Barley

Variety: Purple Karma

When to plant: early spring once soil can be worked, or late fall. 

How to grow: Plant by broadcasting the seeds 1/2″ deep in early spring (or late fall) in areas with cooler temperatures and somewhat dry soil. Plants should be spaced 1 or 2″ apart and will be ready to harvest in around 90 days. When grasses dry completely, you can cut, bundle, and hang them upside down to further dry out. 

Basil

Variety: Chinese Sweet, Genovese, Sacred, Bouquet, Prospera 2 F1

When to plant: start seeds indoors from late February to mid-March for Easton area. Plant outside after any chance of frost is over (Mother’s Day is usually a safe bet). 

How to grow: Start seeds indoors by planting them 1/8 inch deep in a well-draining seed starting medium. Tend to seedlings and plant outdoors in May for Easton area, once threat of frost has passed. Basil will do best in areas with full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Tomatoes make good companion plants! When basil plants grow their first ~6 leaves, begin pruning so the plant branches more: when branches have 6 leaves, cut back to the first set of leaves. If the basil begins to flower, pluck them off to prevent the plant from going to seed. 

Cilantro

Variety: Leisure OG

When to plant: direct seed outdoors in early spring (or late fall). 

How to grow: Plant in an area that has full sun and rich, slightly acidic soil. During hot summers, cilantro will likely flower and bolt: allow it to self-seed (and regrow for you) or harvest the coriander (seeds of the cilantro plant). Harvest batches that are less than half the plant in order to regrow. 

Dill

Variety: Greensleeves, Mammoth

When to plant: start outdoors in late March or early April for Easton area. 

How to grow: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows outdoors. As they grow, thin plants so each remaining has around 8 inches between the next (you can start thinning them when they’re around 4 inches tall). Dill seeds will be ready to harvest 68 days from seeding, but leaves can be harvested anytime. 

Fennel

Variety: Finale

When to plant: Start transplants around 4 weeks before your spring planting date, or direct seed anytime from mid spring to late summer. 

How to grow: Plant seeds 1/2″ into soil (if not using transplants); plants should be spaced at ~7″ apart and in an area with deep soil to accommodate a taproot. Fennel can be harvested in around 80 days. 

Oregano

Variety: Greek

When to plant: seed directly in spring once threat of frost has passed. 

How to grow: Plant oregano plants around 9″ apart in a sunny spot; they often do well in pots where the sprigs can flow over the sides. Continually harvest by snipping sprigs from the plant, but no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. As a perennial, oregano can over-winter: cover them with a cold frame or with mulch for them to regrow next spring. 

Parsley

Variety: Moss Curled, Giant of Italy, Peione, Italian Flat Leaf

When to plant: plant outside as early in spring as the ground can be worked (late March/early April for Easton area). Parsley is slow to sprout, be patient!

How to grow: Soak seeds in warm water for at least 1 hour, and then plant seeds in rows 1 foot apart directly in the ground. Cover with 1/8 inch of fine grain soil and pat down firmly. Parsley likes full sun to partial shade.

Sage

Variety: Broad Leaf

When to plant: start sage plants indoors, or direct seed around 2 weeks before the final frost date in spring.

How to grow: Plant in areas with full sun and consistent moisture – sage does not do well in wet soil. As a perennial, you can continue harvesting sage every season. It’s recommended that you harvest sparingly in its first year to promote growth. Each spring, prune woody sections of the plant. Do not plant near cucumbers or onions, as it will prohibit their growth. 

Thyme

Variety: German

When to plant: slow germination rates make starting thyme from seed rather hard. Many will take clippings from the plant to propagate. When starting from seed, barely cover the seeds with soil but keep moist. They will germinate in 2 or 3 weeks. 

How to grow: Plant thyme plants one to two feet apart in full sun and hot climate. Allow soil to dry, then water deeply. Thyme is another perennial: mulch around it in the fall for regrowth in the spring. They can be pruned in spring and summer to promote more growth. 

Artichoke

Variety: Wonder F1

When to plant: start indoors 8 – 10 weeks before transplanting (once threat of frost has passed) and soak seeds before planting in seed trays. 

How to grow: Plant artichokes 3 to 4 feet apart, as they will grow large; make sure to water well when first planting them. Soil will need to stay moist – it is recommended to mulch to keep the soil damp (until buds form) and fertilize once a month. They may stop producing in the height of summer, but are perennials and will grow back. The Easton area’s winters can be unpredictable: if warmer, they can overwinter (snip down to 1/2 foot high & cover with mulch), but will die if too cold. 

Arugula

Variety: N/A

When to plant: Plant in early spring (arugula can handle light frosts). 

How to grow: Plant 1/4″ deep and about 1″ apart, or broadcast for a wild growth. Soaking the seeds in water before planting will help speed up the germination process (usually about a week). Arugula may bolt in the heat – plant in a sunny area, with some shade if possible. Harvest leaves when they’re young, as they’ll be less bitter. 

Bean

Variety: Pole – Italian, Windor Fava, Provider Bush, Bush Bean – Kitchen King

When to plant: direct seed in May once threat of frost has passed. 

How to grow: Plant 2″ deep and 3″ apart – they will fill out, so make sure there is space or pathways around other plants. If plants are crowded, thin to every 6″ apart. Pole beans will require a trellis. 

Beets

Variety: Touchstone Gold, Detroit Dark Red, Red Ace F1, Bull’s Blood, Avalanche, Chioggia Guardsmark, Early Wonder

When to plant: Direct seed as soon as soil can be worked (in Easton area around early to mid-April is advised). Starting indoors and transplanting outside is also possible. 

How to grow:  Plant outdoors 1 inch deep in rows 18 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist and thin plants as they grow so they are about 6 inches apart. Harvest beet and greens in 54 days.

Broccoli

Variety: Fiesta F1, Romanesco Italia, Purple Peacock

When to plant: Start seeds indoors in late Feb. to mid March to be able to transplant in early April. If planting a fall crop, start seeds indoors in early July to transplant at the beginning of August. 

How to grow: Broccoli does best when transplanted (planted in smaller containers and later planted into the soil) instead of being direct seeded (planting the seed directly into the ground). Sow in a seed tray a little less than a month before you plan to plant seedlings outdoors. Transplant seedlings about 2 feed apart. Ready to harvest in around 60 days.

Butternut squash

Variety: Waltham, Brulee, Walthan, Honeynut

When to plant: Direct seed in mid-May once all threat of frost has passed. 

How to grow: plant winter squash plants about 2 feet apart (plants will spread & climb). Squash requires a lot of fertilizer throughout the season. Using mulch or landscape fabric to suppress seeds and hold moisture is recommended. You can avoid mildews and disease by avoiding watering the leaves.

Cabbage

Variety: Red – Ruby Perfection F1, Farao, Granaat

When to plant: start indoors in late Feb. through early March to transplant in early April. For a fall crop, start seeds indoors in late June to transplant in late July. 

How to grow: Cabbage is a cool season crop – plant in full sun during cooler months, and water regularly. When the head is firm, harvest by slicing it off the stalk. 

Carrots

Variety: Dolciva, Miami, Yaya, Napoli

When to plant: Late March or early April for Easton area (after danger of hard frost). 

How to grow: Plant seeds in well tilled soil free of rocks. Sprinkle seeds in a row (about 1/2 inch deep) and cover lightly with fine soil, pat down lightly and keep soil evenly moist. Thin carrots as they grow larger so they do not crowd each other out (pick out the smallest carrots that are crowding the others). Carrots will be ready to harvest in around 65 to 70 days. 

Cauliflower

Variety: De Jesi, Durgesh 41

When to plant: start seeds indoors in late Feb. through early March to transplant in early April. Can be planted as a fall crop as well. 

How to grow: Plant in an area with full sun and very rich soil. You can amend soil as needed; plants may require added boron. Cauliflower plants should be around 2 feet apart. When the cauliflower head begins to be around 3 inches wide, take the leaves up around it and tie them to keep light off the head. In one to 2 weeks after, cauliflower can be harvested. 

Chard

Variety: Rainbow

When to plant: start indoors in mid-March to transplant in mid-April. Soak seeds in water for one day before planting. 

How to grow: Swiss chard plants should be spaced a little over a foot apart in full sun with fertile soil. Harvest tender, new leaves for best flavor and continue to cut back large leaves to promote growth. 

Cherry tomato

Variety: Sweetie, Sweetheart, Bumble Bee Mix, Honey Drop

When to plant: start indoors in late February to transplant in mid-May once threat of frost has passed. 

How to grow: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays, and keep seed tray on heat mat with a cover. Tomato seeds will germinate (sprout) when soil temperature is around 75 – 90 degrees. Once sprouted, water only enough to keep mix from drying (they do not like excess water). When transplanting, fertilize the soil. Continue growing indoors, harden off, and transplant outdoors in mid-May once all chance of frost is gone. Plant outdoors 2 feet apart in rows with tomato stakes or cages.

Cucumbers

Variety: Dar, Marketmore 76, Tokiwa “Tokyo Green” Cucumber, Painted Serpent, Lemon, Straight Edge, Garden Sweet Burpless Hybrid

When to plant: Start indoors in late March to early April and transplant outside in mid-May. Or plant seeds directly in the ground in mid-May. 

How to grow: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep indoors or outside. Cucumber plants should be about 1 foot from each other with a lot of room to grow in width (or plant near a trellis or fence to have the vines grow vertically). Water regularly and consistently for best cucumbers. Harvest by snipping the cucumbers off the vine when about 8 – 10 inches in length, about 50 – 70 days from planting seeds.

Grape tomato

Variety: Supernova

When to plant: start indoors in late February to transplant in mid-May once threat of frost has passed. 

How to grow: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays, and keep seed tray on heat mat with a cover. Tomato seeds will germinate (sprout) when soil temperature is around 75 – 90 degrees. Once sprouted, water only enough to keep mix from drying (they do not like excess water). When transplanting, fertilize the soil. Continue growing indoors, harden off, and transplant outdoors in mid-May once all chance of frost is gone. Plant outdoors 2 feet apart in rows with tomato stakes or cages. 

Kale

Variety: All Stars Mix, Ragged Jack, Red Russian, Blue Scotch

When to plant: Start indoors in late February or early March for Easton area to transplant outside in early April, or plant seeds directly in the ground from spring through late summer. 

How to grow: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep when starting indoors. Transplant outdoors in late March through mid-April, plants should be at least 1 foot from each other. Harvest by breaking off or cutting off leaves throughout the season; ready to harvest in around 60 days. 

Melon

Variety: PMR Delicious 51

When to plant: Start indoors in late March to early April to transplant outside in mid-May. Or plant seeds directly in the ground in mid-May.

How to grow: Start indoors in peat pots in late March for Easton area by planting 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep. Transplant outdoors in mid-May, with plants placed 3 feet apart from one another in a row. Cantaloupes will need a lot of space (around 4 to 5 feet per hill), or will need a trellis to grow vertically. Harvest fruit in around 85 days.  

Pepper

Variety: Nokturn, Jalapeno – Zapotec, Lesya, Banana, Pimiento de Padron, Jay’s Peach Bhut Jolokia, Shishito, Habener – Helios F1, Bell – Ace F1

When to plant: Start indoors from mid-February to early March for Easton area. 

How to grow: Start indoors by planting seeds 1/4 inch deep and keeping seed tray on heat mat with a cover. Pepper seeds will germinate (sprout) when soil temperature is around 75 to 85 degrees. Continue growing indoors, harden off, and transplant outdoors in mid-May once all chance of frost is gone. Plants should be about 3 feet from one another. Harvest when peppers are still green, or wait for them to turn bright red (around 60 to 75 days from planting seeds). 

Radish

Variety: Sora, Jantar, Purple Plum, Pink Beauty, Easter Egg II

When to plant: Early March for Easton area, or as soon as soil can be worked. Radishes prefer colder weather, but can be planted anytime through the season. 

How to grow: Plant seeds in 2 to 3 inch wide rows about 1 inch apart, and 1/2 inch deep. Water and weed radishes and harvest in about 4 weeks. 

Spinach

Variety: Matador, Butterflay, Olympia Hybrid, Strawberry, Corvair F1 Organic

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Tomato

Variety: Brad’s Atomic Grape, Sunrise Bumble Bee, Napa Chardonnay, Bonny Best, Berkeley Tie Dye Green, Berkeley Tie Dy Pink, Orange Jazz, Orange Accordion, Dester, Korean Long, Blue Beauty, Green Zebra, Orange Peach, Paul Robeson, Mikado, Tiny Tim, Mandurang, Sunrise Bumble Bee (organic), Brandywine Organic

When to plant: Start indoors from late February to mid-March for Easton area. 

How to grow: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays, and keep seed tray on heat mat with a cover. Tomato seeds will germinate (sprout) when soil temperature is around 75 – 90 degrees. Once sprouted, water only enough to keep mix from drying (they do not like excess water). When transplanting, fertilize the soil. Continue growing indoors, harden off, and transplant outdoors in mid-May once all chance of frost is gone. Plant outdoors 2 feet apart in rows with tomato stakes or cages. Harvest tomatoes when ripe in about 80 days.

Watermelon

Variety: Sugar baby bush, Crimson sweet

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Zucchini

Variety: Dark star, Noche F1, Fordhook

When to plant: Start indoors in late March to mid-April to transplant outside in mid-May for Easton area. Or plant seed directly in ground in mid-May. 

How to grow: Start seeds indoors in seed trays by planting 1 inch deep. Continue growing indoors, harden off, and transplant ouside in mid-May. Plants should be placed 2 feet apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. Harvest zucchinis in 50 days. If planting seeds directly in soil outdoors, sow 4 to 6 seeds 1 inch deep in a hill (hills should be 2 feet apart from one another), and thin to only the strongest plant per hill when squash plants are 3 inches tall. *Tip: adding a handful of compost or plant food when planting your zucchini plants will increase yield. 

Ageratum

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Aster

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Blazing Star

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Calendula

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Cardoon

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Chamomile

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Chinese Lantern

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Cockscomb

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Cosmos

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Craspedia

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Dahila

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Dianthus

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Milkweed

Variety:  Common Milkweed (pink and purple flower clusters grows 3 feet tall – one of Monarch Butterflies’ favorite plants). 

When and how to grow: Milkweed seeds must go through a cold period before they can sprout. Place your seeds in a damp paper towel and put into a plastic bag, then place in the fridge for 1 month. Then, plant your seeds into 2 to 4″ peat pots indoors, planting about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil moist and plant milkweed (in its peat pot) outdoors in early May for Easton area. If planting in the fall, see instructions in “Fall Selection” at the bottom of this page. 

Monarda:

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Nasturtium

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Pansy

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Phlox

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Sunflower

Variety: Sonja (nice for gardens or cut flowers, will grow 3 and a half feet tall).

When to plant: Plant outdoors directly in the ground in early May for Easton area.

How to grow: Plant 1/2 inch deep into well-drained soil in a sunny area, in groups of 2 or 3 seeds, 1 foot apart. Harvest when blooms are “tight” and color first shows, or when flowers are almost completely open. 

Zinnia

Variety: Oklahoma Formula Mix Improved (nice cut flowers, or for borders and beds). 

When to plant: Start indoors at the end of March for Easton area (4 weeks before last frost), or direct seed in the ground at the beginning of May for Easton area.

How to grow: If starting indoors, cover seeds in seed trays 1/4 inch deep and keep soil surface moist until zinnias sprout, then transplant into bigger containers once seedlings have first true leaves. Plant outside in early May in a sunny area. If starting outside, sow 2 seeds per foot a 1/4 inch deep, then cover lightly but firmly. To harvest cut flowers, snip stems before blooms are fully open. Keep new blooms coming by “deadheading” (pruning dying flowers).