Asparagus can be started from seeds or crowns. Plants grown from seed commonly produce a larger number of slightly bigger and more tender spears. Set out seedlings 12-inch seedlings 4 weeks after the last frost. Sow seeds indoors 12 to 14 weeks before planting out. Soak seeds overnight in tepid water to improve germination. Plant
Parsnips are a cool-season crop. They are commonly planted in late spring for harvest in autumn or in late summer for harvest in winter or early spring. commonly grown in spring, fall, and winter in warm-winter regions. Parsnips are the most frost-resistant of all vegetables; they can be left in the garden over winter in
Plant rutabaga to mature in fall. Spring planted crops grow poorly and lack the flavor of crops planted to mature in cool autumn weather. As a general rule, plant rutabaga 15 weeks before the average date of the first fall frost where you live. Rutabagas do best in medium- and short-season regions where they are
Carrots are commonly grown in spring, fall, and winter in warm-winter regions. Carrots can be grown through the summer in mild to cool summer regions and surplus can be stored for winter. Carrots may be seeded as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Make successive sowings of carrots at intervals of about
Broccoli is cool-season annual commonly treated as a two-season crop with spring and late summer planting. Broccoli seedlings are usually transplanted to the garden after being started indoors. Seeds are sown indoors or in a cold frame 5 to 6 weeks before they are set in the garden. In spring, give broccoli an early start
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
