When it comes to starting your heirloom garden, understanding the specific planting and growing instructions for each type of seed is essential for success. Whether you’re sowing heirloom vegetables, herbs, or flowers, following proper instructions can make all the difference in achieving healthy growth and abundant harvests. Each seed variety has unique needs, such as optimal planting depth, spacing, watering, and sunlight requirements. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that when you plant garden seeds they have the best start possible, setting the stage for a thriving, productive garden season. Here are the essential planting and growing instructions for all of our heirloom garden seeds to help you get started.
Asparagus Planting Guide (Asparagus officinalis): Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that produces tender spears in early spring, often enjoyed fresh, roasted, or steamed. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires patience, as it typically takes two to three years to establish before yielding a significant harvest.
Bean Planting Guide (Phaseolus vulgaris): Common beans are versatile and easy-to-grow annual plants that come in various types, including bush and pole varieties. They produce pods filled with edible seeds and can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or as shell beans.
Bean (Fava) Planting Guide (Vicia faba): Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are cool-season legumes with large, flat seeds encased in thick pods. They add nitrogen to the soil and are often used as a cover crop, in addition to being eaten fresh, dried, or cooked.
Bean (Yard Long) Planting Guide (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis): Yard long beans, also known as asparagus beans, grow as climbing vines and produce slender, elongated pods that can reach up to 3 feet in length. They are best harvested when young and tender and are commonly used in stir-fries and Asian cuisines.
Beet Planting Guide (Beta vulgaris): Beets are root vegetables known for their sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant red or golden color. They are grown for both their roots and greens, which can be harvested and eaten raw or cooked.
Broccoli Planting Guide (Brassica oleracea var. italica): Broccoli is a cool-weather vegetable that produces edible flower heads rich in vitamins and minerals. It prefers full sun and fertile soil and is typically harvested before the flower buds open.
Brussels Sprouts Planting Guide (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera): Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that grows small, cabbage-like heads along a tall stalk. These nutrient-rich vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and improve in flavor after a light frost.
Cabbage Planting Guide (Brassica oleracea var. capitata): Cabbage is a hardy, cool-weather vegetable that forms a dense, leafy head. It comes in various colors and can be boiled or used in salads, slaws, or fermented to make sauerkraut.
Cabbage (Chinese) Planting Guide (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis): Chinese cabbage, also known as Napa cabbage, is a mild-flavored, leafy vegetable with a more delicate texture than traditional cabbage. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly for stir-fries and kimchi.
Cantaloupe Planting Guide (Cucumis melo): Cantaloupe is a sweet, fragrant melon with orange flesh and a textured rind. It grows best in warm, sunny conditions and requires well-drained soil to thrive.
Carrot Planting Guide (Daucus carota): Carrots are root vegetables with a crisp texture and sweet flavor, typically orange but also available in purple, red, black and yellow varieties. They grow best in loose, sandy soil and are harvested once they reach the desired size.
Cauliflower Planting Guide (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis): Cauliflower is a cool-weather vegetable known for its compact, edible head made up of undeveloped flower buds. It prefers rich soil and consistent moisture and can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or steamed.
Celery Planting Guide (Apium graveolens): Celery is a leafy vegetable grown for its crisp, fibrous stalks, which add flavor to soups, salads, and other dishes. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and requires a long growing season.
Collards Planting Guide (Brassica oleracea var. viridis): Collards are leafy greens known for their large, dark-green leaves with a slightly bitter taste. They are highly nutritious, grow well in cool weather, and are often used in southern U.S. cuisine.
Corn Planting Guide (Zea mays): Corn is a tall, warm-season grass that produces edible ears, which can be eaten fresh, roasted, or dried for grain. It requires full sun and plenty of space, as it is wind-pollinated.
Cucumber Planting Guide (Cucumis sativus): Cucumbers are vining plants that produce crisp, refreshing fruits often used in salads, pickles, and as a snack. They prefer warm temperatures and need consistent watering to avoid bitterness.
Eggplant Planting Guide (Solanum melongena): Eggplant is a warm-season vegetable known for its glossy, purple, or white fruits. It thrives in hot weather and well-drained soil and is commonly used in Mediterranean and Asian dishes.
Endive Planting Guide (Cichorium endivia): Endive is a leafy green with a slightly bitter taste, often used in salads or cooked dishes. It prefers cool temperatures and is closely related to chicory.
Garden Huckleberry Planting Guide (Solanum scabrum): Garden huckleberry is an annual plant that produces small, edible berries resembling blueberries. The berries must be fully ripe and cooked before eating to remove their natural bitterness.
Gourd Planting Guide (Cucurbitaceae): Gourds are vining plants that produce hard-shelled fruits often used for crafts, decorations, or utensils rather than as a food source. They come in various shapes and sizes and thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
Ground Cherry Planting Guide (Physalis pruinosa): Ground cherries are small, sweet, and tart fruits enclosed in a papery husk. They grow well in warm climates and are often used in jams, pies, or eaten fresh.
Kale Planting Guide (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica): Kale is a hardy leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that improves after frost exposure. It is highly nutritious and used in salads, soups, and cooked dishes.
Kohlrabi Planting Guide (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes): Kohlrabi is a cool weather vegetable with a swollen, bulb like stem and edible leaves. It has a mild, sweet flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Leek Planting Guide (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum): Leeks are a member of the onion family, known for their long, white stalks with a mild onion flavor. They grow best in cool weather and are often used in soups and stews.
Lettuce Planting Guide (Lactuca sativa): Lettuce is a leafy green vegetable grown for its tender leaves, often used in salads and sandwiches. It thrives in cool weather and comes in a variety of types, including romaine, butterhead, and leaf.
Malabar Spinach Planting Guide (Basella alba): Malabar spinach is a heat-loving, vining green with thick, fleshy leaves used as a spinach substitute. It grows well in warm climates and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Microgreens Planting Guide: Microgreens are young vegetable or herb seedlings harvested shortly after germination, offering concentrated flavors and nutrients. They are used as a garnish, in salads, or as a nutritional supplement.
New Zealand Spinach Planting Guide (Tetragonia tetragonioides): New Zealand spinach is a heat-tolerant leafy green often used as a substitute for traditional spinach in warm climates. It grows as a low, sprawling plant and is harvested throughout the growing season.
Okra Planting Guide (Abelmoschus esculentus): Okra is a warm-season vegetable known for its edible, pod-like fruit, often used in soups, stews, and fried dishes. It thrives in hot weather and well-drained soil.
Onion Planting Guide (Allium cepa): Onions are bulb vegetables that come in various colors, including yellow, red, and white, each offering different flavor profiles. They grow best in well drained soil and are harvested once the bulbs mature.
Parsnip Planting Guide (Pastinaca sativa): Parsnips are root vegetables with a sweet, nutty flavor, often enhanced by frost exposure. They resemble white carrots and are commonly roasted, mashed, or added to soups.
Pea & Cowpea Planting Guide (Pisum sativum & Vigna unguiculata): Peas are cool-season legumes that produce edible pods or seeds, while cowpeas thrive in warm climates and are used for fresh eating, drying, or as fodder. Both add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting garden health.
Pepper (Sweet) Planting Guide (Capsicum annuum): Sweet peppers are warm season vegetables that produce fruits in various shapes, colors, and flavors. They thrive in sunny, well drained conditions and are used in many cuisines worldwide.
Pepper (Hot) Planting Guide (Capsicum spp.): Hot peppers, including varieties like jalapeños and habaneros, are known for their fiery heat due to the presence of capsaicin. They are grown in warm conditions and used fresh, dried, or pickled to add spice to dishes.
Pumpkin Planting Guide (Cucurbita pepo): Pumpkins are warm season squash that produce large, orange fruits used for pies, soups, and decoration. They require plenty of space to grow and thrive in full sun.
Radish Planting Guide (Raphanus sativus): Radishes are fast growing root vegetables with a crisp texture and peppery flavor. They come in various colors and shapes and are often used fresh in salads.
Rutabaga Planting Guide (Brassica napus var. napobrassica): Rutabagas are root vegetables that resemble large, yellow fleshed turnips with a sweeter flavor. They grow best in cool weather and are often roasted, mashed, or used in soups.
Salsify Planting Guide (Tragopogon porrifolius): Salsify is a root vegetable with a mild, oyster like flavor, sometimes called “oyster plant.” It thrives in well drained, sandy soil and is typically harvested in late fall or winter after frost has sweetened the roots.
Spinach Planting Guide (Spinacia oleracea): Spinach is a nutrient rich leafy green that grows best in cool temperatures. It is used in salads, cooked dishes, and smoothies for its tender leaves and mild flavor.
Squash, Summer Planting Guide (Cucurbita pepo): Summer squash, including varieties like zucchini and yellow squash, are warm season vegetables harvested while immature for tender skin and flesh. They grow quickly and are commonly used in stir fries, grilled, or baked.
Squash, Winter Planting Guide (Cucurbita maxima & C. moschata): Winter squash are warm season vegetables harvested in the fall with mature skin that hardens for long term storage. Varieties like butternut and acorn squash are used in soups, roasting, and baking.
Swiss Chard Planting Guide (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla): Swiss chard is a leafy green with colorful stems and large, crinkled leaves, known for its mild, earthy taste. It thrives in cool weather and can be used in salads, sautéed, or added to soups.
Tomatillo Planting Guide (Physalis ixocarpa): Tomatillos are small, green, tomato like fruits encased in a papery husk, commonly used in Mexican cuisine for making salsa verde. They grow best in warm weather and need full sun.
Tomato Planting Guide (Solanum lycopersicum): Tomatoes are warm season fruits widely grown for their versatility in cooking, with varieties ranging from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteaks. They thrive in full sun and well drained soil.
Turnip Planting Guide (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa): Turnips are cool weather root vegetables with a mild, slightly peppery flavor. Both the roots and leafy greens can be consumed, often roasted, mashed, or added to soups.
Watermelon Planting Guide (Citrullus lanatus): Watermelons are refreshing, sweet fruits with a high water content, grown in warm climates. They require plenty of space to vine out and thrive in full sun.
FAQ: Planting and Growing Instructions
What is the best time to plant garden seeds?
The best time to plant garden seeds depends on the type of plant and your local climate. Most seeds are sown in spring after the last frost, but some cool-season crops can be planted in late summer or fall for a second harvest.
How deep should I plant garden seeds?
The planting depth varies depending on the seed size. Generally, seeds should be planted at a depth of two to three times their diameter. Fine seeds are often sprinkled on the soil surface and lightly covered with soil.
How much space should I leave between seeds?
Spacing requirements vary by plant type. Some vegetables, like lettuce, can be spaced close together, while larger plants, such as tomatoes, need more room to grow. Check the seed packet for specific spacing recommendations.
How often should I water newly planted seeds?
Newly planted seeds should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water lightly and frequently to keep the soil damp until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, adjust the watering schedule as needed.
Do I need to start seeds indoors or can I plant them directly in the garden?
Some seeds, like tomatoes and peppers, benefit from being started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, while others, such as beans and carrots, can be sown directly in the garden.
How long does it take for garden seeds to germinate?
Germination times vary widely depending on the seed variety. Some seeds, like radishes, germinate in as little as 3-5 days, while others, such as peppers, can take up to 3 weeks.
Can I use leftover seeds from last year?
Yes, you can use leftover seeds as long as they were stored in a cool, dry place. However, germination rates may decrease over time. It’s a good idea to perform a germination test before planting.
Do I need to fertilize seeds when planting?
Seeds do not need fertilizer to germinate because they contain enough nutrients to get started. However, after seedlings develop their first true leaves, a diluted fertilizer can help support growth.
How can I tell if my seeds are viable?
To check seed viability, perform a germination test. Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, fold it over, and keep it in a warm place. If most seeds sprout within a week or two, they are viable.
Why are my seeds not germinating?
Seeds may fail to germinate due to factors like incorrect planting depth, inadequate moisture, poor soil temperature, or old seeds. Ensure you are meeting the specific requirements for the seed variety you are planting.
