Herbs Planting Calendar

Planting & Setup

Herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. Many are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Basil is especially valuable in the garden as a companion plant for tomatoes, helping with pest management and improving overall growth. Dill and cilantro benefit from staggered planting to maintain a continuous supply. Many herbs, such as oregano and sage, are perennial and will return year after year with proper care. Others, like basil, thrive in warm weather and need to be replanted each 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
Basil	Either	5/15–6/30	None	Yes (4–6 wks before)
Cilantro	Direct	3/25–5/15	8/15–9/30	No
Dill	Direct	4/1–6/15	8/1–9/15	No
Oregano	Transplant	5/15–6/30	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Sage	Transplant	5/15–6/30	None	Yes (6–8 wks before)
Parsley	Either	4/1–5/30	8/1–9/15	Yes (4–6 wks before)
Lavender	Transplant	5/15–6/30	None	Yes (8–10 wks before)
Chives	Either	4/1–6/1	8/1–9/15	Yes (4–6 wks before)

Growing Conditions

Crop Name	Sunlight	Temperature Tolerances	Ideal Soil Temperature	Seed Depth	Days to Harvest
Basil	Full sun	50°F–95°F	70–85°F	0.25 in.	50–70
Cilantro	Full–part	25°F–75°F	55–70°F	0.25 in.	40–60
Dill	Full sun	30°F–85°F	60–75°F	0.25 in.	40–60
Oregano	Full sun	40°F–90°F	65–80°F	0.25 in.	80–100
Sage	Full sun	40°F–90°F	65–80°F	0.25 in.	75–90
Parsley	Full–part	30°F–80°F	55–70°F	0.25 in.	60–80
Lavender	Full sun	40°F–95°F	65–85°F	0.125 in.	90–120
Chives	Full–part	20°F–85°F	55–75°F	0.25 in.	50–80

Perennial Herbs (Plant Once, Return Yearly): These can be planted in early spring (as soon as the ground can be worked) or in the fall.

• Chives: Plant in early spring. They are very hardy and return bigger each year.

• Oregano: Thrives in full sun. Plant in spring.

• Sage: Hardy perennial, best planted in spring. Does well with Mediterranean herbs.

• Lavender: In Zone 6, select English or French varieties. Plant in a spot with fast-draining soil in early spring.

• Rosemary: Note: Often dies over winter in Zone 6. Treat as an annual or plant in a pot to bring indoors over winter.

Annual & Tender Herbs (Replant Yearly): Plant these after all danger of frost has passed (late May is safest). 

• Basil: Very tender. Plant after the soil warms up, typically late May or early June. Basil loves heat.

• Cilantro: Prefers cool weather. Direct sow seeds in mid-April (early spring) and again in early September for fall. It bolts (goes to seed) in hot summer weather.

• Dill: Direct sow in the garden in mid-April through mid-May. Re-seed every few weeks for continuous harvest.

• Parsley: Although technically a biennial, it is usually treated as an annual. Can be planted in early spring (April). 

Succession Planting: To keep fresh Cilantro and Dill all season, sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks.

Root Crops Planting Calendar

Planting & Setup

Root crops grow underground and require a different soil environment than most other vegetables. This group includes carrots, beets, radishes, potatoes, turnips, and parsnips. They develop best in loose, mineral sandy topsoil with low nitrogen levels. Since root veggies don’t like high nutrient soil, too much compost can lead to poor root development, even when plants look healthy above ground. In the Deep Roots system, root crops are grown in dedicated mineral soil beds with PhoSul fertilizer to support proper root formation with phosphorus. Alliums (onions, garlic, leeks, and more) are not root veggies and like higher nutrient soil. Read detials in our Garlic, Onion & Alliums 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

Seed Pieces  = Plant cut sections of seed potatoes directly in the ground

Slips  = Plant rooted sweet potato shoots grown from a mother tuber

Crop Name	How To Plant	Spring Planting	Fall Planting	Germinate Indoors
Beets	Direct	3/25–5/15	8/1–9/15	No
Carrots	Direct	3/20–5/15	8/1–9/15	No
Parsnips	Direct	3/20–5/1	None	No
Radishes	Direct	3/15–5/30	8/15–10/1	No
Turnips	Direct	3/25–5/30	8/1–9/15	No
Rutabagas	Direct	4/1–5/30	7/15–8/15	No
Potatoes	Seed Pieces	4/1–5/15	None	No
Sweet Potatoes	Slips	5/20–6/20	None	Optional

Growing Conditions

Crop Name	Sunlight	Temperature Tolerances	Ideal Soil Temperature	Seed Depth	Days to Harvest
Beets	Full–part	25°F–85°F	60–75°F	0.5 in.	50–70
Carrots	Full–part	25°F–80°F	60–70°F	0.25 in.	60–80
Parsnips	Full sun	20°F–75°F	55–70°F	0.5 in.	90–120
Radishes	Full–part	25°F–85°F	60–75°F	0.25 in.	25–40
Turnips	Full–part	20°F–85°F	60–75°F	0.5 in.	40–60
Rutabagas	Full sun	20°F–75°F	60–70°F	0.5 in.	80–100
Potatoes	Full sun	40°F–85°F	60–70°F	4 in.	80–110
Sweet Potatoes	Full sun	55°F–95°F	70–85°F	4 in.	90–120

Root crops play by different rules. Instead of trying to grow fast above ground, they want to store energy underground. They only do that when the soil sends the right signal: nutrients are present, but not excessive. In nutrient-rich compost-based soil, especially manure compost, nitrogen levels are often too high. The plant responds by putting energy into leaves instead of roots, which is why gardeners sometimes get beautiful tops but small, disappointing roots.

Beets: Thin early for baby beets and harvest the rest when full size. Although many gardeners say beets love sheep manure fertilizer, we have not yet tried it. Plant beet seeds a half inch deep and about 1 to 2 inches apart. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Because each beet "seed" actually contains multiple seeds, you must thin the seedlings to a final spacing of 3 to 4 inches apart once they reach 2 to 3 inches tall. 

Carrots: You can over-winter carrots in the bed to optimize sweetness. Very tiny seeds are tricky to plant. Keep seeds and new sprouts moist constantly. Great tips in video How to sow carrot seeds that includes keeping seeds moist with a board until they germinate. Check under the board everyday and remove it when the first sprout appears. To harvest carrots find one whose top is sticking out of the soil. If it pulls out easily it is ready to harvest. They will not be ready all at the same time.

Parsnips: Over-winter in the bed to optimize sweetness.

Radish: Fastest crop to grow to maturity.

Potatoes need richer, more nutrient-dense soil than many other root vegetables. They are not grown from seed, but from seed potatoes planted directly in the soil. Potatoes also have two different planting windows, depending on the variety. Determinate potatoes mature faster, produce fewer potatoes, and are usually planted for an earlier harvest. Indeterminate potatoes take longer to mature and can keep producing more potatoes as the plant grows. View our blog post about planting potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are also heavy feeders, but they are planted from slips, not seeds. Slips are seedlings grown from a sweet potato, often started in water rather than soil. Although many gardeners grow their own slips, we ordered ours online. In Zone 6a, plant sweet potato slips outdoors in late May to early June, about 3–4 weeks after the last spring frost, once the soil is at least 65ºF and nights are consistently above 55ºF. Slips are extremely tender, so wait until all danger of frost has passed.

Alliums are root bulb veggies like garlic, onions and leeks and are NOT true root veggies, They have different growing requirements like higher nutrient soil. Check our blog post on Garlic, Onions & Alliums.

Legumes Planting Calendar

Planting & Setup

Legumes are unique in the garden because they improve soil health while producing food. This group includes peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas, which have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil. Cool-season legumes like peas can be planted early, while warm-season beans require warmer soil. In the Deep Roots system, legumes are excellent for crop rotation and help prepare soil for future plantings.

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
Fava Beans	Direct	3/15–4/15	9/1–10/1	No
Shell Peas	Direct	3/15–4/20	8/15–9/15	No
Snap Peas	Direct	3/15–4/20	8/15–9/15	No
Snow Peas	Direct	3/15–4/20	8/15–9/15	No
Lentils	Direct	3/20–4/20	None	No
Chickpeas	Direct	4/1–5/1	None	No
Bush Beans	Direct	5/10–7/1	None	No
Pole Beans	Direct	5/10–6/20	None	No
Edamame	Direct	5/15–6/30	None	No
Lima Beans	Direct	5/15–6/30	None	No
Southern Peas	Direct	5/20–7/1	None	No

Growing Conditions

Crop Name	Sunlight	Temperature Tolerances	Ideal Soil Temperature	Seed Depth	Days to Harvest
Fava Beans	Full sun	20°F–75°F	50–65°F	1–2 in.	75–100
Shell Peas	Full–part	25°F–75°F	50–65°F	1 in.	60–70
Snap Peas	Full–part	25°F–75°F	50–65°F	1 in.	60–70
Snow Peas	Full–part	25°F–75°F	50–65°F	1 in.	60–70
Lentils	Full sun	25°F–80°F	55–70°F	1 in.	80–100
Chickpeas	Full sun	30°F–85°F	60–75°F	1–2 in.	90–100
Bush Beans	Full sun	50°F–95°F	65–85°F	1 in.	50–60
Pole Beans	Full sun	50°F–95°F	65–85°F	1 in.	60–75
Edamame	Full sun	50°F–95°F	70–85°F	1–2 in.	70–90
Lima Beans	Full sun	55°F–95°F	70–85°F	1–2 in.	70–90
Southern Peas	Full sun	55°F–100°F	70–90°F	1–2 in.	60–90

Popular legumes for backyard gardens, beyond standard beans and peas, include Edamame (soybeans), Lima beans (butterbeans), Southern peas (cowpeas/black-eyed peas), and versatile Runner beans. These heat-loving options thrive in summer, while lentils and chickpeas can be tried for variety. 

Edamame (Soybeans): A nutritious, high-protein snack, often planted in early summer for a late summer harvest.

Lima Beans (Butterbeans): Both bush and pole types thrive in warmer soil, offering a rich, creamy flavor.

Southern Peas (Cowpeas/Black-eyed Peas): Highly productive in hot, humid weather, providing both leafy greens and peas.

Runner Beans (Scarlet Runner): Known for stunning red flowers and edible, large beans, they handle slightly cooler summers better than limas.

Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Can be grown, though they require a long, dry, warm season.

Asparagus Beans (Yard-long Beans): Related to cowpeas, these are productive, heat-loving, and best grown on a trellis. 

Timing: Plant heat-lovers (Edamame, Limas, Cowpeas) after all danger of frost has passed, usually mid-April to May.

Trellis:  Use trellises for pole varieties to save space.Providing proper support is essential, especially for climbing varieties. Regular planting of bush beans can provide a continuous summer harvest.

Leafy Greens Planting Calendar

Planting & Setup

Leafy greens are fast-growing, nutrient-dense crops that can be planted multiple times throughout the season. This group includes lettuce, spinach, chard, kale, collards, and other greens that thrive in cooler weather, as well as heat-tolerant options like amaranth and red malabar spinach. Many leafy greens perform best in spring and fall, when temperatures are mild. In the Deep Roots system, leafy greens grow best in compost-rich soil that supports rapid, healthy growth. In zones 5 and 6 you can diversify cool weather hardy greens and heat-tolerant leafy greens to ensure a continuous harvest from spring through fall.

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
Amaranth	Direct	5/15–7/1	None	No
Collard Greens	Either	4/1–5/30	8/1–9/1	Optional
Kale	Either	3/25–5/30	8/1–9/15	Optional
Lettuce	Direct	3/20–5/15	8/15–9/30	No
Red Malabar Spinach	Direct	5/20–7/1	None	No
Spinach	Direct	3/15–5/1	8/15–9/30	No
Swiss Chard	Either	4/1–6/1	8/1–9/1	Optional
Asian Greens	Either	3/25–5/15	8/15–9/30	Optional

Growing Conditions

Crop Name	Sunlight	Temperature Tolerances	Ideal Soil Temperature	Seed Depth	Days to Harvest
Amaranth	Full sun	50°F–100°F	70–90°F	0.25 in.	30–50
Collard Greens	Full–part	20°F–85°F	60–75°F	0.5 in.	50–70
Kale	Full–part	15°F–80°F	60–70°F	0.5 in.	50–70
Lettuce	Full–part	28°F–75°F	55–70°F	0.125 in.	30–60
Red Malabar Spinach	Full–part	55°F–100°F	75–90°F	0.5 in.	60–80
Spinach	Full–part	20°F–70°F	50–65°F	0.5 in.	30–50
Swiss Chard	Full–part	25°F–90°F	60–75°F	0.5 in.	50–60
Asian Greens	Full–part	25°F–75°F	55–70°F	0.25 in.	30–50

Kale and collards greens are considered leafy green vegetables and are, in fact, among the most nutrient-dense options in that category. Both are dark green, cruciferous vegetables, making them excellent sources of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, iron, calcium, and antioxidants

Red malabar spinach is a “fake spinach” that is a prolific vining plant that loves summer heat.

Lacinato and dinosaur kale are the exact same with dark blue-green, bumpy, crinkled leaves. Curly kale is best grown in spring and fall for a sweet taste after a frost.

Kale (Lacinato/Dino, Curly): Highly frost-resistant and thrives in early spring and fall. Flavor often improves after a light frost.

Arugula: Fast-growing, peppery green that loves the cool spring and fall. It can be harvested in as little as three weeks.

Mustard Greens (Red Giant, Green Wave): Heat-tolerant enough for summer, providing a spicy kick to salads. Pick young for less heat.

Collard Greens: One of the hardiest greens, suitable for spring, summer, and late fall.

Asian Greens (Tatsoi, Mizuna, Bok Choy): Excellent for quick spring or fall succession planting. They are fast-growing and hold up well in cool weather.

Beet Greens: You can plant beets primarily for their leafy greens, which are nutritious and fast-growing.

New Zealand Spinach: A fantastic heat-tolerant alternative to traditional spinach that thrives in summer.

Orach (Mountain Spinach): A colorful, heat-tolerant relative of spinach that doesn't bolt quickly in summer.

Sorrel: A perennial green with a tangy, lemon-like flavor that can be harvested early in spring and late into autumn. 

Zone 6 Planting Schedule

• Early Spring (March-April): Direct sow spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula, and Swiss chard as soon as the soil can be worked.

• Summer (June-July): Plant heat-loving greens like Malabar spinach, Amaranth, New Zealand spinach, and Swiss chard.

• Fall Garden (August-September): Resow arugula, lettuce, spinach, kale, and mustard greens for harvests that can continue into November. 

Tips for Zone 6 Greens

• Succession Planting: Sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply.

• Shade Cloth: Use shade cloth in July and August to prevent greens from bolting.

• Overwintering: Kale and spinach can often survive the winter with a little protection, providing very early spring greens. 

Lettuce Varieties

Different lettuce varieties have distinct planting dates and maturity timings, largely based on their heat tolerance and type. 

• Fast-growing leaf lettuces mature in 40–60 days, while 

• heading types (Romaine, Crisphead) take 70–100+ days. 

• Early spring/fall plantings favor cool-weather types, while

•  summer planting requires heat-tolerant, slow-bolting varieties. 

Maturity Timing by Type:

• Loose-leaf: Fast (40–60 days).

• Butterhead/Boston: Medium (55–75 days).

• Romaine/Cos: Slower (70–85 days).

• Crisphead/Iceberg: Longest (70–100 days). 

Planting Dates & Strategies:

• Spring: Plant as soon as the soil can be worked.

• Summer: Use heat-resistant varieties (e.g., Summer Crisp) to avoid bitter taste and premature bolting.

• Fall: Plant in late summer to early fall (Aug–Oct) for a late harvest.

• Succession Planting: Plant new seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continuous, steady harvest. 

Key Considerations:

• Loose-leaf and butterhead varieties can be harvested as "cut-and-come-again" at almost any stage.

• Crisphead is the most challenging and requires a long, cool season.

• Pair varieties with the season: cold-hardy for early spring/late fall, and heat-tolerant for summer.

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	8/1-8/15	Optional
Zucchini	Either	5/10–6/20	8/1-8/15	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.

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