When to Plant Vegetaibles

Planting times for vegetables and other annual plants vary from species to species. In much of the United States the prime consideration is the date of the last spring frost/freeze. Many vegetables can be planted up to four weeks before the last frost, while others need to wait until a couple of weeks after the frost.

Another consideration is the date of the first fall frost/freeze. In northern latitudes, where summers can be short, the length of time some vegetable species take to reach maturity (most notably tomatoes and peppers) make it necessary to plant vegetable seeds indoors and then transplant the seedlings outside at the appropriate time.

Other vegetables and fruits, such as winter squashes and some melon varieties, seem to do better when planted as seeds directly where they are going to stay. With maturation times up to twelve weeks, it may be critical to get vegetable seeds planted as early as it is safe to do. If you have a short growing season, and wish to grow these crops, choose vegetable varieties that will reach maturity within a safe time period for your area.

My personal observation has been that vegetable seed crops planted at their earliest safe date are less likely to fall victim to insects than later plantings. If you have a small vegetable garden it's not too difficult to reseed if a surprise late frost damages a particular crop.

Many vegetable plants that are planted in the spring can be planted again towards the end of the season. Again, it is important to know what date you can expect the first frost.

By understanding the times and length of frost free weather in your area you can have a better chance for success in your vegetable garden.

The National Climatic Data Center has a data sheet online that can be downloaded as a pdf file or viewed online. The data sheet contains frost/freeze information for over 3000 U.S. locations. The information is presented as a table, listed in alphabetical order by state and then selected towns within each state.

Be aware that this information is based on 29 years of data gathering from 1951 to 1980, and that they are statistical in nature and cannot unequivocally predict exact dates for any given locality in any given year.

Biodynamics and Phenology use astrological and natural occurrences to discern clues about the best time to plant and harvest vegetables. Native Americans and other earlier civilizations used similar techniques.

Most areas consist of microclimates that vary by elevation, exposure and proximity to large bodies of water. The Freeze/Frost Tables are a good reference point, but it makes sense to keep track of temperature and other factors in your particular vegetable garden location if you want to truly understand when it is actually the best time to plant vegetables.

To View or download The Frost Freeze tables; click on the link below. http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/documentlibrary/freezefrost/freezefrost.pdf

Chip Phelan, a contributing editor for Organic Gardening Review, is an organic gardener living in Rhode Island. Organic Gardening Review is a resource center for organic gardening enthusiast and those interested in community sustainable agriculture. http://www.organic-gardening-review.com

Looking for a place to share organic gardening info? Visit our Organic Gardening Discussion Forum at: Organic Gardening Forum

---

10 Tips for Successful Rose Planting

Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have... Read More

Metal Garden Furniture

Since Victorian times metal garden furniture has become a popular... Read More

The Rich History of Wild Roses

Wild roses, of the genus Rosa, are those naturally... Read More

Introducting KOI-Cam!

This is a project I've had on the back burner... Read More

Marjoram: The Herb of Happiness

Called the "herb of happiness," Origanum majorana, commonly known as... Read More

Hummingbirds

Many individuals are fascinated by hummingbirds. So much so, that... Read More

A Guide for Servicing Your Chainsaw

Chainsaws provide many years of service for very little upkeep.... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Recreate the Splendor of Nature in Your Own Backyard

A few years ago I made the decision to create... Read More

Garden Statuary - Time for a Fresh New Look

Spring is coming, and now is the time to get... Read More

The Tools of Rose Gardening

Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you... Read More

Water Ponds and Wildlife - How To Attract More Animals to Your Backyard

Wildlife require water just as humans do. Water is essential... Read More

How To Check If Cut Flowers Are Fresh

Fresh flowers should feel crisp or firm. Before you buy,... Read More

Avoiding Unsightly Algae

Excessive organic matter in the pond provides nutrients for algae,... Read More

Growing a Sustainable Garden!

Do you wish you could grow a sustainable vegetable garden?... Read More

Xeriscaping is Waterwise Gardening

What is xeriscaping? You may have heard of xeriscaping as... Read More

Plastic & Resin Patio Furniture ? What You Don?t Know

What is the first thought that comes through your mind... Read More

How to Grow Cooking Herbs

Grow your own cooking herbs to add fresh zest and... Read More

You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

If you are planning to go on vacation, there are... Read More

Think Vintage for Your Garden

Container gardeners take note. Tired of clay pots? Think vintage,... Read More

Wooden Garden Furniture

Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various... Read More

Gardeners Gift Ideas

Plant lovers and backyard enthusiasts are special people who will... Read More

How to Grow Blueberries

Along with lip-smacking sweetness, flower and foliage are also worthy... Read More

Choosing the Right Roses for your Garden

There are literally hundreds of types of roses that you... Read More

Park Benches - Making the Right Choice

When most people hear the words, "park bench", they envision... Read More

Orchid Myths -The Truth

Here are some of the popular orchid myths#1 Orchids are... Read More

Theme Gardens

Flower gardens are for enjoyment. They provide you with visual... Read More

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know... Read More

Why are Adirondack Chairs & Adirondack Furniture a Cottage Favorite?

With summer right around the corner, it's time to sit... Read More

How to Grow Apples

The first thing you need to grow apples is a... Read More

The Benefits of Using Landscape Software

If you enjoy making your yard as beautiful as it... Read More

Invite Spring Early - Grow in Your Basement

Now's the time to get ready to grow your own... Read More

Feeding the Hummingbirds

Early in May here in west central Wisconsin, I can... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening verses Organic Gardening: Which Grows the Best Cannabis?

Copy-write 2005 Jan Money.Hydroponics gardening offers many advantages to the... Read More