Plant cucumber seeds in the garden 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost, or when the soil is at least 60°F (16°C). Set cucumber seedlings in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost. Grow cucumbers in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and need a moderate amount of nitrogen and potassium and
Plant pumpkin seeds directly in the garden two weeks or more after the last frost. Transplant pumpkin 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 pumpkins is 60-85°F (16-29°C). The optimal growing temperature for pumpkins is
A shallow or mini-raised bed—just a yard square and 6 inches deep—will allow you to grow herbs and vegetables on a small patio, balcony, or rooftop. (Be sure to check with a structural engineer or contractor to make sure your roof or balcony is strong enough and waterproof.) A raised bed is a bottomless square
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
