The snow in April really threw us off. We thought we made it past the threats of hard freezes and dangerously low temperatures for our gardens. Now we’re a little hesitant to plant, regardless of the consistent low-70s temperature, and are questioning whether it’s still too early. This time of year can bring out any gardener’s anxiety of what to plant and when to plant it.

Gardening is about timing and preparing for the future; it is not an immediate ‘fruits of your labor’ task. You do not get tomatoes a week after planting. You have to time it just right and make sure the soil and the environment can nurture the seedlings and plants comfortably to support growth and stability during the harsh summer weather. There are two primary times in a year to plant: fall and spring. These are the times when temperatures are consistently mild, and warm enough to foster growth but not low enough to stun seeds and plants, preventing the roots to take hold to the soil. Right now is the ideal weather to plant your gardens, both floral and vegetable, for summer-long produce. Brushoff the anxiety and feel confident in plotting your spring and summer gardens. –Justin Burke-Samson

Whatever plants you choose, remember to read their tags and follow proper planting and maintenance. Here is a guide that we’re using for our gardens this year:

Beans
Suggested variety: Golden wax
Harvest: Summer-long and early fall

Beets
Suggested variety: Chioggia
Harvest: Early summer

Cabbage
Suggested variety: Michihili
Harvest: Mid-summer

Carrots
Suggested variety: Rainbow mix
Harvest: Early summer

Cucumbers
Suggested variety: Spacemaster 80
Harvest: Summer-long

Eggplants
Suggested variety: Rosa Bianca
Harvest: Mid-summer

Herbs
Suggested variety: Thyme and cilantro
Harvest: Year-long

Lettuce
Suggested variety: Red leaf lettuce
Harvest: Late summer and early fall

Onions
Suggested variety: Red grano
Harvest: Late summer

Peppers
Suggested variety: Serrano
Harvest: Summer-long

Summer Squash
Suggested variety: Early prolific straightneck
Harvest: Mid and late summer

Tomatoes
Suggested variety: Sun gold
Harvest: Mid and late summer

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