Plant horseradish root cuttings as early as 2 to 6 weeks before the last frost in spring. Horseradish grows best in cool soil, about 40° to 75° (4°-24°C). Set horseradish plants in the garden after the last frost. Horseradish is cultivated for its pungent flavor. The root is often added to relishes or used dry
Sweet corn is a warm-season annual that is commonly planted directly in the garden. It can be started early indoors in individual containers in very short-season regions. Sow early varieties in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost. Sow mid- and late-season varieties 2 weeks later. The soil should be at least 50°F for
Plant melon seeds directly in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost date. Start transplants 2 to 4 weeks before setting out, which can be done 4 weeks after the last frost. Plant late and early varieties at the same time to provide a succession harvest of melons over a month-long period. Grow melons
Jerusalem artichoke—also called sunchoke—tubers can be planted in the garden as early as 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. In mild winter regions, Jerusalem artichokes can be planted in autumn for a spring harvest. Jerusalem artichokes are perennial and are best planted in
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
