Leeks make a good spring vegetable and are easy to grow in your garden. They are able to thrive in most soil types. Although they require warmth for full development, most root vegetables are perfectly edible and can be grown in spring. A popular spring vegetable is lettuce, which is far healthier than most store-bought varieties. Other spring vegetables than iceberg lettuce include mustard, fennel and dandelion leaves.
Although you can plant your spring vegetables as early as April, you will need to prepare your soil thoroughly for optimum growth. You should prepare your soil properly by adding compost or other organic matter. Mix two inches of organic matter to every six inches of soil is the green thumb rule. This ensures that plants receive the right amount water, nutrients, and air they require. You can also buy compost at your local garden center if you don't have a compost heap.
If you're not sure when to plant your vegetables you can start with potatoes. These should be planted in the late March or early April. Seed potatoes are widely available in early spring. These plants can be harvested in the middle to late summer. Other vegetables that should be planted in late March or early April include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. These cold crops thrive when there is cool spring weather so they should be planted as soon as possible to get the best of their early growth. Harvesting usually takes place in May or June.
Spinach, another spring vegetable, is also a favorite. As a member the cruciferous famiy, spinach should only be grown in cool temperatures. It can be planted as soon as fall in cold climates. It prefers a slightly acidic or neutral soil. This vegetable grows well in zones two through nine. However, season for spinach will depend on the soil type and climate. You should plant spinach in spring if possible.
Lettuce can also be grown as a spring vegetable. This green leafy vegetable matures between 45-50days. You can sow lettuce early in April and get fresh greens by the middle of May. Because the seeds of lettuce are small, you'll need a container which can hold moisture and that is lighter in weight. To sow multiple seeds, you should choose a mixture of them. Sow a few seedlings in one area and replant it as needed until the plants reach the desired size.
Radishes are another spring vegetable to consider. You can make radishes in many colors and they can be braised and cooked just like turnips and potatoes. Cook them alongside other root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and yams. Roasting and braising these veggies is another option. A slaw made with green and root vegetables is a traditional way to make a meal. There is something to please everyone this season.
FAQ
Which month is the best to start a vegetable gardening?
It is best to plant vegetables between April and June. This is when the soil is warmest and plants grow fastest. You might want to wait until July/August if you live in a cold area.
How many hours of daylight does a plant really need?
It depends on the type of plant. Some plants need 12 hours per day of direct sunlight. Some prefer 8 hours of indirect sunshine. Most vegetables need at least 10 hours of direct sunlight per 24-hour time period.
What kind of lighting works best for growing plants indoors?
Florescent lights work well for growing plants indoors because they emit less heat than incandescent bulbs. They also provide consistent lighting without flickering or dimming. You can find regular or compact fluorescent fluorescent bulbs. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.
Do I need any special equipment?
Not really. All you need to do is use a shovel, trowels, watering containers, and maybe even a rake.
What is the purpose of a planting calendar?
A planting calendar lists the plants that should all be planted at various times during the year. The goal of the planting calendar is to increase plant growth while minimizing stress. For example, early spring crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas should be sown after the last frost date. Cucumbers, squash, and spring beans are later crops. Fall crops include cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli and cauliflower.
Statistics
- 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
- Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
- According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com
- Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com
External Links
How To
How to apply Foliar Fertilizers
Foliar fertilizers may be applied to the leaves of plants by spraying. They are used to add nutrients to plants. They can be used to treat all plants, including fruits, vegetables and flowers as well as trees, shrubs, lawns, and grasses.
Foliar fertilizers are safe for the soil and do not cause any soil contamination. The type of plant, how large it is, and the amount of foliage it has all affect the amount of fertilizer that is required. Foliar fertilizers can be applied when the plant's active growth is taking place. This allows them more time to absorb nutrients. These are the steps to follow when fertilizing your garden.
-
It is important to know the type of fertilizer that you need. Some products contain just one nutrient. Others include multiple elements. If you're not sure which product is right for you, you can ask your local nursery.
-
Please read the instructions carefully. Read the label before application. Avoid spraying near windows or doors as this could cause damage. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
-
If possible, use the hose attachment. To avoid overspray, turn off the nozzle after every few sprays.
-
Mixing different types of foliar fertilisers can cause problems. Mixing two types of fertilizers can lead to harmful side effects such as leaf burning and staining.
-
Spray at least five ft from the trunk. A minimum of three feet should be left between the tree trunks and the edge of your area where you plan for fertilizer application.
-
Wait until the sun is down before applying. Sunlight can cause light-sensitive chemicals in fertilizer to disintegrate.
-
Apply the fertilizer evenly to the leaves. Spread the fertilizer evenly over large areas.
-
Let the fertilizer dry completely before watering.