Succession Gardening: Planting Dates for Second Crops
Succession Gardening: Planting Dates for Second Crops @ Old Farmer’s
Would you like to extend your growing season? Our succession gardening chart below shows the last planting dates for second-season crops.
A second harvest can dramatically increase your yield—and allow you to enjoy fresh vegetables into fall and winter. In addition, fall gardening is often easier since there are less pests and problems in cooler weather. Finally, a fall “cover” crop can organically protect and build your soil.
To calculate the best time to plant your second vegetable crops, look at the first expected freeze dates. Choose the date that comes closest to the expected first killing frost in your area. If you do not know the date, see our Frost Charts.
Click here to expand the chart below (PDF).
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The Full Strawberry Moon: June’s Moon Guide
Full Strawberry Moon
The month of June’s full Moon’s name is the Full Strawberry Moon. June’s Full Strawberry Moon got its name because the Algonquin tribes knew it as a signal to gather ripening fruit.
It was often known as the Full Rose Moon in Europe (where strawberries aren’t native).
Moon Facts & Folklore
- A growing Moon and a flowing tide are lucky times to marry.
- Days following both the new and full Moons are most likely to be rainy or stormy.
- Crabbing, shrimping, and clamming are best when the Moon is full.
Seasonal Advice for June: Recipes, Gardening, Folklore
Seasonal Advice for June: Recipes, Gardening, Folklore
It’s June 2013 and everything’s coming up roses, not to mention strawberries! June brings beautiful bouquets, delicious fruits and vegetables, and an urge to get out there and enjoy the sunshine. See our tips!
It is the month of June,
The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes,
And pleasant scents the noses.
–N. P. Willis (1807-67)
Calendar
June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women.
This year, the summer solstice falls on June 21 heralding the start of summer! Read more about the first day of summer.
Since ancient times, June is the time for weddings, feasts, and revelry, especially on Midsummer Day, June 24.
June is also a big month for fishing. Check out the best fishing days for 2013.
Recipes for the Season
Summer brings juicy fruit ripened by the Sun and many garden treats to the table! Try:
Zucchini and Tomato Casserole
Strawberry Delight Cake
Stuffed Artichokes
See “What’s in Season: Summer Recipes” more seasonal recipes.
Gardening
How are the tomatoes? See our Tomato Guide for pest control and plant care.
Got slugs, weeds, or other annoying insects? See our Pests and Problems library.
Mow grass when it’s 2 to 3 inches high. See our lawn care tips.
See our tips on how to keep bouquets fresh!
Home Hints
Wedding season is upon us! Check your wedding weather and ideas for great wedding gifts.
Since the weather is warm, try saving some money this summer by using a clothesline to dry your clothes instead of the dryer.
Planning to paint the house? See how much paint you need and how to choose a paintbrush.
Nature
Let’s go fishing! Learn something new about trout and bass:
How to Catch and Cook Trout
Smallmouth Bass: What are They and How do you Catch One?
To help you catch this year’s prize fish, check out the Four Fundamentals of Successful Fishing.
Astronomy
Look up! Enjoy the night sky from your own backyard. See our Sky Watch highlights.
The Full Strawberry Moon is on June 23, 2013. See the Full Moon times for your location.
Folklore for the Season
- A dripping June brings all things in tune.
- He who bathes in June will sing a merry tune.
- If June be sunny, harvest comes early.
Vegetable Garden Planning for Beginners ~ Great Resource
Old Farmer’s
If you’re a beginner vegetable gardener, here are basics on vegetable garden planning: site selection, plot size, which vegetables to grow, and other gardening tips.
Remember this: It’s better to be proud of a small garden than to be frustrated by a big one!
One of the common errors for beginners is planting too much too soon and way more than anybody could eat or want. Unless you want to have zucchini taking up residence in your attic, plan carefully. Start small.
The Very Basics
First, here are some very basic concepts on topics you’ll want to explore further as you become a vegetable gardener extraordinaire:
- Do you have enough sun exposure? Vegetables love the sun. They need at least 6 hours of full sun every day, and preferably 8.
- Know your soil. Most soil can be enriched with compost and be fine for planting, but some soil needs more help. Vegetables must have good, loamy, well-drained soil. Check with your local nursery or local cooperative extension office about free soil test kits so that you can assess your soil type. See our article on preparing soil for planting.
- Placement is everything. Avoid planting too near a tree, which will steal nutrients and shade the garden. In addition, a garden too close to the house will help to discourage wild animals from nibbling away your potential harvest.
- Decide between tilling and a raised bed. If you have poor soil or a bad back, a raised bed built with nonpressure-treated wood offers many benefits. See more about raised garden beds and how to build them.
- Vegetables need lots of water, at least 1 inch of water a week. See more about when to water vegetables.
- You’ll need some basic planting tools. These are the essentials: spade, garden fork, soaking hose, hoe, hand weeder, and wheelbarrow (or bucket) for moving around mulch or soil. It’s worth paying a bit extra for quality tools.
- Study those seed catalogs and order early.
- Check your frost dates. Find first and last frost dates in your area and be alert to your local conditions.
Deciding How Big
A good-size beginner vegetable garden is about 16×10 feet and features crops that are easy to grow. A plot this size, planted as suggested below, can feed a family of four for one summer, with a little extra for canning and freezing (or giving away).
Make your garden 11 rows wide, with each row 10 feet long. The rows should run north and south to take full advantage of the sun.
Vegetables that may yield more than one crop per season are beans, beets, carrots, cabbage, kohlrabi, lettuce, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, and turnips.
Suggested Plants for 11 Rows
The vegetables suggested below are common, productive plants but you’ll also want to contract your local cooperative extension to determine what plants grow best in your local area. Think about what you like to eat as well as what’s difficult to find in a grocery store or farmers’ market.
(Note: Link from each vegetable to a free planting and growing guide.)
- Tomatoes—5 plants staked
- Zucchini squash—4 plants
- Peppers—6 plants
- Cabbage
- Bush beans
- Lettuce, leaf and/or Bibb
- Beets
- Carrots
- Chard
- Radishes
- Marigolds to discourage rabbits!
(Note: If this garden is too large for your needs, you do not have to plant all 11 rows, and you can also make the rows shorter. You can choose the veggies that you’d like to grow!)
When to Plant?
- If you are planting seeds, consult our Best Planting Dates for Seeds chart. It’s customized to your frost dates as well as Moon-favorable dates.
- If you’re putting plants in the ground from a nursery or transplanting from a greenhouse, see our Best Planting Dates for Transplants (by region).
- If you are planting seeds, consult our Best Planting Dates for Seeds chart. It’s customized to your frost dates as well as Moon-favorable dates.
- If you’re putting plants in the ground from a nursery or transplanting from a greenhouse, see our Best Planting Dates for Transplants (by region).
Now Design Your Best Garden Ever!
Plan your perfect vegetable garden. Use our online Garden Planner to draw out your vegetable beds. Click here to try the Garden Planner for free!
The best way to plan a successful veggie garden is to look at what similar gardeners have planned and see what works for them.
The above garden plot plan was created by one of our readers!
Click here for our Garden Plans Gallery and you’ll find lots of ideas and inspiration.
Happy gardening!
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