### Planting Schedule (43°N) ```mermaid gantt title Garden Indoor Starts Timeline dateFormat MM-DD axisFormat %b %d Peppers :03-04, 03-19 Tomatoes :03-19, 04-02 Lettuce :04-02, 04-16 Spinach :04-02, 04-16 Broccoli :03-19, 04-02 Brussels Sprouts :04-02, 04-16 Cabbage :03-19, 04-02 Cauliflower :04-02, 04-16 Collards :04-02, 04-16 Eggplants :03-19, 04-02 Kale :03-19, 04-02 Squash :04-15, 04-30 Cucumbers :04-15, 04-30 ``` ```mermaid gantt title Garden Direct Sow Outside Timeline dateFormat MM-DD axisFormat %b %d Lettuce :04-16, 04-23 Spinach :04-16, 04-23 Snap Peas :03-25, 04-05 Carrots :04-16, 04-30 Beans :05-21, 06-11 Squash :05-15, 05-30 Cucumbers :05-15, 05-30 Chard :04-23, 05-14 Kale :04-16, 04-23 Collards :04-23, 04-30 ``` ```mermaid gantt title Garden Transplanting Outside Timeline dateFormat MM-DD axisFormat %b %d Peppers :05-28, 06-04 Tomatoes :05-28, 06-04 Lettuce :04-23, 04-30 Spinach :04-23, 04-30 Broccoli :04-30, 05-14 Brussels Sprouts :04-30, 05-14 Cabbage :04-30, 05-14 Cauliflower :05-07, 05-21 Collards :04-30, 05-14 Eggplants :05-28, 06-04 Kale :04-30, 05-14 Squash :05-28, 06-04 Cucumbers :05-28, 06-04 ``` ```mermaid gantt title Garden Harvesting Timeline dateFormat MM-DD axisFormat %b %d Lettuce :05-15, 06-30 Spinach :05-15, 06-15 Snap Peas :05-25, 07-15 Carrots :07-01, 09-15 Beans :07-15, 09-30 Peppers :07-20, 10-15 Tomatoes :07-20, 10-15 Squash :06-30, 10-15 Cucumbers :07-01, 09-30 Eggplants :07-20, 09-30 Kale :06-01, 10-30 Broccoli :06-15, 07-31 Brussels Sprouts :09-01, 10-30 Cabbage :06-15, 07-31 Cauliflower :06-15, 07-31 Collards :06-01, 10-30 Chard :06-15, 09-30 ``` ### Vegetable Planting Guide | Vegetable | Indoor Start Dates | Direct Sow Dates | Transplant Dates | Harvest Period | | ----------------- | ------------------ | ---------------- | ---------------- | ----------------------- | | Asparagus | N/A | Apr 30–May 14 | N/A | Spring, 2nd year onward | | Beans | N/A | May 21–Jun 11 | N/A | Jul 15–Sep 30 | | Beets | N/A | Apr 30–May 14 | N/A | Jun 15–Sep 15 | | Broccoli | Mar 19–Apr 2 | N/A | Apr 30–May 14 | Jun 15–Jul 31 | | Brussels Sprouts | Apr 2–Apr 16 | N/A | Apr 30–May 14 | Sep 1–Oct 30 | | Cabbage | Mar 19–Apr 2 | N/A | Apr 30–May 14 | Jun 15–Jul 31 | | Carrots | N/A | Apr 16–Apr 30 | N/A | Jul 1–Sep 15 | | Cauliflower | Apr 2–Apr 16 | N/A | May 7–May 21 | Jun 15–Jul 31 | | Celery | Feb 18–Mar 4 | N/A | May 21–Jun 4 | Jul 15–Oct 15 | | Chard | N/A | Apr 23–May 14 | N/A | Jun 15–Sep 30 | | Collards | Apr 2–Apr 16 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | Apr 30–May 14 | Jun 1–Oct 30 | | Cucumbers | Apr 15–Apr 30 | May 15–May 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | Jul 1–Sep 30 | | Eggplants | Mar 19–Apr 2 | N/A | May 28–Jun 4 | Jul 20–Sep 30 | | Kale | Mar 19–Apr 2 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | Apr 30–May 14 | Jun 1–Oct 30 | | Lettuce | Apr 2–Apr 16 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | May 15–Jun 30 | | Peas (English) | N/A | Mar 25–Apr 5 | N/A | May 25–Jul 15 | | Peas (Sugar Snap) | N/A | Mar 25–Apr 5 | N/A | May 25–Jul 15 | | Peppers | Mar 4–Mar 19 | N/A | May 28–Jun 4 | Jul 20–Oct 15 | | Potatoes | N/A | Mar 25–Apr 20 | N/A | Jul 15–Sep 30 | | Spinach | Apr 2–Apr 16 | Apr 16–Apr 23 | Apr 23–Apr 30 | May 15–Jun 15 | | Squash (Summer) | Apr 15–Apr 30 | May 15–May 30 | May 28–Jun 4 | Jun 30–Oct 15 | | Tomatoes | Mar 19–Apr 2 | N/A | May 28–Jun 4 | Jul 20–Oct 15 | **Notes:** - Last expected frost date for West Michigan (latitude 43°) is around May 14 - Cool-season crops (lettuce, spinach, peas, etc.) can tolerate light frost and can be planted earlier - Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc.) should only be transplanted when soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed - Harvest windows are approximate and will vary by specific variety and growing conditions - Many greens like kale and collards taste better after light frost in fall ### Garden Care Guide #### Daily Tasks - Check soil moisture - Stick your finger 1 inch into soil - if dry, water is needed - Look for wilting or dried leaves - Quick walk-through to spot issues - Yellow or brown leaves - Holes in leaves - Wilting despite moist soil - Signs of animal activity - Water if needed - Water at soil level, not on leaves - Best times: early morning or evening - Look for soil pulling away from edges of bed - means too dry #### Weekly Tasks - Deep watering if no rain - Water slowly until soil is moist 6 inches deep - Use mulch to retain moisture - Remove any weeds - Pull from base when soil is moist - Get the whole root if possible - Check for pests - Look under leaves for insects - Check for damage patterns - Remove any affected leaves #### Monthly Tasks - Check plant support needs - Secure loose ties - Add stakes for growing tomatoes - Trim any overcrowded areas - Plan next plantings - Check timeline for what's coming up - Prepare spaces where harvested plants were - Consider companion planting for empty spots - Remove any dying plants - If disease suspected, don't compost - Can replant quick crops like lettuce in empty spots - Keep notes on what worked/didn't work ### Indoor Seeding Guide 1. Seed Starting Basics - Seed starting trays with drainage holes - Clear plastic dome covers - Good quality seed starting mix - Plant markers and permanent marker - Spray bottle for gentle watering - Small fan for air circulation 2. Lighting - LED grow light or shop light fixture - Timer for lights - Way to suspend lights above trays 3. Optional but Helpful - Heat mat for better germination - Small watering can with fine spout - Temperature/humidity gauge #### Garden Layout ![[mom's garden layout\|500px]]