Summer
WHAT TO PLANT IN DECEMBER
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Prepare the Soil: Green beans need well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. You can add compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant green beans is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F.
Planting Method: Sow the seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1-2 inches deep and 2-4 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Green beans are ready to harvest about 50-60 days after planting. Pick them when they are about the size of a small pencil.
Remember, green beans need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) and they don’t do well in extreme heat. So, if you live in a very hot climate, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Prepare the Soil: Beetroot prefers light, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant beetroot is from mid-April to July. However, in cooler climates, you can start sowing as early as March or as late as September.
Planting Method: Sow the seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows that are 1 foot apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, especially during dry spells, to prevent the roots from becoming woody.
Harvesting: Beetroot is ready to harvest when the size of the root is between a golf ball and a tennis ball – this is usually 90 days after planting.
Remember, beetroot needs full sun (at least 4 hours of sunlight per day) to partial shade. They can tolerate frost, but young plants can be damaged by late spring frosts.
Prepare the Soil: Capsicum prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant capsicum is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 70°F.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 24 to 36 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Capsicum is ready to harvest when they reach the size and color indicated on the seed packet or plant tag. This is usually 60-90 days after planting.
Remember, capsicum needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) and they don’t do well in extreme heat or cold.
Prepare the Soil: Celery prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant celery is in the early spring, 10-12 weeks before the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date. Transplant them 6 to 10 inches apart in rows that are 1 to 2 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Celery requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Celery is ready to harvest when the stalks are about 8 inches tall. This is usually 16-18 weeks after planting.
Remember, celery needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade. They also prefer cooler weather.
Prepare the Soil: Cucumbers prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant cucumbers is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 70°F.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Plant them 1 inch deep and 36 to 60 inches apart in rows that are 4 to 6 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Cucumbers require consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are bright medium to dark green and firm to the touch. This is usually 50-70 days after planting.
Remember, cucumbers need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) and they don’t do well in extreme heat or cold.
Prepare the Soil: Eggplants prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant eggplants is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 70°F.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 30 to 36 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Eggplants are ready to harvest when the skin is glossy and the fruit is firm. This is usually 16-24 weeks after planting.
Remember, eggplants need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) and they don’t do well in extreme cold.
Prepare the Soil: Lettuce prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant lettuce is in the early spring or fall. Avoid planting in the hot summer months.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Lettuce requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Lettuce is ready to harvest when the leaves reach your desired size. This is usually 30-60 days after planting.
Remember, lettuce needs full sun (at least 4 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade. They also prefer cooler weather.
Prepare the Soil: Rocket prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant rocket is in the early spring or fall. Avoid planting in the hot summer months.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows that are 10 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Rocket requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Rocket is ready to harvest when the leaves reach your desired size. This is usually 20-40 days after planting.
Remember, rocket needs full sun (at least 4 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade. They also prefer cooler weather.
Prepare the Soil: Silverbeet prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant silverbeet is in the early spring or fall. It can tolerate a light frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1/2 inch deep and 3-6 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Silverbeet requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Silverbeet is ready to harvest when the leaves reach your desired size. This is usually 50-60 days after planting.
Remember, silverbeet needs full sun (at least 5 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade. They also prefer cooler weather.
Prepare the Soil: Spinach prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant spinach is in the early spring or fall. It can tolerate a light frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Spinach requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Spinach is ready to harvest when the leaves reach your desired size. This is usually 37-45 days after planting.
Remember, spinach needs full sun (at least 3-4 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade. They also prefer cooler weather.
Prepare the Soil: Spring onions prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant spring onions is in the early spring or fall.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week. Spring onions require consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Spring onions are ready to harvest when the bulbs are small and the tops are 6 inches tall. This is usually 8-10 weeks after planting.
Remember, spring onions need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade.
Prepare the Soil: Strawberries prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant strawberries is in the early spring or late fall.
Planting Method: Buy young plants from a nursery and transplant them. Plant them 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Strawberries require consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Strawberries are ready to harvest when the berries are fully red. This is usually 4-6 weeks after blossoming.
Remember, strawberries need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade.
Prepare the Soil: Sweetcorn prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant sweetcorn is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Sweetcorn requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Sweetcorn is ready to harvest when the tassels become dark and start to dry. This is usually 60-100 days after planting.
Remember, sweetcorn needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Tomatoes prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant tomatoes is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 2 to 4 feet apart in rows that are 4 to 5 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. This is usually 60-80 days after planting.
Remember, tomatoes need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) and they don’t do well in extreme cold.
Prepare the Soil: Onions prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant onions is in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors about 6 weeks before the outdoor planting date. Plant them 1 inch deep and 4-5 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Onions are ready to harvest when the tops have fallen over and turned brown. This is usually 100-120 days after planting.
Remember, onions need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Leeks prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant leeks is in the early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors about 8-10 weeks before the outdoor planting date. Plant them 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Leeks are ready to harvest when the stalks are about 1 inch in diameter. This is usually 100-120 days after planting.
Remember, leeks need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Wombok prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant wombok is in the early spring or fall. It prefers cooler weather and can be damaged by hot temperatures.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week. Wombok requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Harvesting: Wombok is ready to harvest when the heads feel firm and dense. This is usually 70-80 days after planting.
Remember, wombok needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade.
Prepare the Soil: Zucchini prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant zucchini is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 60°F.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1 inch deep and 36 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Zucchini is ready to harvest when the fruits are about 6 to 8 inches long. This is usually 40-50 days after planting.
Remember, zucchini needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
HERBS
Prepare the Soil: Basil prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant basil is after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 50°F.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Basil is ready to harvest as soon as the plant has enough leaves to maintain growth. Regular harvesting or pinching of the leaves will encourage growth throughout the season.
Remember, basil needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Coriander prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant coriander is in the late spring, after the last frost, and in the early fall.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 15 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Coriander is ready to harvest when the leaves start to mature. This is usually 3-4 weeks after planting for leaf harvest and about 45 days for seed harvest.
Remember, coriander needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate light shade.
Prepare the Soil: Chives prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant chives is in the spring, about 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 8-10 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Chives are ready to harvest about 60 days after planting. Cut the leaves down to the base when harvesting.
Remember, chives need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) but can tolerate partial shade.
Prepare the Soil: Dill prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant dill is in the spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 18 inches apart in rows that are 24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Dill is ready to harvest as soon as the plant has four to five leaves. For seeds, wait until the flowers are faded and the seeds are brown.
Remember, dill needs full sun (at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Mint prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant mint is in the spring, or in the fall in frost-free climates.
Planting Method: It’s best to start with a young plant from a nursery, as mint can be difficult to grow from seed. Plant them 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Mint is ready to harvest as soon as it comes up and can be harvested until the first hard freeze.
Remember, mint needs full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Oregano prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant oregano is in the early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 8-10 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Oregano is ready to harvest as soon as the plant begins to bud. Cut the stems down to the ground, leaving about 2 inches.
Remember, oregano needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Parsley prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant parsley is in the early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Parsley is ready to harvest as soon as the plant has three segments. This is usually 70-90 days after planting.
Remember, parsley needs full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Sage prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant sage is in the early spring or fall.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 24-36 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Sage is ready to harvest as soon as the leaves begin to fill out. This is usually 75-80 days after planting.
Remember, sage needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
ather.
Prepare the Soil: Thyme prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant thyme is in the early spring or fall.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 12-24 inches apart in rows that are 16-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Thyme is ready to harvest as soon as the plant begins to bud. Cut the stems down to the ground, leaving about 2 inches.
Remember, thyme needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
FLOWERS
Prepare the Soil: Alyssum prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant alyssum is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 6-9 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Alyssum is grown for its flowers, which can be enjoyed throughout the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, alyssum needs full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Asters prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant asters is in the early spring or fall.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 1-3 feet apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Asters are grown for their flowers, which can be enjoyed from late summer to fall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, asters need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Balsam prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant balsam is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 12-16 inches apart in rows that are 24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Balsam is grown for its flowers, which can be enjoyed throughout the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, balsam needs full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Carnations prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant carnations is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Carnations are grown for their flowers, which can be enjoyed throughout the growing season. Cut the flowers when they are fully open for the longest vase life.
Remember, carnations need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Cockscomb prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant cockscomb is in the late spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date, or sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant them 1/8 inch deep and 8-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Cockscomb is grown for its flowers, which can be enjoyed from summer to fall. Cut the flowers when they are fully open for the longest vase life.
Remember, cockscomb needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Cosmos prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. They can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Planting Time: The best time to plant cosmos is in the late spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Cosmos are grown for their flowers, which can be enjoyed from summer to fall. Cut the flowers when they are fully open for the longest vase life.
Remember, cosmos need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant dahlias is in the late spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Plant tubers directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant them 4-6 inches deep and 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 3-5 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Dahlias are grown for their flowers, which can be enjoyed from midsummer to the first frost. Cut the flowers in the morning or evening for the longest vase life.
Remember, dahlias need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Sage prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant sage is in the early spring or fall.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 24-36 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Sage is ready to harvest as soon as the leaves begin to fill out. This is usually 75-80 days after planting.
Remember, sage needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
ather.
Prepare the Soil: Gerbera daisies prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant gerbera daisies is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Gerbera daisies are grown for their flowers, which can be enjoyed from late spring to early fall. Cut the flowers when they are fully open for the longest vase life.
Remember, gerbera daisies need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Impatiens prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant impatiens is in the late spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 8-12 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Impatiens are grown for their flowers, which can be enjoyed from late spring to the first frost. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, impatiens need partial to full shade.
Prepare the Soil: Lobelia prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant lobelia is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Lobelia is grown for its flowers, which can be enjoyed from late spring to the first frost. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, lobelia needs full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Phlox prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant phlox is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 1-2 feet apart in rows that are 2 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Phlox is grown for its flowers, which can be enjoyed from late spring to early fall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, phlox needs full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Portulaca prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, dry conditions.
Planting Time: The best time to plant portulaca is in the late spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant them on the surface of the soil, as they need light to germinate, and 12-24 inches apart in rows that are 24 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water sparingly, as portulaca is a drought-tolerant plant and excessive water can lead to root rot.
Harvesting: Portulaca is grown for its flowers, which can be enjoyed from late spring to early fall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, portulaca needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Salvia prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant salvia is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date, or buy young plants from a nursery. Transplant them 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Salvia is grown for its flowers, which can be enjoyed from late spring to early fall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Remember, salvia needs full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Sunflowers prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant sunflowers is in the late spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant them 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting: Sunflowers are grown for their seeds or flowers. Harvest the seeds when the flower heads have dried and the back of the head has turned brown.
Remember, sunflowers need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
Prepare the Soil: Zinnias prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant zinnias is in the late spring, after the last frost.
Planting Method: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant them 1/4 inch deep and 6-18 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting. Then, water regularly, giving the plants 1 inch of water per week.
Harvesting: Zinnias are grown for their flowers, which can be enjoyed from late spring to the first frost. Cut the flowers in the morning or evening for the longest vase life.
Remember, zinnias need full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day).
