth	Days to Harvest
Eggplant	Full sun	50°F–95°F	70–85°F	0.25 in.	70–90
Peppers (Sweet)	Full sun	50°F–95°F	70–85°F	0.25 in.	60–90
Peppers (Hot)	Full sun	50°F–100°F	70–85°F	0.25 in.	70–100
Tomato (Cherry)	Full sun	45°F–95°F	65–85°F	0.25 in.	55–75
Tomato (Roma)	Full sun	45°F–95°F	65–85°F	0.25 in.	70–90
Tomato (Heirloom)	Full sun	45°F–95°F	65–85°F	0.25 in.	75–95
Tomatillo	Full sun	50°F–95°F	70–85°F	0.25 in.	70–90

• Seeds or seedlings? Plant either seeds or seedlings for all cultivars – eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes.

• Placement: Alternate peppers, small marigolds, and basil in a bed. Place kale, lettuce and chard on the south side of the tomatoes if there is room.

• Tomatoes: Indeterminate tomatoes need a tall stake since they never stop growing. Determinate tomatoes are smaller and produce all fruit at once. Plant seedlings deep so part of the stem is under soil. 

• Watering: Don’t water very much, other than at the beginning. Deep water every few days. View a video on tomato pruning. View our blog post on Tomato Growing Tips.

• Pests & diseases: Plant disease resistant cultivars. Prune the lower leaves up to 10” to prevent fungal spores from splashing upwards. Dip your tool in alcohol as you prune diseased leaves. View tomato disease prevention post.

• Eggplant: Plant disease resistant cultivars. Plant mini-eggplant seedlings in midsummer for a fall crop.

Season extension. A lightweight “floating row cover” might provide 2ºF of frost protection, whereas a heavy-weight row cover might provide as much as 6ºF to 10ºF of frost protection. In the spring, when transplants are small, row cover can often be simply draped over plants without a frame.

Cucurbits Planting Calendar

Planting & Setup

Cucurbits are vigorous, fast-growing plants that thrive in warm soil, full sun and love heat. This family includes cucumbers, squash, zucchini, melons, and pumpkins, all of which require space, strong trellis support, and nutrient-rich soil. Cucurbits benefit from regular harvesting, and preventative care for powdery mildew. With the right setup, they are among the most productive crops in the garden. These plants are sensitive to cold and should only be planted after soil temperatures rise in late spring. Cucurbits belong in compost-rich beds where they have the nutrients and space they need to spread and produce heavily.

HOW TO PLANT guide for the column below:

Direct  = Directly sow your seeds in your outdoor soil at the correct depth

Transplant  = Plant seedlings ("transplants") that were grown indoors

Either  = Direct sow seeds or plant seedlings

Crop Name	How To Plant	Spring Planting	Fall Planting	Germinate Indoors
Cucumber	Either	5/10–6/15	None	Optional
Cantaloupe	Either	5/15–6/15	None	Optional
Summer Squash	Either	5/10–6/20	None	Optional
Zucchini	Either	5/10–6/20	None	Optional
Winter Squash	Either	5/15–6/15	None	Optional
Watermelon	Either	5/15–6/15	None	Optional

Growing Conditions

Crop Name	Sunlight	Temperature Tolerances	Ideal Soil Temperature	Seed Depth	Days to Harvest
Cucumber	Full sun	50°F–95°F	65–85°F	0.5–1 in.	50–70
Cantaloupe	Full sun	50°F–95°F	70–90°F	1 in.	80–100
Summer Squash	Full sun	50°F–95°F	65–85°F	1 in.	45–60
Zucchini	Full sun	50°F–95°F	65–85°F	1 in.	45–60
Winter Squash	Full sun	50°F–95°F	70–90°F	1 in.	80–110
Watermelon	Full sun	55°F–95°F	70–95°F	1 in.	80–100

• Tromboncino squash is not attacked by the squash vine borer moth. This makes it one of the most reliable summer squash options. It grows vigorously on a trellis and produces continuously through summer and fall.

• Seeds or seedlings? Plant either seeds or seedlings for all cultivars. Beginners should plant seedlings.

• Pests and diseases: Spray all Curcubits weekly with organic biofungicide for powdery mildew prevention and management.

• Cucumber: Pick hidden cucumbers before they get over-ripe and turn yellow which can signal the plant to stop or slow fruit production.

• Zucchini: Although they are huge plants with enormous leaves and fruit, they don’t need a trellis. Planting in large containers or in a separate bed is best. Many gardeners prefer to pick zucchinis at 12” long or less.

• A Trellis is needed for cucumbers, summer squash, and winter squash. View this video with a wide range of trellis designs you can buy or make yourself. Cucurbits need a very sturdy and strong trellis. Squash and melons can also grow on the ground or on a lawn without hurting the grass.

Brassicas Planting Calendar

Planting & Setup

Cruciferous Vegetables and Cabbage Family are other names for  the Brassica family. This group includes broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collards, arugula and bok choy — some of the most nutrient-dense foods and most rewarding crops you can grow.  Brassicas are cool-season vegetables that thrive in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. In the Deep Roots system, brassicas grow best in microbe and compost-rich soil with consistent moisture and early planting. As always, brassicas benefit from early planting, consistent moisture, and microbe & compost-rich soil. See our Growing Brassicas blog post.

HOW TO PLANT guide for the column below:

Direct  = Directly sow your seeds in your outdoor soil at the correct depth

Transplant  = Plant seedlings ("transplants") that were grown indoors

Either  = Direct sow seeds or plant seedlings

Crop Name	How To Plant	Spring Planting	Fall Planting	Germinate Indoors
Arugula	Direct	3/20–5/15	8/15–9/15	No
Bok Choy	Either	3/25–5/10	8/10–9/10	Optional
Broccoli	Transplant	4/10–5/20	7/25–8/15	Yes (4–6 wks before)
Broccolini	Transplant	4/10–5/20	7/25–8/15	Yes (4–6 wks before)
Cabbage	Transplant	4/10–5/20	7/25–8/15	Yes (4–6 wks before)
Napa Cabbage	Either	4/1–5/10	8/1–9/1	Optional
Collards	Either	4/1–5/30	8/1–9/1	Optional
Kale	Either	3/25–5/30	8/1–9/15	Optional
Mustard Greens	Direct	3/20–5/15	8/10–9/20	No

Growing Conditions

Crop Name	Sunlight	Temperature Tolerances	Planting Soil Temperature	Seed Depth	Days to Harvest
Arugula	Full–part	25°F–80°F	40–75°F	0.25 in.	20–30
Bok Choy	Full–part	28°F–75°F	50–75°F	0.25 in.	30–45
Broccoli	Full sun	26°F–75°F	55–75°F	0.25 in.	60–80
Broccolini	Full sun	28°F–80°F	55–80°F	0.5 in.	35–50
Cabbage	Full sun	25°F–80°F	50–80°F	0.5 in.	60–80
Napa Cabbage	Full–part	28°F–75°F	50–75°F	0.25 in.	50–70
Collards	Full–part	20°F–85°F	50–85°F	0.5 in.	50–70
Kale	Full–part	15°F–80°F	45–80°F	0.5 in.	50–70
Mustard Greens	Full–part	25°F–85°F	50–85°F	0.25 in.	30–50

Swede Midge fly: This recent invasive pest  damages growing tips and makes it very hard to produce large-headed crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Kale and collards are least damaged by swede midge since we harvest leaves, not a whole head. The fly larvae survive the winter in the soil. See our Swede Midge blog post.

Kale and collards, which are much more resilient and continue producing even when the plant is stressed. These crops also provide a longer harvest window and are easier for beginners.

Spray weekly with BT (Bacillus Thuringensis) to repel all the other common insects. We can eat green leafy veggies with a few (caterpillar (cabbage worm) holes as long as we wash them first. A few holes doesn't hurt humans or the plant. But may not be okay with neighbors and friends who share your harvest. We don’t expect 100% perfect veggies.

Fungal Diseases: “Club Root” prevents flower heads forming and attacks broccoli and broccolini roots and stunts plant growth. It is very tricky to prevent and manage since the disease stays in the soil for many years. Another example is “stem rot” which can be stopped with a biofungicide/bactericide spray. 

Some favorites: Broccolini is a fast growing, delicious crop that can replace broccoli. Brussel Sprouts need meticulous crop protection over a long season. Choose short season, compact cabbages for success. Kale is a superfood you can plant early and mid-season for abundant crops.

Fall planting often produces the best quality crops with fewer pests and improved flavor. These plants prefer steady growth in cooler weather and often produce better flavor and texture in fall than in spring. 

Short-season greens like baby kale, mustard greens, or bok choy are the easiest brassicas to grow. Sown in early spring or late summer, they will start producing baby greens in just a few weeks and maybe harvested at full size for cooking.

Storing and Using Spinach and Lettuce

Freeze Lettuce & Spinach in Soups, Stews & Dips

Here are 8 delicious vegan recipes for soups, stews, and dips that make excellent use of an abundant lettuce and spinach harvest, and also freeze well.

Healthy Soups & Stews

Spinach and Lettuce Green Soup

•   Ingredients: spinach, lettuce, onions, garlic, potatoes, vegetable broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper.
•   Preparation: Sauté onion and garlic, add diced potatoes, spinach, lettuce, and broth. Simmer until tender. Blend until creamy, then stir in coconut milk.
•   Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers; reheat gently.

Spinach, Lettuce, and White Bean Stew

•   Ingredients: spinach, lettuce, cannelloni beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, Italian herbs, olive oil.
•   Preparation: Sauté onion and garlic, add spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and broth. Season with Italian herbs, simmer until thickened.
•   Freezing: Freeze portions in containers; thaw overnight before reheating.

Curried Lettuce and Spinach Soup

•   Ingredients: spinach, lettuce, coconut milk, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, chili flakes, lime juice.
•   Preparation: Sauté aromatics, add spinach, lettuce, broth, spices. Cook briefly, blend until smooth, finish with coconut milk and lime juice.
•   Freezing: Freeze in serving-sized portions; thaw in refrigerator overnight.

Lentil and Spinach Stew

•   Ingredients: spinach, lentils, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika.
•   Preparation: Sauté vegetables, add lentils, spinach, lettuce, broth, and spices. Cook until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
•   Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers.

Delicious Dips

Spinach-Lettuce Pesto Dip

•   Ingredients: spinach, lettuce, basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
•   Preparation: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
•   Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Thaw cubes in the fridge overnight.

Creamy Spinach & Lettuce Hummus

•   Ingredients: chickpeas, spinach, lettuce, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, salt, pepper, olive oil.
•   Preparation: Blend all ingredients until creamy, adjust seasoning.
•   Freezing: Portion into containers or bags; thaw overnight in fridge.

Spinach and Lettuce Artichoke Dip

•   Ingredients: spinach, lettuce, artichokes, vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast, garlic, onions, vegan mozzarella, salt, pepper.
•   Preparation: Blend spinach, lettuce, garlic, cream cheese; fold in chopped artichokes and onions. Top with vegan mozzarella, bake until bubbly.
•   Freezing: Freeze before baking; thaw and bake as needed.

Spicy Spinach and Lettuce Avocado Dip

•   Ingredients: spinach, lettuce, avocados, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, salt.
•   Preparation: Blend spinach, lettuce, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro. Mash with avocado, add lime juice, cumin, salt to taste.
•   Freezing: Freeze in small airtight containers; defrost overnight in refrigerator and stir well before serving.

Join the Deep Roots movement

We’re not just about gardening; we’re about changing the way people grow food. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a full backyard, we’ll help you grow like a pro.

Stay in the loop: Signup for our email newsletter. If you also provide your phone number you will get text message updates that link to our best blog posts.

Get involved: Attend a free workshop, become a volunteer, grab a raised bed, or simply follow along for expert tips. Contact our support team any time you have a question at 708-655-5299 and support@deep-roots-project.org.

Learn. Share. Grow. Volunteer: We invite you to be a part of our sustainable movement right here in our own backyards! We want all our volunteers to have fun and learn while they contribute to expanding the Deep Roots community. We can customize a volunteer assignment to your time, interests and skills. Learn more on our Volunteer page

Dive Deeper

Click on the Blog Posts below for more about our Innovative methods.

Beautify Your Garden with Our Cedar Raised Beds!

 Our Deep Roots handcrafted cedar raised beds are designed to endure outdoors while adding a touch of style to your yard. As a bonus, they are the perfect depth to hold just the right amount of our nutrient-rich compost growing medium, which comes free with each bed.

Deep Roots Supports Gardeners

We provide our gardeners with the best products for success – like cedar raised beds, microbe-rich compost and microbe-rich worm castings.

Call our customer support team with any questions or help with calculations. Then place your order online. If you need help or have a question contact us at support[at]deep-roots-project.org and 708-655-5299.

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections

Signup for Our Newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter to get gardening and seasonal text messages announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Red Malabar Spinach: A Heat-Loving, Edible Beauty

A Heat-Loving, Edible Beauty

If you’re looking for a leafy green that thrives when the summer sun is blazing and most other greens have called it quits, Red Malabar Spinach is your new garden best friend.

Not a True Spinach

With its deep red stems, lush vining habit, and glossy, succulent leaves, this plant is as beautiful as it is useful. Although it’s not technically a true spinach, the taste and texture are close enough that many gardeners use it the same way and fall in love with it for its resilience and beauty.

Red Malabar Spinach, also called New Zealand spinach, climbing spinach, or Ceylon spinach, is officially known as Basella rubra. Native to India and tropical Asia, this plant thrives in heat and humidity. The hotter the summer, the more it seems to flourish.

Eat Raw or Cooked

The leaves are crisp and citrusy when eaten raw and mellow and earthy when cooked. You can toss it into salads, stir it into soups and curries, or blend it into green smoothies. It even produces vivid purple berries that aren't particularly flavorful, but they’re so striking that they’re sometimes used as a natural dye.

In India, the leaves are often sautéed with garlic, onion, chili, and mustard oil—a delicious combination worth trying. Cooked, the leaves are silky but not slimy. Raw, they’re juicy and full of bright, fresh flavor.

Growing Tips

At Deep Roots Project, we grow Malabar spinach using our signature method—100% living compost instead of traditional soil, enriched with worm castings for maximum microbial and nutrient density. This creates the ideal environment for Malabar spinach to grow large, strong, and flavorful, with none of the synthetic inputs used in conventional gardening. Our raised beds packed with life are perfect for heat-loving climbers like this one.

This vigorous vine needs a warm environment, a sturdy large trellis, and consistent moisture to perform at its best. It prefers full sun, though it can tolerate some shade, and it grows rapidly once the weather warms. A couple of plants are usually plenty for a household, producing baskets of leafy greens all through the hot months of summer and into early fall.

Plant Seeds or Stem Cuttings

You can grow Red Malabar Spinach from either seeds or stem cuttings in raised beds or containers. Seeds benefit from scarification—lightly scratching the surface with a nail file or sandpaper helps speed up germination.

Start the seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost if you live in a cooler region like Zone 5b or 6a. Transplant seedlings into the garden only once the soil has fully warmed and there’s no longer any threat of frost. In warmer zones, you can direct sow the seeds in late spring.

Stem cuttings root easily, and pruned vines can often be re-planted directly into the soil to continue growing. That’s just one more reason gardeners love this plant—it’s generous and forgiving.

When planting, give each vine plenty of space to spread out and something to climb. A fence, an arbor, or even an old tomato cage can do the trick. Some gardeners train it to grow over entryways or pergolas, letting the edible vines double as ornamental greenery.

Don’t plant next to large plants like tomatoes and cucumbers since it will grow all over the neighboring plants.

Keep Well Watered

The plant does best in rich, moist soil, and like many leafy greens, it can become bitter if it’s allowed to dry out or go to seed. So keep it well watered and pick the young leaves often to encourage fresh growth and discourage flowering.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest begins once the vines are established. Just snip off the growing tips and tender leaves as needed, leaving the stems to keep producing. The more you harvest, the bushier and more productive your plant becomes.

This plant is a gift for anyone who loves greens but struggles to keep them alive in the peak of summer. Where lettuce and spinach wither, Malabar spinach comes into its own, providing a steady harvest of greens during the hottest weeks of the year. It’s also a great choice for small-space gardens, since it can be grown vertically, freeing up room for other crops.

Save Your Seeds

If you want to save seeds for the next season, let a few berries mature on the vine until they turn deep purple. Once they dry, store them in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid exposing them to high heat, which can damage their ability to germinate. A paper envelope or sealed glass jar in a cupboard works well.

Perfect for Hot Summers

Malabar spinach is one of those plants that seems too good to be true—gorgeous, delicious, productive, and practically bulletproof in the heat. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or trying your hand at summer greens for the first time, this one’s worth a spot in your raised bed or container garden.

Free Seed Offer for Spring 2025

To help introduce Red Malabar to our local community, Deep Roots is offering free seeds during May and June 2025. Please contact our customer service team at 708-655-5299 or support@deep-roots-project.org.

Join the Deep Roots movement

We’re not just about gardening; we’re about changing the way people grow food. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a full backyard, we’ll help you grow like a pro.

Stay in the loop: Signup for our email newsletter. If you also provide your phone number you will get text message updates that link to our best blog posts.

Get involved: Attend a free workshop, become a volunteer, grab a raised bed, or simply follow along for expert tips. Contact our support team any time you have a question at 708-655-5299 and support@deep-roots-project.org.

Learn. Share. Grow. Volunteer: We invite you to be a part of our sustainable movement right here in our own backyards! We want all our volunteers to have fun and learn while they contribute to expanding the Deep Roots community. We can customize a volunteer assignment to your time, interests and skills. Learn more on our Volunteer page

Dive Deeper

Click on the Blog Posts Below for more about our Innovative methods.

Beautify Your Garden with Our Cedar Raised Beds!

 Our Deep Roots handcrafted cedar raised beds are designed to endure outdoors while adding a touch of style to your yard. As a bonus, they are the perfect depth to hold just the right amount of our nutrient-rich compost growing medium, which comes free with each bed.

Deep Roots Supports Gardeners

We provide our gardeners with the best products for success – like cedar raised beds, microbe-rich compost and microbe-rich worm castings. Check our online store. Always talk to our customer support team before placing your order online. If you need help or have a question contact us at support[at]deep-roots-project.org and 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots Online Store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

Signup for Our Newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Place Raised Beds on Native Soil

At Deep Roots Project, we carefully research best practices using a wide range of trusted sources before making gardening recommendations. Our goal is to teach a method that makes food gardening not only successful, but also as easy and low-maintenance as possible—especially for busy people who want great results with less work.

Raised bed soil should touch the native soil below.

If you're installing a raised bed on gravel, place the gravel around the bed, not directly under the bed. Also, using landscape fabric under raised beds creates more risks and hassles than benefits.

Placing raised garden beds directly on compacted gravel or cement can significantly impede plant health and productivity. If you want gravel around your raised beds for convenience or aesthetics make sure you leave an area without gravel directly below the bed frame.

Drainage challenges and root development: Compacted gravel lacks the porosity necessary for proper water drainage. This can result in water pooling at the base of the raised bed, leading to waterlogged soil conditions. Such conditions deprive plant roots of essential oxygen, potentially causing root rot and stunted growth. Moreover, the hard surface of compacted gravel can act as a barrier, preventing roots from extending into the native soil below, thereby limiting access to deeper nutrients and moisture reserves.

Disruption of soil ecosystem: A thriving garden relies on a dynamic soil ecosystem, rich with microorganisms, fungi, earthworms and beneficial insects. These organisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil structure maintenance. When a raised bed is isolated from the native soil by a compacted gravel layer, it restricts the movement of these organisms into the bed. This isolation can lead to a less active soil ecosystem, reducing the natural fertility and resilience of the garden bed.

Landscape fabric under raised beds
causes more harm than good

Soil leakage and weeds: Most gardeners worry that soil will leak into the gravel or that weeds will creep up from below. But research and experience show that weeds rarely grow up through 15 inches of compost. Instead, they arrive from windblown seeds landing on the surface. And gravel itself is a natural weed deterrent. So putting plastic fabric between your gravel and raised bed won’t stop weeds—it just creates more work later.

Drainage issues: Landscape fabric also traps moisture and can interfere with drainage. If it gets clogged or pressed against uneven gravel, water may build up instead of draining freely, leading to soggy roots. Worse, it blocks the natural exchange of air, microbes, and moisture between the soil and the earth below. Over time, that hurts soil health and the thriving underground ecosystem your plants depend on.

Microplastic and chemical contamination: Another downside? Landscape fabric eventually breaks down into microplastics. Polypropylene, the most common material in these fabrics, doesn’t biodegrade. As it ages, it sheds plastic fibers into the soil—polluting your garden for years to come. Some fabrics also leach chemical into the soil over time.

In short, landscape fabric and gravel under raised beds may seem like a good idea, but it causes more harm than good. Stick with natural solutions, and you’ll support healthy soil, clean pathways, and a garden that grows stronger every year.

Ways to contain soil leakage onto gravel

So what can you do if you’re worried about raised bed soil (compost) leaking into your decorative gravel surrounding your bed? There are smart, ways to contain soil:

• Add coarse gravel pebbles: The best solution with the least work is to spread coarse gravel pebbles over your fine gravel extending about a foot around the bed. If soil leaks out of the bottom it will mix with the fine gravel and be hidden by the course gravel. Best choice is gray pebbles (also called pea gravel) with same gray color as your fine gravel.

• Recess the bed slightly—dig a shallow trench (2–3 inches) into the gravel so the bed frame sits lower. This helps hold in compost at the base.

• Line the bottom inside edge with cedar boards, bricks. These act as a gentle barrier without sealing off water flow.

• Add a natural breathable liner like burlap or straw inside the base of the bed. These will decompose safely over time while filtering fine soil particles during the first rains.

Ensure optimal garden health

A bonus tip: when you use 100% compost as you new “soil,” as Deep Roots Project recommends, it holds together better than blended soils. Compost's rich microbial structure helps it settle firmly and resist leaking.

By ensuring raised beds have direct contact with the native soil and are free from obstructive layers, gardeners can promote a healthier, more productive growing environment. Recommendations for optimal garden health to ensure the success of raised beds:

• Establish direct soil contact: Position raised beds so they rest directly on native soil, facilitating root expansion and organism movement.

• Enhance soil structure: Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil aeration and water retention.

Avoid physical barriers: Refrain from using landscape fabric or similar materials beneath the bed, as they can hinder drainage and organism migration.

Join the Deep Roots movement

We’re not just about gardening; we’re about changing the way people grow food. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a full backyard, we’ll help you grow like a pro.

Stay in the loop: Signup for our email newsletter. If you also provide your phone number you will get text message updates that link to our best blog posts.

Get involved: Attend a free workshop, become a volunteer, grab a raised bed, or simply follow along for expert tips. Contact our support team any time you have a question at 708-655-5299 and support@deep-roots-project.org.

Learn. Share. Grow. Volunteer: We invite you to be a part of our sustainable movement right here in our own backyards! We want all our volunteers to have fun and learn while they contribute to expanding the Deep Roots community. We can customize a volunteer assignment to your time, interests and skills. Learn more on our Volunteer page

Dive Deeper

Click on the Blog Posts Below for more about our Innovative methods.

Beautify Your Garden with Our Cedar Raised Beds!

 Our Deep Roots handcrafted cedar raised beds are designed to endure outdoors while adding a touch of style to your yard. As a bonus, they are the perfect depth to hold just the right amount of our nutrient-rich compost growing medium, which comes free with each bed.

Deep Roots Supports Gardeners

We provide our gardeners with the best products for success – like cedar raised beds, microbe-rich compost and microbe-rich worm castings. Check our online store. Always talk to our customer support team before placing your order online. If you need help or have a question contact us at support[at]deep-roots-project.org and 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots Online Store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Tomato Growing Myths & Mistakes

Tomatoes are the crown jewel of backyard gardens. No vegetable gets planted with more anticipation or more heartbreak when things go wrong. If you’ve struggled to get a good tomato harvest—or you’re growing them for the first time—this guide is here to help you avoid five common mistakes and grow juicy, healthy tomatoes the Deep Roots way.

Mistake #1: Leaving the Lower Leaves On

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is leaving the lowest leaves on the tomato plant after it's been transplanted. These early leaves once served a purpose—helping the seedling break through the soil and photosynthesize—but once the plant grows taller, they become liabilities.

Rain and irrigation can splash soil up onto these bottom leaves, spreading fungal and bacterial diseases. By trimming the leaves below the first flower cluster, you dramatically reduce the risk of infection. This also improves airflow at the base, helping your tomato plant stay dry and disease-free.

Pro tip: If you’re planting tomatoes deep to encourage rooting along the stem (a great idea), trim the lower branches a few days before transplanting. That gives the stem time to heal and prevents infection from open wounds.

Mistake #2: Fertilizing the Wrong Way or Not Enough

Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Unlike forest ecosystems, vegetable gardens don’t replenish their nutrients naturally—everything the plants take from the soil must be put back by you.

Many gardeners under-fertilize or use low-quality fertilizers. At Deep Roots Project, we recommend a powerful, soil-friendly combination: worm castings and fish emulsion.

Why Deep Roots fertilizers work better. Most powdered fertilizers—especially the ones sold in bags at big-box stores—are manufactured from isolated nutrients. These quick-fix formulas may “green up” your plants fast, but they don’t feed the soil, and over time, your soil becomes depleted.

Worm castings are nature’s perfect slow-release fertilizer. Made by red wiggler worms from nutrient-dense organic matter, they’re packed with microbes that wake up your soil and help roots absorb nutrients better. They improve soil structure, water retention, and disease resistance—benefits that powdered fertilizers just can’t match.

Fish emulsion, especially cold-processed organic types, gives your tomatoes a gentle, balanced dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s also loaded with micro-nutrients and beneficial bacteria. When watered in every two weeks, it keeps your tomatoes growing strong without the harsh chemical burn of synthetic options.

Our Suggested Routine (Every Two Weeks):

•   Top-dress each plant with ½ to 1 cup of worm castings.

•   Water in with fish emulsion (about 2–3 tablespoons per gallon).

•   Repeat every 14 days for happy, productive plants.

Want to go 100% organic? Great. Need to cut costs and mix in a bit of a commercial product? Fine. But always keep high-quality compost and natural fertilizers at the heart of your routine. Healthy soil = healthy tomatoes.

Mistake #3: Over-Pruning Tomato Plants

Pruning has become a trend among tomato growers—but many are doing too much. For determinate (bush) or dwarf varieties, never prune above the first flower cluster. These plants are pre-programmed to stop growing at a certain height. Over-pruning means fewer fruits.

For indeterminate tomatoes (which keep growing all season), it’s tempting to remove every sucker (the shoots that grow between the main stem and branches). But unless you're growing inside a greenhouse with 20-foot vertical space, this "single-stem" method will lower your yield. In a home garden, allow suckers to develop—especially ones low on the plant that your support structure can handle. More suckers = more flowers = more tomatoes.

Key takeaway: Prune for airflow and structure, not out of habit. If you can’t explain why you're pruning a certain branch, don't prune it.

Mistake #4: Planting Too Late in Warm Climates

If you live in a hot, humid region, timing is everything. Once daytime temps consistently hit 90°F and nights don’t dip below 70°F, tomato flowers won’t pollinate. Pollen becomes sticky, and flowers drop without forming fruit.

In cooler regions, gardeners are taught to wait until the danger of frost is well past. But in the South and other hot climates, waiting too long can mean a total harvest failure. Tomatoes should be planted early in spring, so they reach their peak flowering before the worst summer heat arrives.

If you're relocating from a northern state, adjust your timing expectations. Aim to plant tomatoes on the shoulder season—early enough to flower before the summer swelter.

Mistake #5: Believing the 'Full Sun' Myth

“Full sun” is a misleading term. While tomato seedlings love spring sunshine, intense summer sun stresses the plants, making them more vulnerable to disease and insect attack.

In their native tropical forests, tomatoes grow as sprawling vines under a canopy of dappled light. That’s why Deep Roots recommends 40% shade cloth during the summer.

Here's the winning formula:

•   Let your tomatoes soak up the full sun in spring (April–May).

•   Then, install shade cloth starting around Memorial Day to mimic their native light conditions.

This keeps your plants cool, reduces disease pressure, and extends your harvest by 45 to 60 days.

Final Thoughts on Tomato Mistakes

Whether you’re growing five tomato plants or fifty, mastering these five tips will set you up for success. Use Deep Roots Project’s organic fertilizers, plant at the right time, prune wisely, and protect your tomatoes with shade when the summer sun turns brutal.

Tomatoes may be the most beloved crop in the garden—but they’re also one of the trickiest. With a little knowledge and the right soil-building approach, your tomato patch can become the envy of the neighborhood.

The Tomato Pruning Debate

Pruning tomato plants has been a topic of debate among gardeners. Some claim that it increases yield, while others believe it's unnecessary. Scientific evidence does suggest that pruning can have specific benefits, but the extent of its impact on yield can vary based on factors like tomato variety, growing conditions, soil nutrients/microbes and pruning techniques.

Recent research has begun to challenge the long-held belief that pruning tomato plants invariably leads to better yields and healthier crops. While pruning can offer certain benefits, such as improved air circulation and disease prevention, studies suggest that its impact on yield and fruit quality may not be as significant as once thought.

Are Benefits of Pruning Tomatoes Just a Myth?

Pruning is not a myth, but its benefits can be specific to certain circumstances:

Indeterminate vs. Determinate Varieties: Pruning is more beneficial for indeterminate varieties that continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season.

Disease Management: Improved air circulation from pruning can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fruit Quality: Pruning can result in larger, higher-quality fruits.
However, for determinate varieties, which produce fruit in a shorter, more concentrated period, pruning is less critical and may not increase yield.

A Recent Science on Tomato Pruning

Studies collected by The Spruce suggest that while pruning can have specific benefits, such as disease prevention and plant manageability, it may not universally enhance yield or fruit quality. Home gardeners should consider factors like tomato variety, local climate, and available resources when deciding on pruning practices. For instance, determinate varieties often require minimal pruning, while indeterminate types may benefit from selective pruning to manage growth. Read full article by The Spruce “Should You Prune Out Tomato Suckers.”

The Spruce is committed to the quality and trustworthiness of their content and editorial processes. Their team of writers, editors, fact checkers, illustrators, photographers, and medical and financial professionals rigorously researches and reviews all content on an ongoing basis to ensure it is up to date, accurate, and puts the needs of their readers first. Learn more at The Spruce Content Integrity Promise

Customize Your Pruning Methods

In summary, pruning should be tailored to individual gardening contexts rather than applied as a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding the specific needs of your tomato plants and observing their responses to pruning can lead to more informed and effective gardening practices.

Join the Deep Roots movement

We’re not just about gardening; we’re about changing the way people grow food. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a full backyard, we’ll help you grow like a pro.

Stay in the loop: Signup for our email newsletter. If you also provide your phone number you will get text message updates that link to our best blog posts.

Get involved: Attend a free workshop, become a volunteer, grab a raised bed, or simply follow along for expert tips. Contact our support team any time you have a question at 708-655-5299 and support@deep-roots-project.org.

Learn. Share. Grow. Volunteer: We invite you to be a part of our sustainable movement right here in our own backyards! We want all our volunteers to have fun and learn while they contribute to expanding the Deep Roots community. We can customize a volunteer assignment to your time, interests and skills. Learn more on our Volunteer page

Dive Deeper

Click on the Blog Posts Below for more about our Innovative methods.

Beautify Your Garden with Our Cedar Raised Beds!

 Our Deep Roots handcrafted cedar raised beds are designed to endure outdoors while adding a touch of style to your yard. As a bonus, they are the perfect depth to hold just the right amount of our nutrient-rich compost growing medium, which comes free with each bed.

Deep Roots Supports Gardeners

We provide our gardeners with the best products for success – like cedar raised beds, microbe-rich compost and microbe-rich worm castings. Check our online store. Always talk to our customer support team before placing your order online. If you need help or have a question contact us at support[at]deep-roots-project.org and 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots Online Store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

How to Start Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors is a fun and rewarding activity for gardeners of all levels. With a little bit of planning and care, you can grow healthy, strong seedlings that will thrive in your garden. It’s a great way to get a jumpstart on your garden and extend your growing season. It's also a fun and rewarding activity for gardeners of all levels.

Grow Strong, Healthy Seedlings

Starting seeds indoors is one of the most satisfying ways to get a head start on your garden—and it’s easier than you might think. This post will walk you through every step: from selecting seeds to preparing soil, to caring for your seedlings—and finishing with “hardening them off” before planting outdoors. Deep Roots uses a 1:! mix of our microbe-rich compost and worm castings as our potting soil, not shown in this video.

Why Start Seeds Indoors?

Whether you're growing tomatoes, peppers, herbs, or flowers, starting your own “transplants” (another word for seedlings) can save you money, expand your variety choices, and give your garden a healthy early boost.

By starting seeds indoors in early spring, you can give summer crops like tomatoes and peppers the head start they need to be productive all season long. It’s a great way to extend your growing season and get hands-on with your garden early in the year.

Follow These Simple Steps

Step 1: Choose the Right Seeds

Not every plant needs to be started indoors. Focus on varieties that need a longer growing season and benefit from transplanting, such as tomatoes, peppers, many herbs, and flowers. Choose seeds that are fresh, high quality, and well-suited to your growing conditions. You can buy them from local nurseries, trusted online seed retailers, or even seed swaps with other gardeners.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

To get started, you’ll need a few essentials. These include containers to plant in, such as seed trays or small pots with drainage holes. For an eco-friendly option, consider biodegradable pots made from materials like peat, coir, or paper—these can be planted directly into the garden without disturbing the roots. Your potting mix should be rich and alive; we recommend a blend of half microbe-rich compost and half worm castings. You’ll also need a light source—grow lights work best, since windows typically don’t provide enough consistent sunlight indoors. Keep a spray bottle or watering can nearby to keep the soil moist.

Step 3: Plant Your Seeds

Fill your containers with the compost and worm casting mixture, leaving about a quarter inch of space at the top. Gently press down the soil to remove any air pockets. Follow the seed packet instructions, but a general rule is to plant seeds about a quarter inch deep and place two to three seeds per cell or pot. Cover the seeds lightly with more soil and water gently. Be sure to label your trays so you know which plants are which.

Step 4: Provide Proper Light

Most seedlings require 12 to 14 hours of light per day to grow properly. A grow light is your best bet to provide this kind of steady illumination. While it might seem convenient to use a sunny window, it usually doesn’t provide strong or consistent enough light to keep your seedlings healthy. Without enough light, seedlings may become weak and leggy.

Step 5: Care for Your Seedlings

Once your seeds have germinated and begun to grow, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. As they get taller, thin them out by snipping the weaker seedlings and leaving the strongest one in each pot. Eventually, your seedlings will outgrow their starter pots. At that point, transplant them into slightly larger containers filled with fresh compost and worm castings. This gives their roots more space to grow and prepares them for life in the garden.

Step 6: Harden Off Your Seedlings

Before you plant your seedlings outdoors, you’ll need to harden them off. This means gradually getting them used to outdoor conditions like wind, sun, and changing temperatures. Start this process about ten to fourteen days before you plan to transplant them into your garden.

On the first day, place the seedlings outside in a shaded, sheltered spot for one to two hours, then bring them back inside. Each day, increase their time outdoors and gradually expose them to more sunlight. Always bring them indoors at night unless the temperatures are very mild. This slow transition toughens up your seedlings and helps prevent transplant shock, giving them the best chance to thrive when they go into the ground.

Step 7: When Are Seedlings Ready to Go Outside?

Before moving your seedlings to your outdoor garden beds, it’s important to make sure they’re mature and sturdy enough to handle the transition. A good rule of thumb is to wait until your seedlings have at least two to three sets of “true leaves”—the ones that grow after the first small seed leaves (called cotyledons). At this point, the plant is photosynthesizing and growing on its own.

Your seedlings should be about 3 to 6 inches tall, with strong, thick stems. If they are tall and wobbly, they may need more time under the grow lights or better airflow to strengthen their stems. The roots should be well-developed and hold the soil together when gently removed from the container. If the roots are still fragile or fall apart easily, give your seedlings more time indoors. However, if the roots are circling the pot tightly (called rootbound), it’s time to transplant.

Step 8: Planting Dates

Depending on where you live, the growing season can be limited, and it can be challenging to extend it. Know which crops are cold tolerant and which need warmth to thrive. Know how to protect your seeds and seedlings from unexpected temperatures. Learn more details about planting dates in the Chicago area in our blog post on Planting Calendar for Zone 6a.

The average last frost dates for Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, including Oak Park and River Forest, in 2025 are typically April 21 to 30. However, it's important to note that this is just an average, and there's always a chance of frost occurring before or after these dates. 

Gardeners not in the Chicago area can ask their local university ag extension or a botanic garden for a planting calendar and average frost dates for their climate zone.

Final Thoughts

Starting seeds indoors is a simple and deeply rewarding practice that lets you take control of your growing season. It’s a fun way to engage with your garden long before outdoor planting begins. With a little planning, care, and patience, you’ll grow strong, healthy transplants that are ready to flourish the moment they hit the soil.

You can also use Winter Sowing techniques to start some seeds outdoors - see the blog linked below.

Join the Deep Roots movement

We’re not just about gardening; we’re about changing the way people grow food. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a full backyard, we’ll help you grow like a pro.

Stay in the loop: Signup for our email newsletter. If you also provide your phone number you will get text message updates that link to our best blog posts.

Get involved: Attend a free workshop, become a volunteer, grab a raised bed, or simply follow along for expert tips. Contact our support team any time you have a question at 708-655-5299 and support@deep-roots-project.org.

Learn. Share. Grow. Volunteer: We invite you to be a part of our sustainable movement right here in our own backyards! We want all our volunteers to have fun and learn while they contribute to expanding the Deep Roots community. We can customize a volunteer assignment to your time, interests and skills. Learn more on our Volunteer page

Dive Deeper

Click on the Blog Posts Below for more about our Innovative methods.

Beautify Your Garden with Our Cedar Raised Beds!

 Our Deep Roots handcrafted cedar raised beds are designed to endure outdoors while adding a touch of style to your yard. As a bonus, they are the perfect depth to hold just the right amount of our nutrient-rich compost growing medium, which comes free with each bed.

Deep Roots Supports Gardeners

We provide our gardeners with the best products for success – like cedar raised beds, microbe-rich compost and microbe-rich worm castings. Check our online store. Always talk to our customer support team before placing your order online. If you need help or have a question contact us at support[at]deep-roots-project.org and 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots Online Store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

Signup for Our Newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.