Planning Your Garden

Now is the time to plan your spring and summer gardens. Begin by browsing through your favorite seed catalog and select the varieties you want to grow. It is important to source your seeds from a local supplier to ensure the seeds are perfect for your particular climate and have resistance to disease in your area. Here in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, I have the best results with seeds from Territorial Seed Company. Next, decide on the number of plants of each variety. Then sketch the layout of your garden including the placement of the plants. The following table details the spacing requirements for some of the most common vegetable varieties.

Planting Guidelines
Variety	Distance Rows (Inches)	Distance Plants (Inches)		Quantity per Person
Broccoli	24	12 – 18		5 plants
Brussel’s Sprouts	24	12 – 24		5 plants
Carrots	12	1 – 3		10’ row
Cabbage	24	12 – 18		5 plants
Cauliflower	24	14 – 24		5 plants
Corn	24	9 – 15		25’ row
Cucumbers	48	12		10 – 15’ row
Onions	12	2 – 4		10 – 20’ row
Parsnip	18	3 – 6		5 – 10’ row
Peas	12	1 – 3		50 – 100’ row
Potatoes	30	9 – 12		50’ row
Pumpkin	60	36 – 60		1 hill
Squash, Summer	60	24 – 48		1 hill
Squash, Winter	60	24 – 48		3 – 5 hills
Swiss Chard	18	3 – 6		5’ row
Tomato	30	12 – 24		5 plants
Specialty Varieties
Variety	Distance Rows (Inches)		Distance Plants (Inches)
Beets	12		2 – 4
Endive	18		8 – 12
Kale	18		18 – 24
Lettuce	15		10 – 15
Radish	12		1 – 2
Salsify	18		2 – 4
Spinach	15		2 – 6
Turnips	15		2 - 6

SCHEDULE

Now you are ready to develop your schedule. You need to determine what the average last frost date for your area. The National Climate Data Center is a resource to determine average last frost date. Simply select the State in which you reside and a PDF will open with a table full of information. On the left, is a list of cities – find the one closest to you. The next column has the probability of frost during (90, 50, and 10%) for the listed date. You will use this information to plan when you need to start the seeds and when to plant the seedlings outside. The following table has the planting timeline for some of the most common varieties.

Planting Timeline
Key: Before Last Frost (BLF) / After Last Frost (ALF)
Plant Variety	Start Seeds	Plant Out
Marigold	10 weeks BLF	AFL
Sunflower	10 weeks BLF	AFL
Black-eyed Susan	10 weeks BLF	AFL
Artichoke	8 weeks BLF	AFL
Brussel’s Sprouts	8 weeks BLF	AFL
Broccoli	8 weeks BLF	AFL
Cabbage	8 weeks BLF	AFL
Cauliflower	8 weeks BLF	AFL
Zinnia	8 weeks BLF	AFL
Celery	6 weeks BLF	2 weeks AFL
Eggplant	6 weeks BLF	2 weeks AFL
Pepper	6 weeks BLF	2 weeks AFL
Tomato	6 weeks BLF	2 weeks AFL
Lavender	6 weeks BLF	AFL
Basil	6 weeks BLF	2 weeks AFL
Sweet peas	4 – 6 weeks BLF	2 – 3 weeks AFL

Now that you have a good plan complete with schedule, you are ready to order your seeds and start planting. You will want to use clean nursery pots, loose soil, and quality seeds. Follow the seed planting depth directions on the seed package. MAKE SURE TO LABEL THE POTS! Once seed is in the soil, gently press the soil down to make contact with the seed. Lightly sprinkle / mist water over soil to moisten – DO NOT WATER WITH TOO MUCH FORCE – YOU DO NOT WANT TO WASH AWAY THE SEED. After the initial watering, it is best to water the seedlings from the bottom – this will prevent disturbing the delicate roots and help prevent dampening off. Place the nursery pots in a warm, brightly light area (a window or under a fluorescent light.) Check on the seedlings regularly – at least once a day – however I suggest checking on them 2 -3 times a day when the seeds are just starting to sprout – especially if the area gets hot. DO NOT LET THE SEED SPROUTS DRY OUT.

Be Patient! 

It takes about to 2-weeks for most varieties to sprout. (Some flower varieties take 4-6 weeks!)

Have fun!