Introduction to Growing Vegetables in the US and Vegetable Planting Calendar of the US: The United States, legally the United States of America has North America and South America. The United States is one of the world’s third-largest countries in population and area. It consists of 50 states and a confederate district. The contiguous United States elongate across central North America from the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west, and from Canada on the northern hemisphere to Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico on the southern hemisphere. The state of Alaska is located in the greatest North America between the Arctic and Pacific oceans and is a neighbour country by Canada on the east. The state of Hawaii, an island chain, is associated with the E central Pacific Ocean of San Francisco. Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States, and New York is the largest city.
A Planting Guide for Growing Vegetables in the US and Vegetable Planting Calendar
More and more people are contagious on to how helpful a backyard or front yard for that matter garden can be to the health of themselves and their family. People are saving money by growing plenty of their products and enjoying the recompense that comes along with supplying some of their own vegetables, and herbs.
Basic Things to Remember When Growing Vegetables
- Suitable Sunlight
Most vegetables require at least six hours to eight hours of direct sunlight. Plants that we grow for their leaves including green leafy vegetables such as Lettuce, Kale, chard, and Spinach, and plants that we grow for their keeping roots such as Radishes, Turnips, and Beets can be grown in as little as six hours of sunlight but do much improve with eight hours or more. Plants that we grow for their fruit vegetables, such as Tomatoes, Squash, and Cucumbers, require at least eight and do improve with 10 hours of sunlight.
- Type of garden
Container gardens: Many vegetables can be grown in containers that are deep adequate to encourage their root systems. Containers may extend from as small as a 12-inch flower container to a half cask. The bigger the container, the very easier grown it is to be successful. The wide the grown-up plant, the larger the container requires it to be. Vegetables that do as well in containers such as Beans, Beets, Carrots, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Lettuces, Mustard greens, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Spinach, Squash, Swiss chard, and Tomatoes. Containers need more often watering than gardens, essential as the plants grow and need more water. A drip water system connected to a timer is great incorporation to a container garden.
Raised Beds: A variety of substances that can be used to construct raised beds, but do not use substances that seem to leach chemicals into the well-drained soil, such as old railroad ties. The well-drained soil in raised beds will heat up more fastly in the spring and stay warm long into the fall. Vegetables in raised beds will need more often watering than those in a garden ground. When planned and planted suitably, one 4-foot by 8-foot raised bed may produce a good part of the product. The incorporation of trellises supplies vertical gardening and increases the space obtainable to climbing plants like Cucumbers and Beans. Use thorough gardening techniques to enhance the use of the space. Sequence planting will also aid in increase the harvests from a raised bed in a small area.
In-Ground Gardens: Larger areas tolerate gardeners to select traditional row gardening or gardening on grounds. While a row garden is very easier to manage with a tractor for planting, harvesting, and other garden chores, planting in a ground makes improve the use of obtainable space. Using grounds tolerates for many rows to be planted near together, shading weed seeds and protecting from growing later in the season. Garden grounds may need a bit more labor to plant, to begin with. But when planted correctly, grounds can decrease the requirement for weeding later in the season. You can also add vegetables to your ornamental grounds.
- Prepare the soil
Containers: Obtain potting soil or make your own by mixing equal parts of organic compost, shredded pine bark mulch, and vermiculite. Do not use garden soil in container gardens.
Raised Beds: Amend your well-drained soil with organic substances first either homemade compost or purchased certified compost. Then submit a soil selected to determine the pH and nutrient content of your well-drained soil. An extension centre in your county can supply a soil test kit to have your soil analysed and available specific suggestions for growing vegetables. Amend the soil based on the suggestions from the soil analysis.
- Planting
Plant seeds only two to three times as deep down as the greatest diameter of the seed. Cover the seed and compacted the soil moderately to make sure good seed-to-soil contact. For plants in peat pots or cubes, remove the portion of the peat pot that is above the potting soil in the container, and make sure to cover the containers well with soil when vegetable planting them in the garden ground. Accommodate transplants to their new environment by supplying temporary shade for disposed of transplants for two or three days after setting them out. Mulching helps spread soil moisture, decrease weeds, and decrease erosion. Use shredded leaves, pine straw, newspaper, or other organic mulch that will break down and better the soil.
- Watering
One of the most important exposures of gardening is water, which makes up 90% of a plant’s weight. Water is heavy and difficult to move, so locate the garden close to a potable water supply, making it very easy to water the garden suitable. Dragging a hose hundreds of feet or carrying buckets of water across the backyard every few days makes having a garden plenty of more work. On average, vegetables require one inch of water per week, and you require to supply only what is not produced by rain. Water the well-drained soil, not the plant. Many diseases are spread by water spreading on the leaves.
- Harvesting
Plants supply vegetable fruits and seeds to reproduce. Once a plant supply grown-up with fruit, it completes putting energy into reproduction. If the fruit is removed before it is fully grown-up, however, the plant will try again, supplying more fruit. Many plants supply so fastly that they require to be harvested every together of days. These vegetables are such as Okra, String Beans, Garden Peas, Cucumbers, Summer Squash, and Tomatoes. Daily garden visits make sure vegetables will be chosen at the peak of perfection and not tolerate to become overripe or spoil on the plant, attracting insects or animal scavengers.
Seasons in the US
The United States is a very large country, and climates and weather conditions can vary greatly by season and location.
- Summer: June to August
- Fall: September to November
- Winter: December to February
- Spring: March to May
Summer
During summer, northern states enjoy warm even hot days and cooler mornings and nights, while southern states and exotic areas experience very hot temperatures. The summertime is observed as the best time of the year, especially in the regions between Portland and Constitution state. Comfortable weather conditions are designed by a favorable combination of high air temperature and humidity conditions. North-East of the country normally has a dry and windless climate. The average temperature in this zone is 27°C. But, like during other seasons of the year, the weather is not the same everywhere. Water is normally warming up to 21°C.
Fall
In the fall, temperatures start to cool down throughout the country. This is a welcome season in northern zones, where leaves change to amazing shades of red, yellow, and orange. Fall is a truly universal season and it indicates the high of tourist influx to the country. The average air temperature in southern states in September reaches up to 25°C. By the end of November, it normally drops to about 10°C. This is the time when flora of New York, Louisiana, Carolina, and the Rockies can please each connoisseur of American’s fall glory. Normally, in the fall there is the least amount of precipitation.
Winter
Winter is fairly soft in the southern states, while the northern, northeastern, midwestern, western mountains, and Great Plains regions frequently encounter snow and colder temperatures. There is no possibility to locate an accurate average temperature of winter. US territory is too wide for this. So, in Miami in December temperature can reach the mark 22°C while in Chicago or Minneapolis mark of a thermometer won’t rise above -5°C. Simultaneously Texas is having soft winter while the Gulf Coast faces freezing climatic conditions.
Spring
During the spring, temperatures start to warm up and thunderstorms and rainstorms are normal across the country into the summer months. Average temperatures of the US’s spring months are 12°C in March, 18°C in April and 22°C in May.
Vegetables to Grow in the Summer Season in the US
#1 Eggplant
Begin Eggplants from seed indoors about 8 weeks before setting sapling in the garden. Sow seed in separate containers or pots. Sow Eggplant seed 12mm deep down spaced 4 to 5 inches or 10-12cm apart. Eggplant seeds sprout in about 5 to 6 days. Give sapling started indoors 12 hours of sunlight per day use a grow light or fluorescent lights. Begin seeds on a heat mat then grow saplings at about 21°C. Transfer saplings to 4-inch or 10cm containers when seedlings are 3 to 4 inches in height and then into quart containers if the weather does not tolerate transplanting as seedlings grow 5 to 6 inches in height or taller.
#2 Peppers
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Growing Bell Peppers isn’t very difficult, but the temperature is an important component. While they are impartially very easy to grow, Pepper plant care in these early growth stages is important. Always begin Pepper plant seedlings indoors. The seeds require the warmth of your house to sprouts. Fill a seed tray with seed beginning soil or well-draining potting mix soil, placing one to three seeds in each container. Place the tray in a warm spot or use a warming mat to retain them between 21-32°C the warmer the improve. If you observe it helpful, you can cover the tray with plastic sheathing. Water droplets will form in the bottom of the plastic to let you know the baby seeds have adequate water. If the drops stop establish, it’s time to give them a drink. You should start to see signs of vegetable plants popping up within a together of weeks.
#3 Okra
You need to plant Okra in sunny weather when evening temperatures are at 60°C or warmer. Space Okra plants 10 inches apart in a very sunny location that has fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral pH level range from 6.5 to 7.0. Better home-grown soil by mixing in many inches of aged compost or other rich organic manure. Okra likes the heat and can withstand drought, but do your very best to give plants 1 inch of watering per week. Promote a more plentiful harvest by daily feeding with continuous-release plant food. Harvest Okra cover when they are 2 to 4 inches long.
#4 Pumpkins
Plant Pumpkins in early summer close the corner of your garden. Space Pumpkin plants 2 to 5 inches apart. Grow each Pumpkin on a 3-foot large mound of warm, fertile, and well-drained soil that has a pH level range from 6.0 to 6.8. Better your home-grown soil by mixing in many inches of aged compost or other rich organic manure. Pumpkins need plenty of water, so it’s best to use a soaker hose or watering. Away from wetting the leaves. Give your Pumpkins a lot of nourishment with continuous-release plant food. As Pumpkins begin to form, upgrade them off the soil to prevent rotting. Harvest Pumpkins once they reach their perfect color. The skin should be compacted and stems will have to begin to wither.
Vegetables to Grow in the Winter Season in the US
#1 Cauliflower
Cauliflower belongs to the Brassica family. For the very best quality Cauliflower, grow it in rich, moist well-drained, and fertile soil without dry spell stress. Cauliflower grows very best in cool weather conditions. Transplants can be set in the garden as very easier early as 1 to 2 weeks before the maximum last frost date in spring set Cauliflower when the well-drained soil temperature has warmed to 12°C and daytime temperatures average in the 11°C and 15°C. If winter weather warms too fastly, spring-planted cauliflower may fastener and flower prematurely. A summer-planted fall plant is a safer bet to sow cauliflower in the garden about 75 days before the maximum first frost date in fall. Mulch summer-planted cauliflower to help retain the soil evenly moist and cool weather condition. Where winter temperatures stay soft, cauliflower can be planted in fall and grown through the winter for spring harvest.
#2 Arugula
The Arugula plant grows very best in well-drained soil, but it likes plenty of moisture so water often. The plants also require a soil pH range between 6-6.5. Shove in some well-rotted manure or organic compost before sowing to satisfy both these requirements. This should be done as soon as the well-drained soil can be worked in the spring or improve yet, prepare the soil in the fall before you shut down your grounds so they will be ready to plant for spring growing. Arugula likes cool weather and in most parts of the United States can be planted as early as April. All you require are daytime temperatures above 4°C. Even freeze won’t hold it back. Arugula grows best in a sunny spot although it allows some partial shade, normally when summer temperatures rise.
#3 Swiss chard
Swiss chard grows very best in cool climate conditions and high temperatures will slow down leaf supplying. Sow Swiss chard in the garden 2 to 4 weeks after all freeze has passed in winter. To get an early begin, sow Swiss chard indoors as early as 3 to 4 weeks before the average last freeze date in winter for transplanting out when plants are 3 to 4 inches in height. Plant Swiss chard also in summer for a fall harvest. Once developed chard will allow heat and frost. In soft-winter climates, Swiss chard can be grown through the winter.
#4 Savoy cabbage
Growing Savoy Cabbage is the same as growing any other Cabbage. Both are cold hardy, but savoy is by distant the coldest hardy of the Cabbages. Plan to set out new plants in the winter early adequate so they can grown-up before the heat of summer. Sow seeds 4 weeks before the last freeze for plants to be transplanted in June and plant fall Savoy Cabbage 6-8 weeks before the first frost of your location. The well-drained soil should have a pH range between 6.5 and 6.8, be moist, well-draining, and rich in organic manure for the most normal conditions when growing Savoy Cabbage. If you begin with these requirements, caring for savoy cabbage is moderately labour-free.
Vegetable to Grow in the Spring Season in the US
#1 Broccoli
Broccoli is a succulent green plant in the Cabbage family whose wide flowering head, stalk, and small similar leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Broccoli is classified in the Italica planting group of the species Brassica oleracea. Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that likes daytime temperatures at 60°C and can allow light frost and temperature down to 20°C. Several gardeners plant Broccoli in early spring for the main harvest and then leave the plants growing on top of the summer for a second harvest in the fall.
#2 Brussels sprouts
Thin young Brussels plants to 12 to 24 inches apart when they reach 6 inches in height. You need to mulch to keep moisture and retain the well-drained soil temperature cools through summer. If growing during hot weather conditions, make sure to retain the plants well-watered. Brussels sprouts should receive about 1 to 1½ inches of water each square foot per week. Brussels sprouts are normally planted outdoors right when pests are at their worst. Do not disturb the well-drained soil throughout the plant’s roots are shallow and vulnerable to damage. To Support plants to grown-up faster, cut off the top leaves 3 to 4 weeks before harvest.
#3 Collards
Collards require rich, well-drained soil and they need full sun. In spring, sow seed directly in the garden ground 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep down after danger of heavy freeze.  Confined space the rows 30 inches apart. Thin the saplings to 6 to 8 inches apart. You can also begin the seeds inside for 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting. The plants require 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week. Harvest Collard plants when they are 6 to 8 inches in height.
#4 English Peas
English Peas do not have edible covers you have to wait until fully plopped up before shelling and eating them. Shelling Peas are one of the quickest growing-up different types of Peas, with the smaller, bush varieties get ready in about 50 days. It needs full sun to partial sun and requires loamy soil. Peas will be getting ready for harvest 55 to 80 days from sowing. Young Peas will be very tastier than older ones. Withered and yellowed coves can be used for dried Peas.
#5 Parsley
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You need to plant Parsley in spring once the garden ground is workable. The edible green foliage is great to grow on its own but is also a beautiful complement to flower grounds and window boxes. Space Parsley plants 6 to 8 inches apart in a location with full sun and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH range from 5.5 to 6.7. Offer partial shade if growing in warm weather conditions. Before planting, make sure your home-grown soil is packed with nutrients by mixing in many inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. These leafy herbs enjoy frequently moisture, so check the soil daily and water when the top inch becomes dry. Promote abundant leaf production by daily feeding with water-soluble plant food. Harvest Parsley stems by cutting them at the base once they are wide adequate to use. Never cut more than one-third of the parsley plant at a single time.
Vegetables to Grow in fall in the Us
#1 Asparagus
Plant crowns deeply to protect them from the planting required for annual weed control. Shove a trench of about 12 to 18 inches large and 6 to 8 inches deep. If shoving more than one trough, space the trough at least 3 feet apart. Soak the coronet briefly in lukewarm water before planting. Make a 2-inch-high elevation of well-drained soil along the center of the trench and place the Asparagus coronet on top of the accumulation, spreading its roots out constantly. Within the trough, space asparagus crowns 12 to 18 inches apart. Do not harvest during the first together of seasons. If you have young baby plants, the season may last 2 to 3 weeks. However, developed plants produce longer up to 56 days. Observe your plant every other day for harvest-ready to pick. Spears grow fastly and may become too woody before you know it. Once an Asparagus spear begins to open and has foliage, it’s too tough for eating. Harvest pick when they reach 8 to 10 inches tall and between ½ and ¾ inch wide.
#2 Carrots
When you grow Carrots, the soil texture should be cleared of trash, rocks, and wide pieces of bark. Finer pieces of plant substances can be mixed down into the well-drained soil for enrichment. Begin with soil that will benefit your Carrots to grow healthy. When you grow Carrots, the well-drained soil should be a sandy, well-drained loam. Heavy soils cause the Carrots to grown-up slowly and the roots will end up unappealing and tough. Remember that when you grow Carrots, rocky soil leads to very poor-quality roots. Shove or dig up the location where Carrots will be planted. Ensure the soil is tilled up to soften and oxygenated the ground to make it very easier to grow Carrots long and straight.
#3 Turnips
Turnip seed germination is very quick and sure, and decrease is normally essential. Yet Turnips grow so fastly that a single session of decrease and weeding is all that is required to help them dominate their small space. Flea beetles and other small insects may make small holes in young baby turnip greens, but the plants are so strong that they fastly outgrow the damage. Indeed, the only special care Turnips require is daily water. Keeping the soil moderately moist supports the growth of luxuriant greens and big roots with no break and cracks. Turnip greens very the best taste when they are young and have been exposed to many days and nights of cool weather conditions. Similarly, Turnip roots assemble sugars as soil temperatures decline. For these reasons, it’s very best to harvest the season’s best Turnips after light frosts have appeared, but before your first hard frost.
#4 Artichokes
If Artichokes are perennial in your zone, think long-term about where to plant them because they will grow in that location for up to 5 years. You need to plant Artichokes 4 feet apart in a location with full sun to partial shade and nutrient-rich, loamy soil. Better nutrition and surface of home-grown soil by working in compost or other rich organic manure. Water right after planting and provide frequently soil moisture around the growing season by watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Block weeds and keep soil moisture by adding a 4-inch layer of mulch made from organic substances such as straw, dry grass clippings, or aged manure to prevent weeds. Once sprouts begin to form, reduce the mulch and add a 4-inch layer of organic compost. Harvest Artichoke sprouts when they are about 3 inches in diameter should be tightly packed and compacted.
Vegetable Planting Calendar of the US
Vegetables | Planting Season | Days to Harvest | |
Cucumber | June to August | 55 to 60 days | |
Broccoli | March to May | 80 to 90 days | |
Cauliflower | December to February | 90 to 120 days | |
Turnips | September to November | 30 to 60 days | |
Eggplant | June to August | 100 to 150 days | |
Asparagus | September to November | 50 to 60 days | |
Collards | March to May | 55 to 75 days | |
Savoy Cabbage | December to February | 70 to 110 days | |
Okra | June to August | 2 to 4 days | |
Parsnips | December to February | 105 to 130 days | |
English Peas | March to May | 55 to 80 days | |
Carrots | September to November | 70 to 80 days | |
Peppers | June to August | 60 to 90 days | |
Swiss Chard | December to February | 50 to 60 days | |
Brussels Sprouts | March to May | 80 to 90 days | |
Artichokes | September to November | 85 to 100 days | |
Pumpkins | June to August | 90 to 120 days | |
Arugula | December to November | 40 days | |
Parsley | March to May | 70 to 90 days | |
Broad Beans | September to November | 100 to 110 days | |
Sweet Corn | June to August | 60 to 100 days | |
Perpetual Spinach | December to February | 55 to 65 days | |
Kale | March to May | 70 to 95 days | |
Rhubarb | September to November | 90 days | |
Leeks | March to May | 100 to 120 days | |
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