5 pieces of planning advice for the vegetable gardener

In most parts of the US, January is generally the time to begin planning for the start of the vegetable gardening season . Of course, USDA Hardiness Zones 9 and above are really planning all year round. However, regardless of your gardening zone, you should find these 5 pieces of planning advice for the vegetable gardener useful. Further, you will find links to lots of valuable information.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

1. Know your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone helps gardeners, landscapers, and growers understand what plants will survive through the winter in a specific US location. Click here to enter your zip code and find your zone.

In addition, you can read this article I wrote “Understanding the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map”.

2. Determine the first and last frost dates for your geographic area

Why are frost dates important and what are the benefits you might ask? Well, frost dates provide guidance for when to plant in a geographic area. So, two of the biggest benefits are garden planning and risk mitigation. To understand the dates for your location, launch this link from the National Gardening Association and enter your zip code. 

In addition, you can read my article titled “Using first and last frost dates to plan your vegetable garden”.

3. Plan

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My third piece of planning advice for the vegetable gardener, involves actual planning using pen and paper. I have always been a planner. Many people don’t take the time to sit and plan and I get it. However, it really does make a big difference when it comes to a successful vegetable garden. Planning will make you feel more confident and make your garden more manageable. What do I mean when I say plan?

• Take an inventory of your space. This can include both garden beds and containers. Your space will dictate how much you can grow.
• Define where in your garden each vegetable/herb/flower will be grown. This is important because it enables you to calculate how much of each vegetable/herb/flower you will be able to grow based upon the size of the bed and/or container.

Here are a few articles I have written to help you plan:

• How to create a simple crop management plan
• Five steps to start a vegetable garden

4. Organize seeds

• Take inventory of the seeds you have and the date on the seed packet. While most seeds will last several years, there are a few that don’t. The seeds for onions and parsnips are viable for only 1 year.
• Research and find a good seed supplier. There are several such suppliers, and most seeds can be ordered via the internet. Look for a seed supplier in your geographic region of the country. Order seeds early (January) to ensure you get what you want.
• Decide when to start what from seed. Certain plants can be set outdoors before the last frost and certain plants cannot be set outdoors until after the last frost. Seed starting dates are based upon geography. The Farmer’s Almanac planting calendar allows you to enter your zip code and provides recommendations for when to start seedlings (by vegetable) and when to transplant. Guidance is based upon estimated frost dates for your USDA Zone as determined by zip code. 

Here are a few addition resources for your reference.

• Getting started with seeds, 4 secrets for successful seed starting
• The complete guide to starting seeds indoors
• Life expectancy of flower and vegetable seeds
• Four seed companies to try

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5. Take inventory of your seed starting supplies

Many people have said to me that they do not have success in starting plants from seed. I get that. Before I began to use the right tools, I also had a challenge. From my experience, here are the supplies and tools that are necessary for seed starting (make seed starting much easier and the probability of success higher).

• Soil specifically formulated for seed starting. In the big box stores, these are generally smaller bags and will have ‘seed starting’ prominently listed on the package.
• Containers. Just about anything with drainage holes can be used as seed starting containers. I recommend that you wash and sterilize the containers prior to use. To sterilize, create a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
• Seedling heat mat. A seedling heat mat is an electric heat pad that sits under the seed tray/container. Many seeds need warm soil temperature to germinate, and this can be aided by placing the seed tray on a specially designed seedling heat mat. 
• Grow light. Most homes do not have windows that will provide adequate light for seedlings to develop properly. Starting seedlings needs the right amount of light, or they will become leggy and weak and may not develop their true leaves. To provide the correct amount of light, you can use either florescent grow lights or LED grow lights.
• Oscillating fan. Good air circulation is useful for promoting two positive effects: preventing disease and developing stronger, sturdier seedlings. An indoor oscillating fan can provide the needed air circulation for starting seedlings.  

Check out this article where I go into more depth on each of the above, “Four essential tools for starting seedlings”.

That’s it, 5 pieces of planning advice for the vegetable gardener. Good luck with your garden and happy planning!