eugene w
p
lanning is one of the most important elements of gardening. It is also one
of the easiest steps to overlook, especially for the beginner. Knowing a few
months ahead of time when you’re going to need to plant and harvest your
vegetables can save you serious heartache in the long run. Having your
seeds, starts and preservation methods prepped and ready will ensure
you the longest growing seasons, the most fruitful crops and the longest lasting life from
your produce.
Keeping your eye on the calendar — and another on the weather — can extend the grow-
ing season. Many crops can be sown and planted throughout the warmest months — like
peas or lettuce — to provide greens much longer than a single planting. Hearty crops — like
kale and carrots — can be planted and tended all year ’round.
And while looking to growing, don’t forget to take a moment and look to tending. Having
a garden full of nutrient-rich soil, well-planned beds and adequate sunlight/water is just as
important as getting your plants in the ground. These steps often carry the gardening expe-
rience outside of the growing season and mean investing in a good pair of rubber boots and
tilling equipment.
This year we have prepared a yearlong look at some of the most popular crops for our
area. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but it will provide beginning and experienced
gardeners alike a quick glance at the year and a way to plan out the best garden possible.
— Sarah Decker
plan
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
BASIL
BROCCOLI
SOW:
If you are a gardener who likes to start plants from seeds, there will be a
time to start those little guys indoors (to protect them from the lingering foul weather).
After things start to warm up, it’s all right to put them right in the ground.
BUSH BEANS
PLANT: Whether you are ready to move the plants you have sprouted from
CARROTS
seed inside or ready to plant starts you’ve got from your local nursery, now is the time.
HARVEST: Prepare to feast on the fruits (and vegetables) of your labors!
CABBAGE
CAULIFLOWER
CHARD
CUCUMBER
EGGPLANT
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
PREPARATION
COVER CROPS
Once the harvest season is over and your beds are cleared, it
is time to plant cover crops. Legumes like crimson clover give
soil a healthy boost of nitrogen while various grasses will
give you a good dose of green matter for tilling come spring.
KALE
LETTUCE
ONIONS
PEAS
JANUARY - FEBRUARY
COMPOST/BUILD BEDS
PEPPERS
You’ll need to plan time before the planting season to get your
garden ready. Till your cover crop into your soil, compost, map
out your garden and build beds. Take into account drainage,
bed width (limiting width to 4 feet makes the center easy to
reach), companion planting and sunlight.
POTATOES
ALL GROWING SEASON
TOMATOES
COMPOST TEA
A great way to give growing plants a little boost of nutrients.
[TUBERS]
PUMPKINS
SPINACH
ZUCCHINI
Help Your Gar
•
•
•
•
Organic Veggie Starts
Unique Shrubs
Blueberries
Perennials & Herbs
•
•
•
•
Seed Starting Supplies
Quality Gar
Gar
Pottery
532 Olive Street 541-342-6820 • Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 10-5 • downtoeartheugene.com