Pepper seedlings Peppers are a tender, warm-weather crop. Start peppers indoors 8 to 6 weeks before the average night time temperature is expected to stay above 55°F (13°C) if you plan to transplant seedlings directly into the garden. Start seed indoors up to 14 weeks before the last spring frost if you plan to harden
Spinach seedlings Spinach grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Mature spinach plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 20°F (-12 to -7°C). Time spinach seed starting so plants come to harvest before or after the very warm and hot weather of summer. Hot weather will trigger bolting and seed-stalk
Sowing carrot seed Carrots are a cool-season crop; they are best grown in spring and fall. Grow carrots and other root crops in light-textured soil free of pebbles and stones. This will ensure roots do not split or become malformed. Plant carrots for winter harvest and storage in late spring or early summer when you
Turnip seedlings Sow turnips in spring for an early summer harvest and use; direct sow in the garden 5 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring. Start a second crop in late summer for winter storage and use. Grow turnips and other roots crops in light-textured soil free of pebbles and stones. This
Broccoli seedling Broccoli is a cool-season crop. It thrives in temperatures between 60° and 70°F (15-21°C). Mature plants can withstand cold temperatures down to 25°F (-4°). Broccoli can be temperamental; if you plant too early plants may produce only small heads—called “buttons.” And if you plant too late—and plants mature in very warm or hot
Every vegetable in this salad should be available fresh and local from mid to late summer. This salad would be tasty alongside fresh trout, striped bass or salmon or tuna or swordfish (choose the body of water closest to where you live). The tarragon in this light dressing is a perfect match for both the
Millipede Centipedes and millipedes are generally beneficial creatures. Centipedes feed on soil-dwelling mites, insects, insect larvae, baby snails, and slugs. (They paralyze small insect prey with venomous claws.) Millipedes feed on decaying plant tissue and fallen fruit. Together centipedes and millipedes help break down organic matter enriching the soil by helping to create humus. Sometimes
Black nightshade Black nightshade—also called deadly nightshade–is the most common of several nightshade weeds. The nightshades are close relatives of tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. The leaves and berries of nightshades contain toxic alkaloids that are harmful to humans and animals. Hairy nightshade and cutleaf nightshade are two other garden weeds similar to black nightshade. Nightshades
Damsel bug The damsel bug is a beneficial insect. Damsel bugs prey on aphids, leafhoppers, plant bugs, thrips, and small caterpillars. Damsel bugs cause no damage to plants. Adult damsel bugs lay their eggs on meadow grasses. To attract damsel bugs to the garden plant ornamental grasses. As well, damsel bugs are commonly found in
Damselfly The dragonfly and the damselfly are beneficial insects. Dragonflies and damselflies are very similar in appearance and one may be confused as the other. Damselflies are lighter in build than dragonflies; dragonflies are sturdy looking. Dragonflies hold their wings flat and away from the body when at rest; damselflies hold their wings folded and
