HOMEGARDEN GUIDE

Guide for maintaining a healthy, thriving garden

JanuaryWhat to Do Remove all old plants and flowers Add nutrient rich compost to garden and water generously.

Cover garden with fabric or reusable plastic to help solarize garden.

Draw out Spring garden plan (* see reference site for information) Interplant for pest control and best use of space Make sure location gets 6-8 hours full sunlight a day

Begin seedlings for Spring crop inside * Reference site:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/vh/vh02100.pdf

What to Plant Begin seedlings that can be transplanted (end of month)

Marigold, Daisy, Black-Eye Susan, Nasturium Cantaloupe, Collards, Cucumber, Tomato, Peppers, Squash,

Watermelon Beginning seedlings allows them to grow healthy and strong

indoors during nights that are too cold for growth Plant 2-3 seeds per pod and then thin, leaving only

strongest seedling to grow.

FebruaryWhat to Do Remove fabric from garden (middle of month) Add nutrient rich compost to garden and water generously. Add a layer of old newspapers or hay to garden to increase

water retention and weed prevention Plant seedlings for Spring crop (end of month) Plant seeds for direct sow

What to Plant Plant Seedlings(end of month)

Marigold, Daisy, Black-Eye Susan, Nasturium Cantaloupe, Collards, Cucumber, Tomato, Peppers, Squash,

Watermelon Plant seeds (end of month)

Asters, Peonies, Nasturium Beans, Carrots, Cauliflower, Corn, Kale, lettuce, Peas, Turnips

Plant seeds generously in rows (to be thinned later) according to their growth size

Interplant seeds and seedlings for variety of height and best use of space

MarchWhat to Do Check seedlings for spacing (thin as needed) Blend compost and add to garden once every two weeks to

encourage seed growth Plant Herb garden within vegetable garden Water seedlings and seeds every two days to keep moist

and encourage hearty growth Monitor garden for insects and disease Monitor garden for moisture every day depending on

temperature and exposure Thin plants as needed to allow strongest seedlings to grow

What to Plant Plant Herbs

Basil, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Ginger, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme

Plant seeds generously in rows (to be thinned later) according to their growth size and spacing

Interplant seeds and seedlings for variety of height and best use of space

AprilWhat to Do Check seedlings for spacing (thin as needed) Mulch garden with hay, newspaper, or cypress mulch to

prevent weeds and retain water Water seedlings and seeds every four days to keep moist

and encourage hearty growth Monitor garden for insects and disease Monitor garden for moisture every day depending on

temperature and exposure Thin plants as needed to allow strongest seedlings to grow Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms

What to Plant Plant Herbs or Warm season crops in open spaces

See varieties described in February and March Plant seeds generously in rows (to be thinned later)

according to their growth size and spacing Interplant seeds and seedlings for variety of height and best

use of space

MayWhat to Do Check plants for mature and ripe vegetables Water plants every four days to keep moist Monitor garden for insects and disease Monitor garden for moisture every day depending on

temperature and exposure Pinch off plant leaves or branches that look diseased or

burnt Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms

What to Plant Plant Herbs or Warm season crops in open spaces

See varieties described in February and March Plant seeds generously in rows (to be thinned later)

according to their growth size and spacing Slow down on planting at this time to allow soil to recharge

for next planting

JuneWhat to Do Check plants for mature and ripe vegetables Water plants every four days to keep moist Monitor garden for insects and disease Monitor garden for moisture every day depending on

temperature and exposure Pinch off plant leaves or branches that look diseased or

burnt Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms

What to Plant Plant heat loving vegetables and herbs

Okra, Southern Peas, Tomatoes Basil, Tarragon, Rosemary

JulyWhat to Do Remove all old plants and flowers Add nutrient rich compost to garden and water generously.

Cover garden with fabric or reusable plastic to help solarize garden.

Draw out Fall garden plan (* see reference site for information) Interplant for pest control and best use of space Make sure location gets 6-8 hours full sunlight a day

* Reference site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/vh/vh02100.pdf

What to Plant No planting at this time Add rich compost to garden and cover with plastic

Kills weeds and nematodes Increases nutrient value of garden

AugustWhat to Do Remove plastic from garden and water generously Add compost to garden Plant Fall herb seeds (end of month) Begin Fall vegetable seedlings (end of month)* Reference site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/vh/vh02100.pdf

What to Plant Beginning seedlings allows them to grow healthy and strong

indoors during days that are too hot for growth Plant 2-3 seeds per pod and then thin, leaving only

strongest seedling to grow. Plant herbs for Fall

Basil, Coriander, Cumin, Dill, Ginger, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme

Plant seedlings inside to avoid high temperatures Broccoli, Cabbage, cauliflower, Collards, Lettuce, Onions, Peppers, Squash, Spinach, Tomatoes Marigold, Daisy, Black-Eye Susan, Nasturium

SeptemberWhat to Do Add compost to garden Plant Fall vegetable seeds (end of month) Plant Fall vegetable seedlings (end of month)

* Reference site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/vh/vh02100.pdf

What to Plant Plant seeds generously in rows (to be thinned later)

according to their growth size Interplant seeds and seedlings for variety of height and best

use of space Plant vegetable and flower seeds for Fall

Beans, beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, English Peas Marigold, Daisy, Black-Eye Susan, Nasturium

Plant seedlings in garden Broccoli, Cabbage, cauliflower, Collards, Lettuce, Onions, Peppers, Squash, Spinach, Tomatoes

OctoberWhat to Do Check seedlings for spacing (thin as needed) Blend compost and add to garden once every two weeks to

encourage seed growth Plant Herb garden within vegetable garden Water seedlings and seeds every two days to keep moist

and encourage hearty growth Monitor garden for insects and disease Monitor garden for moisture every day depending on

temperature and exposure* Reference site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/vh/vh02100.pdf

What to Plant Plant Herbs or Cool season crops in open spaces

See varieties described in August Plant seeds generously in rows (to be thinned later)

according to their growth size and spacing Interplant seeds and seedlings for variety of height and best

use of space

NovemberWhat to Do Check plants for mature and ripe vegetables Water plants every four days to keep moist Monitor garden for insects and disease Monitor garden for moisture every day depending on

temperature and exposure Pinch off plant leaves or branches that look diseased or

burnt Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms

What to Plant Plant Herbs or Cool season crops in open spaces

See varieties described in August Plant seeds generously in rows (to be thinned later)

according to their growth size and spacing Slow down on planting at this time to allow soil to recharge

for next planting

DecemberWhat to Do Check plants for mature and ripe vegetables Water plants every four days to keep moist Monitor garden for insects and disease Monitor garden for moisture every day depending on

temperature and exposure Pinch off plant leaves or branches that look diseased or

burnt Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms

What to Plant No planting at this time