![[2024-03-03 Garden Planning]] # Indoor Planting Timing: Zone 6 - Memorial Day Weekend (May 31 as last frost day) https://www.plantmaps.com/en/us/lf/state/new-hampshire/average-last-frost-dates-map#google_vignette ![[Your Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds order confirmation.pdf]] ![[2024 Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds order has shipped.pdf]] ## March 8 - 12 weeks ### Indoors - Onions - Tomatoes - Eggplants - peppers ### Direct Sow - Peas ## April 4 - 8 weeks ### Indoors - Summer Squash - mid April ### Direct Sow - Lettuce mid-late april ## May 1 - 4 weeks ### Indoors - Winter Squash ### Direct Sow - Dill - Parsley - Carrots ## June 1 ### Direct Sow - Beans - Basil - ### Pot to overwinter indoors - Lemongrass # Timing Starting seeds indoors is a wonderful way to give your garden a head start and ensure healthy, vigorous plants. Here are some **essential steps** for successful indoor seed starting: 1. **Choose Quality Seeds**: - Begin with **fresh, high-quality seeds**. Check the seed packets for information on planting depth, spacing, and germination time. - Opt for **heirloom or open-pollinated varieties** if possible—they often produce better results. 2. **Select Containers**: - Use **seed trays, peat pots, or cell packs** with drainage holes. - Sterilize containers to prevent diseases. 3. **Seed Starting Mix**: - Purchase or create a **lightweight, sterile seed starting mix**. - Avoid using garden soil—it can be too heavy and may contain pests or diseases. 4. **Sow Seeds at the Right Depth**: - Follow the recommended planting depth on the seed packet. - Generally, small seeds are sown shallowly, while larger seeds go deeper. 5. **Moisten the Soil**: - Dampen the seed starting mix before planting. - Use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds. 6. **Plant Seeds**: - Place seeds in the soil according to the recommended spacing. - Cover them with a thin layer of soil. 7. **Provide Warmth and Light**: - **Warmth**: Most seeds germinate best at temperatures between **65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C)**. - **Light**: Place seed trays near a sunny window or use **grow lights**. - Keep lights 2-3 inches above the seedlings. - Provide 12-16 hours of light per day. 8. **Maintain Moisture**: - Use a plastic cover or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect. - Check soil moisture regularly—keep it consistently damp but not waterlogged. 9. **Ventilation**: - Remove the plastic cover once seeds sprout. - Good air circulation prevents mold and encourages sturdy growth. 10. **Transplanting**: - When seedlings have their first true leaves, **transplant them into individual pots**. - Handle seedlings by their leaves (not stems) to avoid damage. 11. **Harden Off**: - Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. - Place them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing exposure. 12. **Timing**: - Refer to the **last frost date** in your area. - Count backward to determine when to start seeds indoors. - Some plants (like tomatoes) need more time indoors, while others (like lettuce) can be started later. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key. Happy seed starting! 🌱🌼 # Indoors Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on your garden and ensure healthy, robust plants. Here are some guidelines for when to start different vegetables indoors: 1. **General Rule**: - [Most annual vegetables should be started indoors about **six weeks before the final frost date** in your area](https://www.almanac.com/content/starting-seeds-indoors)[1](https://www.almanac.com/content/starting-seeds-indoors)[2](https://www.gardeningchores.com/when-to-start-seeds-indoors/). - It’s better to delay sowing a little during a cold spring to ensure the soil temperature is warm enough. 2. **Seed Packets**: - Check your seed packets—they often specify when seeds should be started indoors (or outdoors). - For example, a packet might say, “Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.” 3. **Frost Date Calculator**: - You can calculate the best date to start seeds by counting back from your **frost-free date**. - [Use the Almanac’s **Frost Date Calculator** to determine the last expected frost date in your specific location](https://www.almanac.com/content/starting-seeds-indoors)[1](https://www.almanac.com/content/starting-seeds-indoors). Remember that different vegetables have varying requirements, so here’s a general timeline for some common vegetables: - **Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants**: - These warm-season vegetables require full sun and warm temperatures. - Start them indoors about **six weeks before the last frost date**. - [Plant them in small pots filled with potting soil and keep them well-watered until they’re ready to transplant outside](https://www.almanac.com/content/starting-seeds-indoors)[3](https://www.homefortheharvest.com/starting-seeds-indoors/). - **Cool-Season Crops (Lettuce, Spinach, Broccoli, etc.)**: - These can be started even earlier, about **8-10 weeks before the last frost date**. - They tolerate cooler temperatures and can be transplanted outdoors earlier. Remember to adjust the timing based on your local climate and the specific vegetables you’re growing. Happy gardening! 🌱🌼🌿 # Rotation Certainly! Let’s create a garden plan for your favorite vegetables in New Hampshire. Based on the image you provided, here’s a layout and rotation plan for the next three years: ## Garden Layout: 1. **Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, etc.)**: Plant these in the **top left corner** of your garden. They thrive in full sunlight. 2. **Tomatoes**: Next to the brassicas, ensure they receive plenty of sun. 3. **Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Thyme, etc.)**: You can plant herbs near the “Perennial Herbs” section. 4. **Summer Squash and Winter Squash**: These can be planted in the **middle rows**, allowing enough space for their growth. 5. **Peas**: Consider planting peas near the “Raspberry” area, as they don’t require as much direct sunlight. ## Crop Rotation Plan: Crop rotation is essential for maintaining soil health and preventing pests and diseases. Here’s a simple rotation plan for the next three years: 1. **Year 1**: - Plant brassicas, tomatoes, herbs, summer squash, winter squash, and peas in their designated areas. - Enjoy your harvest! 2. **Year 2**: - Rotate each crop **one plot to the right** (clockwise). - For example: - Brassicas move to where tomatoes were. - Tomatoes move to where herbs were. - Herbs move to where summer squash was. - And so on for other crops. 3. **Year 3**: - Rotate once more to the right. - This rotation helps maintain soil fertility and minimizes the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases. Remember to adjust the plan based on specific varieties, soil conditions, and any additional vegetables you’d like to include. Happy gardening! 🌱🌼🍅