Growing Guide
VEGETABLES
AND HERBS
1500 Year Old Cave Beans
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 5-8 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 120 Days
Growth Type: Vine, needs support
Planting Depth: .5" - 1"
Seed Spacing: 6-10" apart
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds next to trellis.
Harvest frequently when plump to keep plant productive OR allow all pods to dry on vine before harvested.
CAN NOT BE EATEN RAW - MUST BE COOKED
American Tondo Squash
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 42 Days
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 2-3' apart
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil OR start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost.
Harvest when foliage has died back and squash feels firm.
Anise
Life Cycle: Annual
Height: 16" - 20"
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Uses: Culinary / Fragrant / Medicinal
Sow: Direct Sow 2 weeks before last frost
Harvest: When seeds become dry and hard
Anise Hyssop
Grows Best: Full sun/ Perennial in zones 3-10
Days to Germination: 7-16 days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 3-4inch
Growing Height: 12-18"
Sow: Start seeds indoors at least 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant when temps are above 60 degrees
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin
Grows Best In: Full Sun ( 70 to 90 degrees F)
Days to Germination: 6-14 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 110 Days
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 4-5' apart ( will have long vines up to 25ft)
Sow: 2 weeks after danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil or start indoors 2 to 4 weeks before last frost.
Harvest: When stem is dried and shell is hard.
Banana Pepper
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 60 -80 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 16"
Sow: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors when soil temps are warm and outdoor temps are above 75 degrees F)
Harvest when fruits are firm and yellow. May turn orange as they sit on plant.
Bell Peppers
Grows Best: Warm Weather
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Days to Maturity: 90 to 100 days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 10-12" apart
Start Indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost and transplant into ground when weather and soil is warm.
Harvest: Pick mature fruits when large and have thick skin. The pepper will become sweeter the longer it stays on plant.
Birdhouse Gourd
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: 95- 110 Days
Growth Type: Long Vines, either trellis or allow space to sprawl
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 4-5' apart
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds directly into soil. Can be started indoors 2 to 3 weeks before last frost.
Harvest: Harvest before deep freeze. Can allow to fully dry on vine in warmer climates. Gourd is dry when the outside has turned to light brown and is hard. seeds will shake around inside.
*If harvesting while green, allow to dry in room with proper ventilation and airflow.
Black Turtle Bean
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7 to 14 days
Planting Depth: 1/2 to 1"
Seed Spacing: 14"
Sow: Bush habit requires no staking. Direct seed after last frost, soaking seeds overnight. Pick frequently to keep plants productive. OR allow all pods to dry on vine before harvested.
Harvest when pods are firm, roughly around 95 days.
CAN NOT BE EATEN RAW - MUST BE COOKED
Bloomsdale Spinach
Grows Best: Cool weather (early spring/late summer)
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Days to Maturity: 50 - 60 days
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 1"
Harvest: Pick mature leaves to encourage more growth for up to 10 days. Be sure to harvest before flowers appear.
Can be sown directly in soil or started indoors and transplanted.
Cantaloupe
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 90 Days
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 2-3' apart
Water Daily
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil.
Harvest when rind turns from green to tan or yellow and netting appears flat on melon or when foliage has begins to die off.
Cayenne Pepper
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 75 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 16"
Sow: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors when soil temps are warm and outdoor temps are above 75 degrees F)
Harvest when fruits are dark red.
Cha Cha Kabocha Squash
Grows Best In: Full Sun ( 70 to 90 degrees F)
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 110 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 1' - 2' apart
Sow: 2 weeks after danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil or start indoors 2 to 4 weeks before last frost.
Harvest: When stem and foliage begin to yellow and die off.
Chives
Grows Best: Full sun/ Perennial in zones 3-10
Days to Germination: 14-21 days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 3-4inch
Growing Height: 12-18"
Sow: Indoor 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost.
Harvest: Fresh green stalks to eat fresh or dry for later use.
Cilantro /Coriander
Grows Best: Full sun/partial shade
Days to Germination: 7-14 days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 1-2 inch
Sow: Indoors 4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost when weather is still cool but not freezing. Can also be grown indoors year-round.
Harvest: Pick Fresh green leaves and stems for cilantro. Harvest often to encourage more growth or allow to flower and seed to collect coriander (use this as spice in cooking)
Dill
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Days to Maturity: 65-70 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 9"
Growing Height: 30-42"
Harvest: Fresh green growth can be used for pickling recipes or let flowers form seeds and harvest when seeds are brown and dry
Sow directly in the garden in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
Fairytale/Cinderella
Pumpkin
Grows Best In: Full Sun ( 70 to 90 degrees F)
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 110 Days
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 2-3' apart ( will have long vines)
Sow: 2 weeks after danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil or start indoors 2 to 4 weeks before last frost.
Harvest: When stem is dried and shell is hard.
Fennel (herb) -Perennial
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 4-12"
Growing Height: up to 6ft
Harvest: Pick green foliage for use in salads and recipes. Harvest seeds in fall to replant or use in recipes. Trim down to ground in winter and cover with mulch.
* This plant does NOT grow a bulb in the ground.
Galeux d'Eysines
Pumpkin
Grows Best In: Full Sun ( 70 to 90 degrees F)
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 95
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 2-3' apart ( will have long vines)
Sow: 2 weeks after danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil OR start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost.
Harvest: When stem and foliage have dried and shell is hard with predominant webbing.
GOURDgeous Mix
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 120 Days
Growth Type: From tiny to very large gourds and pumpkins
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 2-3' apart
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil
Good Mother Stallard Beans
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 5-8 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 120 Days
Growth Type: Vine, needs support
Planting Depth: .5" - 1"
Seed Spacing: 6-10" apart
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds next to trellis.
Harvest frequently when plump to keep plant productive OR allow all pods to dry on vine before harvested.
CAN NOT BE EATEN RAW - MUST BE COOKED
Ground Cherry
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7 to 21 days
Planting Depth: 1/8"
Seed Spacing: 18"
Sow: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Cover lightly with soil. Do not allow soil to dry out.
Harvest when little paper lanterns dry and fall off the plant. They have a sweet but tart taste and make a great jam with their high pectin.
Honeydew Melon
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 90 Days
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 2-3' apart
Water Daily
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil.
Harvest when rind turns from to green to a light creamy yellow or when foliage has begun to die off. The melon will have a slight spongy give when ripe.
Jalapeño Pepper
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 80 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 16"
Sow: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors when soil temps are warm and outdoor temps are above 75 degrees F)
Harvest when fruits are green and firm. Some may turn red when left on the plant.
Lemon Balm Herb
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 10-14 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 12"
Sow: Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors when soil temps are warm and outdoor temps are above 75 degrees F) or sow directly after last front. Perennial in zones 3-7
Harvest leaves for Tea
Lemon Drop Pepper
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 75 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 16"
Sow: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors when soil temps are warm and outdoor temps are above 75 degrees F)
Harvest when fruits are bright yellow
Loofah (Luffa) Gourd
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: 95- 120 Days
Growth Type: Long Vines, either trellis or allow space to sprawl
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 4-5' apart
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds directly into soil. Can be started indoors 2 to 3 weeks before last frost.
Harvest: For Eating, harvest young green gourds when soft. For Drying, leave gourds on vine until fully dry and hard.
*Remove before hard frost and dry hanging in well ventilated area until fully dry.
Pink Banana Squash
Grows Best In: Full Sun (70 to 90 degrees F)
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 120 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 2' to 3' apart
Sow: 2 to 4 weeks after danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil or start indoors 2 to 4 weeks before last frost.
Harvest: When stem and foliage begin to yellow and die off.
Pumpkin on a Stick
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7 to 14 days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 12-24"
Sow: Indoor 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost and temps are 70-85 degrees
Keep Moist in well drained soil
Harvest in October for amazing fall decorations! WATCH FOR THE SPIKES!
Pumpkin -Yellow or Orange
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-10 Days
Days to Maturity: roughly 120 Days
Planting Depth: 1-1.5"
Seed Spacing: 2-3' apart
Sow: After any danger of frost sow seeds on a mound of well fertilized/composted soil. Harvest when foliage has died back and pumpkin feels firm.
Radical Radish
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 4-7 Days
Days to Maturity: 22 -28 Days
Growth Type: Spring or fall
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 1 - 3"
Sow: sow seeds and cover firmly with soil. When plants have 3 or 4 leaves, thin to 1 inch apart. For a steady crop, sow every 10 days until warm weather and again in the fall until 30 days before frost.
Rhubarb
Grows Best: Full sun/Partial shade
Days to Germination: 7 to 21 days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 24"
Sow: Can be started indoors or direct seed. Can be grown as an annual or perennial. Tolerates frost and cool weather very well. Does not mature for 1 to 1.5 years.
Harvest stalks when 12 inch or taller, will be green with a light pink base. Leaves are toxic if consumed, only the stalks are edible.
Romaine Lettuce
Grows Best: Full sun/partial shade (Grows best in cool weather)
Days to Germination: 7 -14 days
Planting Depth: Surface Sow with light soil covering
Seed Spacing: 4" - 16"
Sow: Sow seeds directly in soil after last frost, as soon as the soil can be worked. Soil temps 40 degrees and above will be ok.
Spaghetti Squash
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 5-10days
Planting Depth: 1/2" to 1"
Seed Spacing: 18" to 36" - Long vines
Sow: Direct seed, or transplants after last frost. Harvest when rinds become very hard.
Speckled Leaf Lettuce
Grows Best: Partial shade (Grows best in cool weather)
Days to Germination: 7 -14 days
Planting Depth: Surface Sow, needs light to germinate.
Seed Spacing: 4" - 16"
Sow: Sow seeds directly in soil after last frost, as soon as the soil can be worked OR start indoors in late winter and transplant after last frost. Soil temps 40 degrees and above will be ok.
Strawberry OR Dakota Popcorn
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 4-7 Days
Days to Maturity: 100 days
Growth Type: Spring
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 3- 5"
Sow: sow seeds and cover firmly with soil. Corn stalks will be short. Popcorn heads will be 3 to 6 inches long. Let fully dry on stalk before picking. Remove seeds and pop in paper bag in microwave or stove top popper.
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 7-14 Days
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 3- 5' apart
Start indoors 2 to 4 weeks before last frost and transplant into well fertilized soil when the temps outside are consistently over 70 degrees.
Harvest when watermelons turn from bright to dull green and sound hollow when you tap them.
Tomato - Cherokee Purple
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7-14 days
Planting Depth: 1/8"
Seed Spacing: 3-4"
Growing Height: 24"
Sow: Start seeds indoors at least 6-10 weeks before the last frost, then transplant when temps are above 60 degrees. Ideal temps 75 to 95 degrees.
FLOWERS
Black-Eyed Susan
Plant Type: Biennial
Grows Best In: Full sun
Blooms: Early Summer thru fall
Planting Depth: surface sow after danger of last frost
Growing Height: 18-24"
Sow: . Broadcast seeds over soil and rake lightly into place. poor soil and drought tolerant once established
Buzz Buttons -Spilanthes-Toothache Plant
Plant Type: Annual zones 3-10, Perennial in warmer climates
Grows Best In: Sun/Partial Shade.
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Growing Height: 12-15"
Sow: Can be started indoors or direct seeded when temps are 75 and above.
Calendula
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7 to 14 days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 10"
Sow: Sow in place in fall or spring or start plants indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost transplanting after last frost. Although considered an annual, they will re-seed every year. Frost hardy
Cosmos
Grows Best: Full sun
Days to Germination: 7 to 14 days
Planting Depth: 1/8 - 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 10"
Sow: Sow directly in mid-spring or start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Plants require full sun and warm temps. Removing spent blooms prolongs the blooming season. These make a great color addition to your garden and can be used as a natural dye for fibers and fabrics.
Echinacea ( Cone Flower)
Plant Type: Perennial
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Growing Height: 16"-24"
Sow: Can be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost or direct seeded when temps are 65 and above. Seeds can also be planted into ground in late fall for following spring growth.
Flax (Annual)
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer
Height:12-24 Inches
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Planting depth: 1/4"
Seed Spacing: 3-4"
Sowing Method: Direct Sow after danger of frost
Harvest for seed when flower pods have turned yellow.
Moroccan Poppy
Plant Type: Perennial
Grows Best In: Sun/Partial Shade. Does great in xeriscapes
Days to Germination: 12-15 Days
Days To Bloom: 180-300 Days
Planting Depth: surface sow
Growing Height: 18-24"
Sow: Place in freezer for 1 -2 months before planting or direct sow in late summer. Broadcast seeds over soil and rake lightly into place.
*drought tolerant once established.
Red Field Poppy
Plant Type: Perennial
Grows Best In: Sun/Partial Shade. Does great in xeriscapes
Days to Germination: 12-15 Days
Days To Bloom: 180-300 Days
Planting Depth: surface sow
Growing Height: 18-24"
Sow: Place in freezer for 1 -2 months before planting or direct sow in late summer. Broadcast seeds over soil and rake lightly into place.
*drought tolerant once established.
Sweet Peas
Plant Type: perennial
Scent: No scent (does not smell sweet like annual sweet peas)
Grows Best In: Full Sun/cooler weather
Days to Germination: 10-14 Days
Days To Bloom: 90-120 Days
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Seed Spacing: 6-10" apart
Growing Height: 24-30" requires something to climb
Sow: Direct seed outdoors as soon as soil can be worked. can be start indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier for transplanting. Soak seeds 24 hours before planting. Thrives in cool weather.
Zinnia
Plant Type: Annual
Grows Best In: Full sun
Blooms: Early Summer thru fall
Water Daily
Planting Depth: .5" deep, Space 12" apart
Grows well in garden or pots. Remove spent heads to help plant productivity
SUNFLOWERS
Gentle Giants Sunflower Mix
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Days To Bloom: 75-90 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 18-24" the more room they have the bigger the flower head
Growing Height: 7-12'
Sow: After all danger of frost, sow seeds in well fertilized/composted soil. Cover with 1 inch of soil.
Water: Although considered drought tolerant, keeping the soil moist will give you larger flowers.
Harvest: When petals have fallen off, the flower head hangs down and the seeds are visibly plump
Hi/Lo Sunflower Mix
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Days To Bloom: 75-90 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 2"-6" bunching will create a lovely wall of color
Growing Height: 12"-6'
Sow: After all danger of frost, sow seeds in well fertilized/composted soil. Cover with 1 inch of soil.
Water: Although considered drought tolerant, keeping the soil moist will give you better flowers.
Harvest: When petals have fallen off, the flower head hangs down and the seeds are visibly plump
Mammoth Sunflowers
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Days To Bloom: 75-90 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 18-24" the more room they have the bigger the flower head
Growing Height: 7-12'
Sow: After all danger of frost, sow seeds in well fertilized/composted soil. Cover with 1 inch of soil.
Water: Although considered drought tolerant, keeping the soil moist will give you larger flowers.
Harvest: When petals have fallen off, the flower head hangs down and the seeds are visibly plump
Mongolian Sunflower
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Days To Bloom: 75-90 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 18-24" the more room they have the bigger the flower head
Growing Height: 7-12'
Sow: After all danger of frost, sow seeds in well fertilized/composted soil. Cover with 1 inch of soil.
Water: Although considered drought tolerant, keeping the soil moist will give you larger flowers.
Harvest: When petals have fallen off, the flower head hangs down and the seeds are visibly plump
Short Stack Sunflower Mix
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Days To Bloom: 75-90 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 2"-6" bunching will create a lovely wall of color
Growing Height: 7" - 24"
Sow: After all danger of frost, sow seeds in well fertilized/composted soil. Cover with 1 inch of soil.
Water: Although considered drought tolerant, keeping the soil moist will give you better flowers.
Harvest: When petals have fallen off, the flower head hangs down and the seeds are visibly plump
Titan Sunflower
Grows Best In: Full Sun
Days to Germination: 14-21 Days
Days To Bloom: 75-90 Days
Planting Depth: 1"
Seed Spacing: 18-24" the more room they have the bigger the flower head
Growing Height: 7-10'
Sow: After all danger of frost, sow seeds in well fertilized/composted soil. Cover with 1 inch of soil.
Water: Although considered drought tolerant, keeping the soil moist will give you larger flowers.
Harvest: When petals have fallen off, the flower head hangs down and the seeds are visibly plump