So you want to grow your own vegetables… do you know when it is the best time to plant them? What if you are looking for a veggie start and can’t find it? I have been there. Searching all of my local garden centers to no avail. What I didn’t know is that the particular veggie I was looking for could only be started from seed. We have compiled a little (or big) list for you so you can plan AND execute your veggie garden like a pro this year!
There are several plants that need to be planted at different times and in different ways if you want to have them in your garden. Be sure to go to the garden center early if you are looking for specific varieties, because without fail (Murphy’s Law) if you don’t go early they will be sold out. A little planning ahead will help you to be the early bird who gets the worm.
Here is a list of veggies that we carry and when they begin to be sold at The Plant Farm.
Beets—Early to Mid April 
Broccoli—Early to Mid April
Brussels Sprouts– Early to Mid April
Cabbage—Early to Mid April
Cantaloupe—Late April to Early May
Cauliflower—Early to Mid April
Cucumber – Late April to Early May
Eggplant –Late April to May
Lettuce –Early to Mid April
Onions –Early to Mid April
Peppers –Late April to Early May
Pumpkins –Late April to Early May
Strawberries – Mid to Late March
Tomatoes –Late April to Early May
Squash –Late April to Early May
Watermelon –Late April to Early May
Zucchini—Late April to Early May
Just a quick note: If you are looking for a specific variety of say TOMATOES… be sure to go in early. I know, I know… if planted to early tomatoes will surely freeze out, but you can keep them in your garage or on your deck close to the house. They are just one of those things that goes quick (at least the favorite varieties such as: Early Girl, La Roma, Sweet 100, Sun Sugar and Early Goliaths)
Other items that need to be seeded and when to start them in order to plant around May 15th:
Artichokes –in seeding flats Mid February to Mid March
Beans – In ground after May 15th
Carrots – In ground in mid march
Celery — in seeding flats Mid February to Mid March
Corn –In ground after May 15th
Okra – In ground in Late May
Parsnip – In ground after May 15th
Peas – In ground in Early April
Radish – In ground in April
Other Vegetable Starters
Asparagus Crowns – In the ground in April
Onions sets – In ground in April
Leeks – In ground in April
Potatoes – In ground in April (unless of course you take the potatoes in a bag class at The Plant Farm… we will be planting potatoes in March – traditionally planted on St. Patrick’s Day)
Be sure to check out our class offerings as we bring the benefits of gardening to you www.plant-farm.com. Why?
Because Life is Better in the Garden.
by: Jessica Creach
The Plant Farm 