I don’t know about you, but the cold temps of January make me nostalgic for warmer weather. I love experiencing all the seasons and I think that’s the point – there are things I love about each season and things that make me say “I can’t wait for this to be over.” Like right now I am bundling up in four shirts, two pairs of socks, a two layer coat, hat and gloves and I’m still frozen in about three minutes outside.
Being the planner that I am, I get really excited brainstorming about what I’m going to grow and try in my garden. I’ve been reading books (loved this one) and blogs for ideas, watching youTube channels (check out this guy) and reviewing our local Extension Office resources for different tips.
There are some different strategies I’m going to use this year that I’ll share soon, but one of the first things I did differently as I was starting to look through seed catalogues was categorizing each item as cool or warm weather in terms of when I’ll be harvesting. I realize this doesn’t pertain to all growing zones, but it helped me in ensuring I’m not going to overwhelm myself each season. Thinking about it this way, also helps me see how I will succession plant.
Try this-
- To start, make a list of all the veggies you/your family likes to eat. Why grow something you don’t like to eat?
- Next, refer to your local extension office website for recommended sowing dates. I love this chart but it is specific to my zone 7a. From this chart, I then put each veggie in the appropriate column. Check this out –
| Cool | Warm |
| Arugula | Beans (bush and pole) |
| Asparagus | Cucumbers |
| Beets | Okra |
| Broccoli | Pepper |
| Brussels (fall only) | Summer Squash |
| Carrots (spring only) | Tomatoes |
| Cauliflower | Winter Squash |
| Collards | |
| Kale | |
| Lettuce (plant in the shade during warmer months) | |
| Onions | |
| Peas | |
| Spinach |
- Then I got out my calendar and started figuring out the seed start and direct sow dates. I’ve made about four spreadsheets and tables so I think I’ve gone too far but I am confident I’ll land upon one chart that works for me to just slightly tweak each year.
I know this sounds like a lot of work but START SMALL. Just two years ago I started with only about five crops – tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, kale and beets. Last year I added a few more, and this year a few more. Each season you’ll get better at a few things and feel confident dabbling in some other areas. The worst that can happen is you have to go to the store and buy it instead of eat it from your own garden.
If you haven’t picked out and ordered seeds yet, I would do that ASAP (see my post about the companies I’ve ordered from and like). With COVID-19 continuing to impact our lives for an unforeseen amount of time, many more people are gardening which is great. But due to shortages, travel restrictions, and other impacts of coronavirus, not all seeds are being stocked as abundantly. Don’t freak out – that is not my point. And if you are looking for just a one size fits all option, check out the coolest gift my brother gave me for Christmas.
farmcharmblog.com 