Summer
WHAT TO PLANT IN JANUARY
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
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.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Enrich soil with compost; aim for pH 6.0-7.0.Planting:
Indoors: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, keep moist.
Outdoors: Transplant seedlings or direct sow, spacing 18-24 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart.Care:
Water consistently.
Mulch to retain moisture.
Fertilize as needed.
Pest Control:
Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
Use organic methods for control.Harvest:
Pick sprouts when firm and 1-2 inches in diameter, starting from the bottom of the stalk.
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.
Soil Preparation:
Use well-drained, loose soil free of stones.
Ensure deep soil tillage to allow for proper root development.Planting:
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, directly in the garden.
Space seeds 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.Care:
Thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart once they’re 2 inches tall.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Weed carefully to avoid disturbing carrot roots.Harvest:
Carrots are ready to harvest when they reach desired size, typically in about 50-75 days.
Gently loosen soil around the carrots to pull them up without breaking.
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.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil.
Enrich soil with compost and ensure a pH of 6.0-7.5.Planting:
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
Space seeds or seedlings 6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.Care:
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer if needed.Pest Control:
Watch for common pests like aphids and flea beetles.
Employ organic pest control methods as necessary.Harvest:
Harvest kohlrabi when the bulb is 2-3 inches in diameter.
Cut the stem just above the soil level with a sharp knife.
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: 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.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a site with full sun to light shade.
Prepare deep, loose, and well-drained soil.
Remove stones and debris to prevent misshapen roots.Planting:
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.
Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.Care:
Thin seedlings to 3-6 inches apart once they’re 2 inches tall.
Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Weed carefully to avoid root damage.Harvest:
Parsnips are typically ready after the first frost, which sweetens their flavor.
Harvest by loosening the soil around the root and pulling gently.
Can be left in the ground through winter for spring harvest.
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: 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).
Soil Preparation:
Select a location with full sun.
Till the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches and remove any debris.
Mix in aged compost to enrich the soil.
Planting:
Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Care:
Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they’re a few inches tall.
Keep the soil consistently moist.
Control weeds with regular, shallow cultivation.
Harvest:
Harvest turnips when they are 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor.
Pull the turnips out of the ground by grasping the top of the root and gently wiggling it free.
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.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.Planting:
Sow seeds just below the surface, about 1/8 inch deep.
Space seedlings or thin to 8-10 inches apart.Care:
Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if needed.Harvest:
Harvest marjoram leaves as needed.
For best flavor, pick leaves just before the plant flowers.
Cut stems in the morning after dew has dried for peak oil content.
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).
Soil Preparation:
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Tarragon prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.Planting:
Plant divisions or cuttings about 18-24 inches apart to allow for growth.
If using seeds, sow them lightly on the soil surface, as tarragon seeds need light to germinate.Care:
Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater – tarragon does not like soggy roots.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.Harvest:
Harvest leaves as needed, preferably in the morning when the oils are strongest.
Cut the stems just above a growth node to promote new growth.
For drying, harvest just before the plant flowers for the best flavor.
FLOWERS
Soil Preparation:
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
Ensure the soil is fertile, well-drained, and has a neutral to slightly acidic pH.Planting:
Sow seeds on the soil surface or barely cover them, as they need light to germinate.
Space plants about 6-8 inches apart.Care:
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous bloomingHarvest:
Although ageratum is typically grown for its flowers rather than harvest, you can cut blooms for bouquets.
Cut flowers in the morning when their moisture content is highest.
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).
Soil Preparation:
Choose a location with partial to full shade, as Cineraria prefers cooler conditions.
Ensure the soil is rich, well-drained, and maintains consistent moisture.Planting:
Sow seeds on the surface of a well-moistened soil mix, as they need light to germinate.
Do not cover the seeds with soil; just press them gently into the soil surface.
Space transplants about 12-15 inches apart to allow for mature growth.Care:
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Remove faded flowers to promote further blooming and maintain plant vigor.Harvest:
Cineraria is primarily grown for its showy flowers and is not typically “harvested.”
However, you can cut blooms for display in floral arrangements. Do this early in the morning and place them in water immediately.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a location with partial shade, as full sun can be too intense.
Ensure the soil is moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.Planting:
Scatter seeds on the soil surface or lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch deep).
Space plants or thin seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart.Care:
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
Mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds.
Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding, if desired.Harvest:
Forget-me-nots are typically grown for their charming flowers and are not harvested.
For bouquets, cut stems early in the morning when flowers are freshest.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Lupins prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
Avoid heavy, wet soils as lupins do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.Planting:
Soak seeds overnight to soften the hard seed coat, or nick the seeds with a file.
Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Space seeds or seedlings 12-18 inches apart to give each plant room to grow.Care:
Water plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater.
Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize sparingly; lupins fix their own nitrogen and excessive fertilizer can encourage leaf growth over flower production.Pest and Disease Management:
Keep an eye out for slugs and snails, especially on young plants.
Practice good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases.Harvest:
Lupins are primarily grown for their showy flower spikes and are not typically harvested.
If desired, cut flower spikes for arrangements when the lower third of the flowers on the spike have opened.t.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
Ensure the soil is rich, well-drained, and has a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.Planting:
Sow seeds lightly covered with soil, as they require darkness to germinate.
Space seedlings or plants about 6-8 inches apart.Care:
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Apply a general-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.Harvest:
Pansies are grown for their colorful flowers and can be picked for small bouquets.
Cut flowers early in the morning when they are freshest.
Soil Preparation:
Choose a location with partial shade, as primulas prefer cooler conditions.
Ensure the soil is rich, moist, and well-drained with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.Planting:
Sow seeds on the surface of a moist seed-starting mix, as they need light to germinate.
Do not cover the seeds with soil; just press them gently into the surface.
Space plants about 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.Care:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.Harvest:
Primulas are primarily grown for their vibrant flowers and are not typically harvested.
If desired, you can cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Do this early in the morning when the blooms are most hydrated.
- Soil Preparation:
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-drained with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. - Planting:
Sow seeds on the surface of the soil or with a light covering of soil, as they need some light to germinate. Space plants or thin seedlings to about 12-18 inches apart. - Care:
Water regularly to establish plants, then only as needed, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. - Harvest: Wallflowers are grown for their fragrant and colorful flowers, which can be cut for bouquets. Harvest flowers in the morning when they are freshest for longer-lasting cut flowers.
