WHAT TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Whether you are planting seeds directly, transplanting seedlings you have grown indoors, or purchasing starter plants from reputable growers such as Bonnie Plants, planning before you plant will help ensure a successful crop.

Plan before you plant

I always keep records of my garden from year-to-year. I created a blank map of my vegetable garden and fill it in each year as I plan. It is a helpful reminder of which plants did well and which did not; you can adjust as needed the following year. Draw a map of your garden and keep extra copies for future use. Sketch your layout for this year, keeping in mind each plant’s mature size and its best growing conditions. 

This month, I’m heading outdoors to my raised bed vegetable garden. Each winter I grow many vegetables and herbs from seed in my greenhouse so I’m ready for the early planting season. As soon as the soil is workable, I’ll begin with some of my favorite varieties - cabbages, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Learn more about creating a raised bed garden planting plan.

Cole Crops

Cole crops are plants that belong to the mustard (Brassica) family and are all descendants of wild cabbage. They grow best in cooler weather. Because they are frost-tolerant, they are good to plant this time of year when the days and nights are still cool. Included in this group are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, kale, collard greens, broccoli rabe, and Brussels sprouts.

Rotate Crops

I rotate my crops every year. Alternating between crops with deep roots and crops with shallow roots provides various nutrients to the soil and improves soil stability. Examples of deep-rooted vegetables are beets, carrots, and parsnips which require 8 to 9 inches of loose, rock-free soil. Shallow-rooted vegetables include onions, spinach, and radishes. Most crops can be moved, except for asparagus which, once planted, is permanent in its location.

Plant what you like to eat 

Concentrate on your favorite herbs and vegetables to eat. If you’re a beginning gardener, carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, herbs, and salad greens are a good place to start due to their hardiness and growing success. If you’re more adventurous, try unusual varieties that are hard to find at the grocery store!