Vegetable amaranth–often called tampala or Chinese spinach–is a quick-growing annual that produces an abundance of edible leaves. The leaves can be harvested cut-and-come-again over several weeks. Vegetable amaranth is a tropical plant that grows best in warm weather where the average low temperature is 68°F (20°C) through the growing season. It is a warm-weather, summer
Plant okra seedlings in the garden 3 to 4 weeks after the last frost in spring. Start okra seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before setting out plants. Direct sow okra in the garden after the last frost in spring when the soil has warmed to 60°F (16°C). Okra is a warm-season crop. Okra grows
Plant sweet potato sprouts (called “slips”) in the garden 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. Night temperatures must stay warmer than 60°F (16°C) and the soil temperature should be at least 65°F (18°C) for sweet potatoes to thrive. Start purchased slips or sprout your own about 6 to 8 weeks before setting sprouts
Chives can be started from seeds or divisions. Divisions can be planted in spring as soon as the soil is workable. Sow chives seeds indoors 4 to 8 weeks before you transplant seedlings in the garden. Seedlings can be transplanted to the garden anytime after the last frost. Sow seeds directly in the garden after
Plant squash seeds directly in the garden 1 week or more after the last frost. Transplant squash seedlings to the garden 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost; start seeds indoors 4 weeks before setting out seedlings. The optimal planting soil temperature for squash is 60-85°F (16-29°C). The optimal growing temperature for squash is
Plant seed potatoes 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Potatoes develop best in the cool weather of spring. The best tuber formation occurs when the daytime temperature is 60° to 65°F (16°-18°C) and night temperatures are about 10 degrees cooler. Where winters are mild and summers are hot, potatoes can be planted in
Plant garlic so that it receives cool temperatures during the early stages of growth when the leaves are developing. Later in the growing season, warm temperatures and long days are needed for the best bulb development. Garlic is hardy and can withstand frost and light freezing. Elephant garlic can withstand temperatures lower than regular garlic.
Arugula is a cool-season crop. It can be grown in early spring and in fall. Sow arugula seeds directly in the garden 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring or as soon as the soil is workable. To set out transplants start seeds indoors 4 to 5 weeks before transplanting. Set transplants
Garden cress can be planted directly in the garden, or it can be sprouted indoors. Plant garden cress seed in early spring; it will germinate quickly in soil that is 65°F (18°C). Garden cress is a fast-growing edible herb that has a sharp, tangy flavor like mustard. Garden cress is grown in soil. Garden cress
Plant salsify and scorzonera (black salsify) directly in the garden 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring or as soon as the soil is workable. The soil temperature must be at least 40°F (4°C) for germination. White salsify roots sauteed or steamed have a delicate flavor similar to that of the oyster.
