Tenders Strip

The new tenders strip, in the parking pad garden; front border for the bean/corn bed.  Bottom protected with a double layer of HD weed cloth and all new soil.  No cutworms please.  This is the plan stan.  Created using the wonderful online planning tool at Gardner's Supply Kitchen.

Swiss Chard Plant seeds 1/2″ deep indoors six weeks before last frost, or in garden two weeks before last frost Transplant: Around the time of last frost Plant a second crop to ensure a plentiful supply of tender leaves. Spacing: two plants per sq. ft. Days to harvest: 30 days from seed for baby; 50 days to full size. Frost-hardy. Hint: Good source of summer greens, chard is not bothered by heat.

Turnips Sow seeds directly in garden four to six weeks before last frost. Spacing: nine plants per sq. ft. Days to harvest: 40 to 50 days, depending on variety. Tip: Replant turnips in midsummer for fall harvest.

Spinach Plant seeds 1/2″ deep directly in garden up to six weeks before last frost. Sow spinach every two weeks in spring and again in late summer for fall crops. Spacing: sow 18 seeds per sq. ft.; thin to nine plants per sq. ft. Days to harvest: 30 to 40 days from germination. Very frost-hardy. Hint: Spinach bolts in hot weather, so harvest early. Keep soil cool and moist with mulch or shade netting.

Leaf Lettuce Sow seed indoors 1/4″ deep, eight weeks before last frost or directly in garden when soil can be worked. Thin seedlings when four weeks old. Spacing: 16 plants per sq. ft. Plant more lettuce every two to four weeks for a good supply. Days to harvest: 28 days for baby lettuce, 45 days to full size. Frost-hardy. Hint: Harvest outer leaves anytime, or use scissors to harvest entire plant, leaving an inch of stem to encourage new growth.

Kale Sow seeds 1/2″ deep indoors eight weeks before last frost or in garden six weeks before last frost. Transplant seedlings into garden up to six weeks before last frost. Very frost-hardy. Spacing: two plants per sq. ft. Can be planted midsummer wherever early crops are removed. Kale continues to grow and produce leaves until late fall. Days to harvest: 60 days. Very frost-hardy. Hint: Kale can be grown in part shade. It needs plenty of moisture, so mulch well.

Celery Sow seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Transplant into garden when soil reaches 50 degrees F. and nights stay above 40. Spacing: two per sq. ft. Days to harvest: 80 to maturity; harvest individual stalks as needed. Frost-hardy. Hint: Plants tolerate some shade. Ensure consistent moisture to avoid tough stalks.

Carrots Sow seeds in garden 1/4″ deep three weeks before last spring frost. Spacing: Plant 30 seeds per sq. ft.; thin to 16 plants per sq. ft. Replant six to eight weeks before fall frost for late crop. Days to harvest: 55 to 70 days from seed. Frost-hardy. Hint: Before planting, loosen soil to 12″; remove stones and add compost.

Broccoli Sow seeds 1/4″ deep indoors, six weeks before last spring frost. Transplant into garden when seedlings have two sets of leaves. Spacing: one plant per sq. ft. Days to harvest: 50 to 70 days from transplant. Frost-hardy. Plant a second broccoli crop eight weeks before first fall frost. Hint: Row covers are an effective control for cabbage worms.

Cabbage Sow seeds indoors 1/4″ deep eight weeks before last frost or outdoors four weeks before last frost. Transplant seedlings into garden four weeks before last spring frost Spacing: one per sq. ft. Start seeds for fall crop in early summer. Days to harvest: 60 to 105 days, depending on variety. Frost-hardy. Hint: Plants prefer cool weather. Hot temperatures can cause heads to split.

Eggplants Start seeds 1/4″ deep indoors eight weeks before last frost. Transplant seedlings when soil reaches 70 degrees F. or three weeks after last frost. Spacing: one per sq. ft. Days to harvest: 55 to 70 days from transplant. Not frost-hardy. Hints: Bugs love eggplants. Protect with garden fabric (row cover) even after flowering.

Sweet Potatoes Plant slips (rooted sprouts) two weeks after last frost, once soil and night temperatures are 60 degrees or more. Spacing: one per sq. ft. Days to harvest: 90. Hint: Cover soil with black plastic to increase heat and prevent unwanted rooting of vines