Planting Crops in Your Garden

Choosing which crops to plant in your garden can be a lot of fun – and maybe a little daunting. Below, a list of options for spring, summer and winter gardening in Chicago, plus planting and harvesting tips.

The rooftop garden at Uncommon Ground restaurant in Edgewater. (Chicago Tonight)

Spring Crops

Summer Crops

Season Extension and Winter Crops


Arugula

Arugula

When to Plant

March 15-May 30 or Aug. 15-Sept. 15. Arugula can be planted up to three weeks before the first frost (generally Oct. 15).

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Plant an abundance of seeds (you want to overplant), and cover the seeds with about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil.

Harvesting Tips

Arugula will germinate quickly, and they need to be eaten quickly before they develop a seed stalk and get bitter and tough. Begin harvesting arugula at baby green size (2.5-3 inches). Cut it and leave about 1.5 inches of growth, let the plant grow back to 2.5-3 inches, cut again and remove entire plant. Eat when young. The bigger arugula gets, the spicier it gets.


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Basil

Basil (Traditional)

When to Plant

May 15-July 30

How to Plant

Transplant seedling or direct seeding.

Harvesting Tips

Begin harvesting as soon as the plant is large enough to spare some leaves. At any sign of flowering, pinch off the flower unless you have so much that you’re intentionally letting it flower. Once basil flowers, it spends more energy on the flowers than the leaves. At that point, the leaves can become bitter and tougher, and not as pleasant for pesto and fresh eating. Cut the flower with a pruner at a point along the stem just above a fresh set of leaves. If done correctly, it still looks busy and full.


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Beets

Beets (Red)

When to Plant

March 15-May 30 or July 15-Aug. 1

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seeds about 1/2 inch deep about 1 inch apart.

Harvesting Tips

Beets planted March to May will be ready early summer to mid-summer. Beets planted July to August will be ready for mid to late fall harvest. Thin beets so they are a fist’s width apart. Do not thin as soon as they emerge. Wait until greens are 1/2 inch–1 inch tall. After thinning, mound the soil and firm it around each plant. Beet thinnings can be consumed. If you see the top of the beets come above the ground, cover them with earth. Harvest is approximately 60 days from planting. Around the 60th day, pull one of the beets and see if it is about 1.5 inches in diameter. If so, begin harvesting. If you would like bigger beets, wait.


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Black Cherry Tomato

Black Cherry Tomato

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Keep an eye on them. If pests such as squirrels or chipmunks are munching on them, harvest on the early side of ripe and place tomatoes in a window sill to finish ripening. Judge ripeness by color and touch. Is the tomato the color it’s supposed to be? When you gently press into the skin, does it give a little and feel somewhat soft? Keep pruning to a minimum if at all as this can spread disease. If fruit is ripening slowly, remove excess foliage to expose the fruit to more sunlight.


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broccoli

Broccoli

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Broccoli is ready when a firm, tight head is formed. The broccoli head typically will get to be 4-7 inches wide when it is time to harvest. But do not go on size alone. If florets are not tightly packed and begin to separate, then you should harvest immediately or the florets with bolt and become bitter. When the florets on the outside edge of the head get to be the size of the head of a match, then you can start harvesting broccoli from that plant. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the head of the broccoli off the plant. You should cut the broccoli stem a few inches or more below the head. After you have harvested the main head, you can continue to harvest the side shoots from the broccoli. These will grow tiny heads to the side of where the main head was. Harvest the in the same fashion as the broccoli head.


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Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts

When to Plant

April 15-June 15. In our area, plant Brussels sprouts by June 15 to make sure there is enough time for the buds to develop. Brussels sprouts benefit from a late harvest; they become sweeter once they have experienced a light frost.

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Brussels sprouts are very cold tolerant. Harvest when they are slightly smaller than a golf ball. They can be harvested around Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter; taste often improves after a frost.


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bulb fennel

Bulb Fennel

When to Plant

Early- to mid-May.

How to Plant

Start bulb fennel seeds indoors in early spring, about 8 weeks before your last frost, and set them out under cloches when they have one true leaf. When growing fennel, prepare a fertile, well-drained bed in a spot that is convenient to water, because bulb fennel must have moist soil. Once the bulb begins to form at the base of the stem, hill up the surrounding soil to cover it. This shades it from the sun and prevents it from turning green. This is known as blanching, as it keeps the bulb white and sweet (which is only necessary if you intend to eat the bulb).

Harvesting Tips

Florence fennel bulbs can be harvested once they reach the size of a small tennis ball, usually in late summer/early autumn. To harvest, cut the fennel below the bulb at the soil line. Use immediately, or store in the refrigerator for several days. Fennel bulbs will survive a frost or two, so no need to harvest them as soon as the weather turns cold. However, you shouldn't allow the fennel bulb to grow too large, or it will turn bitter.

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carmen red pepper

Carmen Red Pepper

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

These peppers are sweet from the start, and they will be sweetest when harvested at their deepest red color. Simply pick by hand when ready. The Carmen is an Italian variety, and works best roasted or fried. This pepper is very adaptable and disease resistant, and a fine candidate for containers or indoor planting.


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Carrots

Carrots (Rainbow)

When to Plant

March 15-July 15. If you want a carrot crop that is ready before winter sets in, your last chance for seeding is July 15. After that date, any carrots you plant will need to be covered with fabric (such as a spun polymer fabric) or straw-mulched, and harvested early winter.

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seeds about 1/2 inch deep about 1 inch apart.

Harvesting Tips

Carrots take 65-75 days to mature, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. When the tops of the carrots are 2 inches high, thin the carrots, leaving 2-3 fingers’ width (approximately 1.5-2 inches) between each plant. Carrots are sweetest when harvested in cold weather. Time your planting so the harvest occurs in fall or early winter. For carrots that have 90 days to maturity, plant in early July to harvest in October.


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cayenne pepper

Cayenne Hot Pepper

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant seedlings purchased from a nursery or started from seed indoors 8 weeks before the average last frost (usually May 15 in Chicago). Plant after the danger of frost has passed (usually after Memorial Day in Chicago). Make a planting hole twice as large as the container the seedling is in, remove seedling from pot, open the roots with your fingers, and place in the planting hole. Plant deeply, up to the first set of leaves, and tuck the soil back around the plant stem. Water the root area well, and keep moist during the first 5-10 days after transplanting.

Harvesting Tips

The cayenne pepper is a long, thin, classic hot pepper. While these peppers are mildly hot, they are still slightly sweet. Best harvested when bright red, simply snip the stem from the plant.


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chard (bright lights)

Chard (Bright Lights)

When to Plant

For an early spring harvest, continuing into summer, seed chard by Sept. 20.

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seed about 1 inch deep, about 6-8 inches apart.

Harvesting Tips

Swiss chard seeded as a season extension crop can be harvested as a baby lettuce green in late fall (harvest outer leaves only if you want to have chard grow into spring). Just like kale, harvest just the outer leaves and limit harvest to 3-4 leaves at a time. Do not take all leaves off at once, and make sure to leave the tender center leaves to grow into larger leaves.


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Chioggia Beets

Chioggia Beets

When to Plant

March 15-May 30 or July 15-August 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Apart from the root of the beets, the leaves can also be used similarly to chard – eat raw, cooked, or juiced. Harvesting beets depends on the size you prefer to consume. Beets start to become harvestable when their tops protrude above the soil. The best beets tend to be darker in color with smooth skin. If you wait too long, they can become fibrous or soft and squishy.


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cilantro

Cilantro

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from direct seed.

Harvesting Tips

A classic herb with fresh, bright flavor. It’s a staple in fresh salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole. Cilantro likes cool weather and will grow fast in the early months. Harvest the green leaves and avoid cutting away more than one third of the plant. Later in the season, the plant will develop flowery stalks. When these seeds dry and turn brown, you can harvest them as coriander. Clip the round seed heads, place upside down in a paper bag, and in a few days the husks will split, dropping the edible seed. You can plant repeatedly throughout the season to get a continual harvest. This is a great candidate for container growing.


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collard greens

Collard Greens

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 1

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Thin aggressively - you will be rewarded! Ultimately, get the plants thinned to 8-12 inches apart. Harvest the leaves from the bottom up and tidy the plant as you go. Remove and discard of any old, yellowed leaves at the base. Cut the leaves at the base. Do not take all of the leaves off at once. This ensures that the plant will continue to regenerate. Collard greens are great both raw and cooked - often sautéed with onion. We also recommend that you eat the thinnings as you go.


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Cucumber

Cucumber

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Thin the plant and leave the healthiest, largest seedling in the ground (usually 3 to 4 seeds are planted to start if using direct seed). Cucumbers like to climb - attach them to a fence, trellis, or cage with loose ties. The fruit is well camouflaged - look closely as it can hide from you! Once you harvest your first cucumber, look for new fruit daily. Don’t wait too long - delicious when young.


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dancer eggplant

Dancer Eggplant

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

A deep pink Italian variety, mild and not bitter with a classic shape. Harvest 60 to 80 days from when you put the plant in the ground. Use a knife or pruners to cut the stem during harvest. Harvest as soon as the fruit seems ready, and avoid letting it touch the ground so that bugs and critters don’t get to it.


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dandelion

Dandelion

When to Plant

Mid to late spring.

How to Plant

Sow your dandelion seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in your seedbed in mid- to late spring, spacing the seeds 2 to 3 inches apart. Dandelion seeds require a great deal of light germinate, so do not cover the seeds with soil. Water your dandelion seeds lightly, keeping the top inch of soil moist but not wet. Dandelions grow quickly when well-watered, so it is best to control the amount of water your dandelions get so they don't grow out of control.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest your dandelion in the late summer or fall by cutting the leaves off just below the crown with a sharp knife. The leaves should be harvested when they are less than 10 inches long before the plant flowers, or they will become bitter in taste. Dig up your dandelion plants using a needle-nose spade if you plan to harvest the roots. The roots are best harvested in the fall of the first year or early spring of the second year.


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lollorosso

Dark Red Lollo Rosso Lettuce

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

If started from seedling, it’s ready in 2-3 weeks; if started from seed, it’s ready in 30-45 days. There are two ways to approach harvest: If growing for a head of lettuce, thin 8 inches apart, eat outer leaves until it’s getting vertical height then pull it out. Or use the “cut and come again” method. Do not thin. Cut with scissors. Harvesting can begin when lettuce is 3-4 inches tall. Once it starts to taste bitter, pull it out. If harvesting lettuce when hot, “hydrocool” it – let lettuce sit in a sink full of cold water for 5-10 minutes, then spin in salad spinner and eat, or store in well sealed storage container or Ziploc bag (air-tight storage is key).


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spinach

Deer Tongue Lettuce

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

If started from seedling, it’s ready in 2-3 weeks; if started from seed, it’s ready in 30-45 days. There are two ways to approach harvest: If growing for a head of lettuce, thin 8 inches apart, eat outer leaves until it’s getting vertical height then pull it out. Or use the “cut and come again” method. Do not thin. Cut with scissors. Harvesting can begin when lettuce is 3-4 inches tall. Once it starts to taste bitter, pull it out. If harvesting lettuce when hot, “hydrocool” it – let lettuce sit in a sink full of cold water for 5-10 minutes, then spin in salad spinner and eat, or store in well sealed storage container or Ziploc bag (air-tight storage is key).


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Dill

Dill

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Easy to grow and great for attracting beneficial insects to the garden. You can start harvesting as soon as the plant has four to five leaves. Cut the feathery leaves off with scissors or just pinch with fingers. Dill is classically paired with potatoes, cucumbers, eggs, and fish. Try pickling your own veggies and adding in dill for flavor.


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Easter Egg Radish

Easter Egg Radish

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Named for their fun variety of colors, the Easter Egg Radish comes in a beautiful mix of red, purple and white round radishes. Radishes can be harvested at most any size, and these in particular maintain a great mild taste and crisp texture if you let them get a bit larger. Pull the plant straight up out of the ground so as not to disturb surrounding radishes that are not quite ready.


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Edamame

Edamame

When to Plant

April 15-June 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seed about 1 inch deep and about 1.5 inches apart. Coat the seeds with a soybean inoculant mixed with water prior to planting. This will help the seeds get a better start.

Harvesting Tips

Edamame matures in 75-90 days. Pay attention to how plump the pods are. As soon as they are slightly plump, open up one and look inside. If the beans look at all ripe, start eating. Edamame is ripe when the seed inside the pod is bright green and tastes sweet. Harvest and eat frequently for the next two to three weeks.


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fish pepper

Fish Pepper

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

With its hot and spicy flavor, this variety was originally often used in fish and shellfish cooking in the Northeast. Colors range from green, orange, brown, white, and red - sometimes a stripy mix of pigments. The plant also produces beautiful ornamental green/white mottled leaves. Be sure to search for the lighter colored peppers as they can hide in the leaves. Simply pick the peppers by hand when ready. This is a good variety for container growing, and also great for drying into chili powder.


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French Breakfast Radish

French Breakfast Radish

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

You can harvest radishes at almost any size. However, the longer you leave them in the ground, the spicier they become. If you want them for salads, harvest them when they are smaller which is when they are crisper. Pull the plant straight up out of the ground so as not to disturb surrounding radishes that are not quite ready.


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garlic

Garlic

When to Plant

Oct. 15-Nov. 25

How to Plant

You can either buy a bulb of seed garlic or certified organic garlic. Break the bulb into its individual cloves and plant the garlic clove with the point facing up and the root (base of the garlic) facing down. Plant the clove 4-6 inches below the soil and 6 inches apart.

Harvesting Tips

If you planted a hard-neck variety, in the early summer, the garlic will shoot up a seed stalk from the middle. These should be cut and can be eaten as delicious garlic "scapes." In mid-summer, around mid-July, garlic can be harvested. You know for certain they are ready when the tops start to turn yellow or brown, or if you poke your finger under the soil line and feel for a bulb about 3 inches in diameter. When the stalks begin to yellow or brown, bend them over to allow them to dry; pull the garlic a couple of weeks later. If you want to store garlic through the winter, clean it off and dry it for a couple weeks in a cool, dry area with good air circulation; stalks can be braided and hung.


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garlic-chive

Garlic chives

When to Plant

April-May after last frost

How to Plant

Garlic chives are typically grown from transplants. They grow to be quite large and take up about one square foot in the garden.

Harvesting Tips

Be sure to cut the leaves down to the base when harvesting (within 1 to 2 inches of the soil). After the flowers bloom, be sure to remove them so that the seeds aren't spread throughout your garden.


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gem-marigold

Gem Marigold

When to Plant

April-May

How to Plant

Grow them in full sun in soil that drains well. Keep plants consistently watered but not drenched.

Harvesting Tips

Deadhead the blossoms to encourage additional blooming. Marigolds self-sow and will often repopulate an area of the garden in successive seasons, lending their brilliant gold hues and providing you with a steady profusion of blooms.


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gold berry-tomato

Gold Berry Tomato

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

This is a cherry type of tomato in bright purple and yellow colors, gathering in long clusters with small fruits. The gold berry has a sweet and rich flavor, and the plants are productive and sturdy. This tomato benefits from growing in a cage—gently direct stems to grow vertically, allowing the plant to grow as tall as possible while remaining contained in the cage. Judge ripeness by two factors: bright yellow color with indigo-purple shoulders and a slightly soft feel that gives a little when touched. Prune minimally, if any, as this can spread disease. Some years, if your fruit is ripening slowly (approximately mid-August), give the plant a haircut by removing the topmost central branch, and remove excess foliage to expose the fruit to more sunlight.


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Golden Beets

Golden Beets

When to Plant

March 15-May 30 or July 15-August 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Apart from the root of the beets, the leaves can also be used similarly to chard – eat raw, cooked, or juiced. Harvesting beets depends on the size you prefer to consume. Beets start to become harvestable when their tops protrude above the soil. The best beets tend to be darker in color with smooth skin. If you wait too long, they can become fibrous or soft and squishy. For beet greens, harvest starting around five weeks, or when leaves are about 3 inches tall.


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Green Curly Kale

Green Curly Kale

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 1. Kale can be planted throughout the season, but the later in the season, the less likely you will be able to harvest full-grown leaves. The last date you can plant kale as a transplant for full-grown plants would be around Aug. 1, earlier being better.

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Thin aggressively. Thin to 8-12 inches apart. Harvest the leaves from the bottom up and tidy the plant as you go. If there are old, yellowed leaves at the base, remove and discard them. Cut leaves at the stem/base. Do not take all the leaves off, so it will continue to regenerate.


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spinach

Green Oakleaf Lettuce

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

If started from seedling, it’s ready in 2-3 weeks; if started from seed, it’s ready in 30-45 days. There are two ways to approach harvest: If growing for a head of lettuce, thin 8 inches apart, eat outer leaves until it’s getting vertical height then pull it out. Or use the “cut and come again” method. Do not thin. Cut with scissors. Harvesting can begin when lettuce is 3-4 inches tall. Once it starts to taste bitter, pull it out. If harvesting lettuce when hot, “hydrocool” it – let lettuce sit in a sink full of cold water for 5-10 minutes, then spin in salad spinner and eat, or store in well sealed storage container or Ziploc bag (air-tight storage is key).


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green-tomatillo

Green Tomatillo

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from transplant seedlings. If you’re able, grow tomatillos in a cage to allow them to grow as tall as possible - gently direct the stems to grow vertically within the space. Tomatillos need to be planted in pairs to ensure fruiting.

Harvesting Tips

Tomatillo harvesting is best when the fruits are green because they contain the most flavor. It’s important to know how to harvest tomatillos to enhance continued fruiting. Choose fruits that have burst their husk and have no signs of disease, mold or insect damage. Remove and compost any damaged fruits. Cut the fruits off the plant to avoid harming the stems and other fruit.


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Grenn Zebra Tomato

Green Zebra Tomato

When to Plant

May 15-June 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Keep an eye on them. If pests such as squirrels or chipmunks are munching on them, harvest on the early side of ripe and place tomatoes in a window sill to finish ripening. Judge ripeness by color and touch. Is the tomato the color it’s supposed to be? When you gently press into the skin, does it give a little and feel somewhat soft? Keep pruning to a minimum if at all as this can spread disease. If fruit is ripening slowly, remove excess foliage to expose the fruit to more sunlight.


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habanero/serrano pepper

Habanero/Serrano Pepper

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

These peppers are sweet from the start, and they will be sweetest when harvested at their deepest red color. Simply pick by hand when ready. The Carmen is an Italian variety, and works best roasted or fried. This pepper is very adaptable and disease resistant, and a fine candidate for containers or indoor planting.


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Hakurei turnip

Hakurei Turnip

When to Plant

March 15- Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

If you harvest turnips when small, they will have a milder, sweeter taste. When they are exposed to mild frost they also become sweeter, but you have to pull them before a heavy freeze or the root may crack and rot in the soil. Pull as soon as roots mature. Turnips that are ready will poke out of the soil level a bit just at the top of the root when they are ready. The best thing to do would be to pick one to evaluate the size. After harvesting the turnip root, cut the greens off and store in a cool spot.


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Haricot Vert

Haricot Vert - French Filet Beans

When to Plant

May 15-June 30

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seed about 1.5 inches deep and about 2-3 inches apart. Coat the seeds with a bean/pea inoculant mixed with water prior to planting. This will help the seeds get a better start.

Harvesting Tips

Start harvesting when beans are young and tender, around 3-4 inches. Harvest frequently to ensure the plant produces more. Look closely while harvesting as beans may be hiding from view. Keep harvesting even if you are not eating the beans so they keep producing.


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head lettuce

Head Lettuce

When to Plant

March 17- Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Do not wait too long to harvest – this is a rookie move! Young lettuce is very tender and sweet. It grows quickly. If started from plant, it’s ready in 2-3 weeks; if started from seed, it’s ready in 30-45 days.

There are two ways to approach harvest: If growing for a head of lettuce, thin 8 inches apart, eat outer leaves until it’s getting vertical height then pull it out. Or use the “cut and come again” method. Do not thin. Cut with scissors. Harvesting can begin when lettuce is 3-4 inches tall. Once it starts to taste bitter, pull it out.

If harvesting lettuce when hot, “hydrocool” it – let lettuce sit in a sink full of cold water for 5-10 minutes, then spin in salad spinner and eat, or store in well sealed storage container or Ziploc bag (air-tight storage is key).


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italian-pole-bean

Italian Pole Bean

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Pole beans need well drained soil and plenty of organic amendment to produce a large crop. Full sun situations are preferable in temperatures that are at least 60 degrees Farenheit. Pole beans need a support structure at least 5 feet high and the vines can grow 5 to 10 feet long. They need at least an inch of water per week and should not be allowed to dry out, but also can tolerate soggy soils. Pole beans need a little help climbing their support structure, especially when young.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest beans as soon as the pods are full and swollen. Beans should be picked every three to five days to avoid harvesting older beans which can be woody and bitter. Consistent harvesting will encourage new flowers and promote longer living vines.


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Jalapeno

Jalapeño Pepper

When to Plant

May 15-June 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Be patient. Peppers need lots of sun and time to change color. If you want green jalapeño peppers, harvest when green. The color change is what really takes time. They are heat-loving plants and will likely be ready for harvest in September or October.


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Japanese Eggplant

Japanese Eggplant

When to Plant

May 15-June 30

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest 60-80 days after planting. Cut the stem with a knife or pruners to harvest. If the eggplant is touching the ground, harvest as soon as it seems ready – before bugs or critters get to them.


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kale vates

Kale Vates (Green Curly)

When to Plant

For an early spring harvest, continuing into summer, seed kale by Sept. 20

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seed about 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep, about 6-8 inches apart.

Harvesting Tips

Kale planted late in summer or early fall will yield an early crop of kale as soon as you can open your season extension. Harvest lightly, 3-4 leaves at a time, until the cover can be removed when temperatures are consistently above freezing. Do not take all of the leaves off, so it will continue to regenerate.


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red kohlrabi

Kohlrabi

When to Plant

Best grown in cooler weather.

How to Plant

Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked and danger of hard frost has passed. Can also be started indoors and transplanted out. Plant in full sun or partial shade. 

Harvesting Tips

Harvest kohlrabi plants when the bulbs reach 3 inches in diameter. Cut the stem just above the soil line.


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leeks

Leeks

When to Plant

As soon a risk of a hard frost has passed.

How to Plant

Leeks are usually sown in pots or trays of potting soil and then transplanted into their final position when they’re big enough. Begin by ‘dibbing’ (poking) holes that are about the same height as the leek seedlings' stems into well-dug soil. Make one hole for each plant. The holes should be about six inches apart, with a foot left between rows, or if you’re planting in blocks space them seven inches apart each way. Now carefully remove the leeks from their pots and tease the roots apart. Place the seedlings into the holes. It’s important that the roots reach right down to the bottom of the hole, so if necessary, help them along – you may need to trim them to get them in if they’re very long.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest as soon as they look ready or wait until the first snow. Slip a fork underneath the plant to lever it out, while pulling up on the leaves. Trim the roots and any damaged leaves and wash away the soil. Hardy varieties may be dug up as needed over the winter, though in very cold areas you may want to dig them up before the ground freezes solid.

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lemon basil

Lemon Basil

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from transplant seedling or direct seed.

Harvesting Tips

A silvery-green plant with lemony aroma and flavor. Taking care to harvest your herb will ensure that it continues to produce and look attractive. Begin using the leaves as soon as the plant is large enough to spare some. To harvest, cut a handful of the basil and leave at least a third of the stem so that it continues to produce. Unless you are growing the basil as an ornamental, cut or pinch off the flowers so that the plant can focus its energy on the leaves. This basil is a nice addition to sweet and savory recipes that already contain lemon flavors - don’t replace lemons with the basil, rather add it to enhance the lemon flavor. Try crushing it up and adding it into lemonade! Great candidate for container growing - planting this variety in containers around your patio or outdoor space will help repel mosquitos and flies. 


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lemon cucumber

Lemon Cucumber

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling. Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold, so it is important to make sure that both the soil and air have fully warmed before planting. Thin and leave the healthiest, largest 1-2 seedlings in the ground (usually 3-4 were planted to start). Cucumbers like to climb—help them attach to a fence, trellis, or cage with loose ties or plant Velcro.

Harvesting Tips

The lemon cucumber is sweet and versatile, often served raw but also a great pickling cucumber. They may be harvested young or can wait. They are delicious at any time. This variety is late to begin bearing fruit.


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lemon-verbena

Lemon Verbena

When to Plant

After last frost around May 15

How to Plant

Lemon verbena prefers full sun and free-draining soil that has been amended with compost. Heavy clay or overly wet soils will cause the roots to rot. Plant crop near the edge of the bed where you'll be apt to brush by the foilage, causing the leaves to release some of their lemony scent.

Harvesting Tips

Cut back individual stems to within 1/4 inch of a leaf or leaf node. Remove no more than one quarter of the stem at each harvest. Allow the rest of the plant to continue growing. Lemon verbena will quickly produce new foilage after a full harvest. Harvesting also encourages further branching and a fuller plant.


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Lettuce (Cold Mix)

Lettuce (Cold Mix)

When to Plant

For a late fall harvest, seed by Sept. 20.

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seed about 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep, with about 20 seeds per foot.

Harvesting Tips

Because of the slow growth period of late fall and early winter, do not expect large heads. Winter lettuce is best grown as a baby lettuce mix. Cut with scissors or a sharp knife once there are 6-8 leaves per plant. Be sure to re-cover the plants after harvesting or checking on your late season crops.


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lettuce mix

Lettuce Mix

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

When leaves are about 3-4 inches high, you can harvest using the "cut and come again" method. Using a knife, cut about an inch from the ground, allowing the small center leaves to remain to grow into the next round of lettuce. Using this method, you will generally be able to get 2-3 harvests before the lettuce becomes tough and bitter. Use hydrocooling when harvesting in warm weather.


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lime basil

Lime Basil

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from transplant seedling or direct seed.

Harvesting Tips

Similar to lemon basil, the lime variety has a mild citrus taste and bright lime scent. A great addition to sauces, salad dressings or salsas. Taking care to harvest your herb will ensure that it continues to produce and look attractive. Begin using the leaves as soon as the plant is large enough to spare some. To harvest, cut a handful of the basil and leave at least a third of the stem so that it continues to produce. Unless you are growing the basil as an ornamental, cut or pinch off the flowers so that the plant can focus its energy on the leaves. This is a great candidate for container growing.


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spinach

Little Gem Lettuce

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

If started from seedling, it’s ready in 2-3 weeks; if started from seed, it’s ready in 30-45 days. There are two ways to approach harvest: If growing for a head of lettuce, thin 8 inches apart, eat outer leaves until it’s getting vertical height then pull it out. Or use the “cut and come again” method. Do not thin. Cut with scissors. Harvesting can begin when lettuce is 3-4 inches tall. Once it starts to taste bitter, pull it out. If harvesting lettuce when hot, “hydrocool” it – let lettuce sit in a sink full of cold water for 5-10 minutes, then spin in salad spinner and eat, or store in well sealed storage container or Ziploc bag (air-tight storage is key).


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malabar-spinach

Malabar Spinach

When to Plant

July 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Malabar spinach prefers full sun exposure but can also be grown in partial shade. It is a vine that grows aggressively and requires a tall support (at least 4-6 feet).

Harvesting Tips

Pinch spinach leaves. Use malabar spinach just like regular spinach greens. In India, it is cooked with spicy chilies, chopped onion and mustard oil. It is also found frequently in soups, stir-frys and curries.


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Marigold

Marigold

When to Plant

May 1-August 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Bright orange, gold, and red flowers add accent color to the garden. We grow marigolds as companion plants not just for beauty, but to attract beneficial pollinators for the entire garden.


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mexican sour gherkin

Mexican Sour Gherkin

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant either from direct seed or transplant seedling. Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold, so it is important to make sure that both the soil and air have fully warmed before planting.

Harvesting Tips

These unique cucumber-like fruits look like baby watermelons and have a sweet-and-sour cucumber taste. They’re a tiny variety and will grow to just 1 to 2 inches. Thin the plant and leave the healthiest, largest seedling in the ground (usually 3 to 4 seeds are planted to start if using direct seed). Cucumbers like to climb. Attach them to a fence, trellis, or cage with loose ties, but this variety does have a pleasing mounding habit. Once you harvest your first cucumber, look for new fruit daily. This variety also produces a nice ornamental flower on its climbing vines. Great for pickling or to toss into a salad. This is a very fun variety to plant with kids.


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nasturtium

Nasturtium

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Nasturtiums are easy to grow annuals with edible leaves, and they are great for growing with children. These crops feature bright greenery and red, orange, and yellow flowers. They are great as a cut flower. Cutting the faded or dead flowers throughout the season will help to keep the plant productive. If growing in containers, you may need to trim them back throughout the season. Do not over water.


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orange lunchbox sweet pepper

Orange Lunchbox Sweet Pepper

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Be patient. In order for the peppers to change color, they need lots of sun. When you’re ready to eat, as indicated by the full color change, snip the peppers off at the stem and enjoy. These are best eaten raw as snacking peppers.


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Oregano

Oregano

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

A great companion plant to most vegetables in the garden. Trim regularly once the plant has reached 4 inches. Harvest leaves as needed - they store well and can be dried. Oregano is a classic flavor in Italian cooking - add to homemade pizza or pasta sauce.


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paris market carrots

Paris Market Carrots

When to Plant

March 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed about 1/2 inch deep and about 1 inch apart.

Harvesting Tips

This French heirloom variety is short, stout and round in a classic orange color. Its short roots make it a great candidate for container gardening. Carrots generally take 65-75 days to mature, depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Thin the carrots when the carrot tops are 2 inches high, leaving 2-3 fingers’ width (approximately 1.5-2 inches) between each plant. Carrots are sweetest when harvested in cold weather because the sugars become condensed. Time your planting so that you’ll be harvesting in fall or early winter. For example, plant carrots with a 90-day maturity cycle in early July to harvest in October.


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parsley

Parsley

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Begin to harvest parsley as soon as the plant is growing strongly. Cut individual outer stems toward the base to ensure the plant will continue producing. Parsley is great for drying and freezing, a classic flavor used in savory dishes or as garnish. This is a great candidate for container growing.


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persian cucumber

Persian Cucumber

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant either from direct seed or transplant seedling. Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold, so it is important to make sure that both the soil and air have fully warmed before planting.

Harvesting Tips

Sweet flavor and smooth, delicate skins. Thin the plant and leave the healthiest, largest seedling in the ground (usually 3 to 4 seeds are planted to start if using direct seed). Cucumbers like to climb. Attach them to a fence, trellis or cage with loose ties. The fruit is well camouflaged. Look closely as it can hide from you! This variety is at peak sweetness at 4 to 6 inches in length. Once you harvest your first cucumber, look for new fruit daily. Though this variety is considered “seedless,” light undeveloped seeds are inevitable. The seeds growing within the cucumber tend to get larger the longer the fruit stays on the vine, so keep in mind for your texture preference.


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Pink Bumble bee Tomato

Pink Bumble Bee Tomato

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Keep an eye on them. If pests such as squirrels or chipmunks are munching on them, harvest on the early side of ripe and place tomatoes in a window sill to finish ripening. Judge ripeness by color (deep yellow with unique red and pink marbling) and touch. Is the tomato the color it’s supposed to be? When you gently press into the skin, does it give a little and feel somewhat soft? Keep pruning to a minimum if at all as this can spread disease. If fruit is ripening slowly, remove excess foliage to expose the fruit to more sunlight.


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purple basil

Purple Basil

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from transplant seedling or direct seed.

Harvesting Tips

This variety is true to its name its with deep purple leaves and stem. It has a slightly spicy flavor with hints of clove. Taking care to harvest your herb will ensure that it continues to produce and look attractive. Begin using the leaves as soon as the plant is large enough to spare some. To harvest, cut a handful of the basil and leave at least a third of the stem so that it continues to produce. Unless you are growing the basil as an ornamental, cut or pinch off the flowers so that the plant can focus its energy on the leaves. Use in salads, oils and dressings. This is a great candidate for container growing.


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purple bumblebee tomato

Purple Bumblebee Tomato

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling. If you’re able, grow tomatoes in a cage to allow them to grow as tall as possible. Gently direct the stems to grow vertically within the space

Harvesting Tips

A deep red cherry tomato with unique green-bronze striping. Their complex sweet flavor makes them great for snacking. Prune minimally (if at all) as this can actually spread disease. If your fruit is ripening slowly (approximately mid-August in Chicago), give the plant a haircut by removing the topmost central branch, and remove excess foliage to expose the fruit to more sunlight. You’ll know it’s ready for harvest when the fruit gives a little when squeezed, and when it’s at its peak color. Store at room temperature rather than in the fridge.


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purple cauliflower

Purple Cauliflower

When to Plant

March 15- May 30. For a fall harvest, plant by July 15.

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

As cauliflower grows, try to protect it from the light by tucking some of the surrounding leaves over the head or fastening them loosely together. A mature head should be firm and compact. Cut the head from the main stem, but try to leave a few leaves covering the head to prolong the fresh quality.


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purslane

Purslane

When to Plant

May-August

How to Plant

The plants aren't picky about soil type or nutrition, but purslane does tend to grow better in dried soil. If you decide to plant purslane seeds, simply scatter where you plan on growing them. Don't cover the seeds with soil. Purslane seeds need light to germinate so they must stay on the surface of the soil. If you are using cuttings, lay them on the ground where you plan on growing them. Water the stems and the purslane should take root in a few days.

Harvesting Tips

Make sure to harvest regularly and be aware that it can become invasive. Harvesting before it develops flowers will help cut down on its spread.


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Radish

Radish (Red)

When to Plant

March 15-May 30, or Aug. 15-Sept. 1. Radishes are best planted for harvest during cooler weather; the hotter the weather, the hotter the taste. Jeanne Nolan seeds radish from early April until late May, but you may be able to get a fall harvest with a late summer sowing.

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seeds about 1/2 inch deep about 1 inch apart.

Harvesting Tips

Thin so plants are 2 inches apart. Do not wait too long to harvest. Harvest when young, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. Pull one at three weeks and keep an eye on them as radishes mature quickly. Pull as soon as roots mature. Radishes that are ready will poke out of the soil level a bit just at the top of the root when they are ready. The best thing to do would be to pick one to evaluate the size.


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Red cabbage

Red Cabbage

When to Plant

March 15-May 30

How to Plant

Transplant seedling

Harvesting Tips

Solid heads indicate when it is time for harvesting cabbage. If you squeeze the head and it’s firm all the way through, then the cabbage is ready for harvest. Cut at the lowest point below the head as possible, leaving the loose outer leaves attached to the stalk. Sometimes this will allow for a later cabbage harvest of sprouts, which will grow on the stem after the cabbage head is removed. Try to harvest before abundant rainfall because cabbage heads are susceptible to becoming waterlogged.


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Red Cherry Tomato

Red Cherry Tomato

When to Plant

May 15-June 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Keep an eye on them. If pests such as squirrels or chipmunks are munching on them, harvest on the early side of ripe and place tomatoes in a window sill to finish ripening. Judge ripeness by color and touch. Is the tomato the color it’s supposed to be? When you gently press into the skin, does it give a little and feel somewhat soft? Keep pruning to a minimum if at all as this can spread disease. If fruit is ripening slowly, remove excess foliage to expose the fruit to more sunlight.


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Red Okra

Red Okra

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Begin harvesting when pods are 2 inches long. Check daily. They grow very rapidly and are very tender at between 2 and 3.5 inches but will become tougher as they get larger. Tasty simply sauteed with olive oil and garlic. The beautiful flowers are also edible with a sweet, mild flavor. Try using them as a garnish.


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red onion

Red onion

When to Plant

Late March through early April.

How to Plant

Most gardeners plant onion sets, the second year small red onion bulbs, to hasten the maturation and harvest of the onions. All onions need plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Set the onion bulbs 1-2 inches deep so the roots are well covered but the neck isn’t set too deeply. Space the plants 6 inches apart in furrows 12 inches apart. Water the onions until they are wet, but not drenched. You can lay a light layer of grass clippings or other fine mulch around the onions, but be sure to keep it away from the onion tops which need full access to the sun.

Harvesting Tips

You can pull onions after a few weeks if you just want to use them as scallions, but for full-size onions, you must be patient and let them mature. Onions are ready to harvest when the bulbs are large and the green tops begin to yellow and fall over. Stop watering the onion when around 10% of the tops begin to fall over. You can now harvest the onions or leave them in the ground to be stored and used as needed. To harvest the onions, dig the onions up and shake off the loose soil. Lay them out to cure with the tops still attached, in a warm, airy place. Keep the onions dry with good air circulation so they don’t rot. As the onions cure, the roots shrivel and the necks dry out. Allow the onions to cure for seven to 10 days and then either braid the tops for storage or remove the tops and roots with pruning shears. Store the cured onions in a cool, dry place between 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit.


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Red Russian kale

Red Russian Kale

When to Plant

March 15- Aug. 1

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Thin aggressively to 8-12 inches apart. Harvest the leaves from the bottom up and tidy the plant as you go. Remove and discard of any old, yellowed leaves at the base. Cut leaves at the base. Do not take all of the leaves off at once. This ensures that the plant will continue to regenerate throughout the season.


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red yard long bean

Red Yard Long Bean

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

The yard long bean is true to its name, with pods ranging from 14 to 30 inches at their peak - sometimes called a “noodle bean” for its length. A traditional Asian crop, these beans can grow very quickly in warm climates. Start harvesting when young and tender, around 3-4”. Harvest frequently to ensure that the plant continues to produce more - even if you’re not going to eat all of them, make sure to keep picking. Look closely as the beans may be hiding from you! No thinning required. In fact, you may even have to tie the plant back. Feel free to cut the bean into shorter pieces for cooking and treat as you would a normal green bean. The burgundy color will fade when cooked.


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lettuce mix

Romaine Lettuce

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

When leaves are about 3-4 inches high, you can harvest using the "cut and come again" method. Using a knife, cut about an inch from the ground, allowing the small center leaves to remain to grow into the next round of lettuce. Using this method, you will generally be able to get 2-3 harvests before the lettuce becomes tough and bitter. Use hydrocooling when harvesting in warm weather.


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Romanesco cauliflower

Romanesco Cauliflower

When to Plant

March 15-May 30. For a fall harvest, plant by July 15.

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Like cauliflower and broccoli, a mature head should be firm and compact. Cut the head from the main stem, but try to leave a few leaves covering the head to prolong the fresh quality.


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rosemary

Rosemary

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Another classic herb, rosemary is a woody-stemmed plant with needle-like leaves. You can cut the stems at any time and use the herb fresh. Also try hanging bunches of the stems upside down to dry, then strip the leaves off of the stems to use as a dried herb. Perfect baked into breads, added into oils or even included in wreaths and bouquets. This is a great candidate for container gardening.


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salt-and-pepper-cucumber

Salt and Pepper Cucubmer

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Try to plant salt and cucumbers in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water often. Keep in mind that salt and pepper cucumbers are thought of as tender, so it is really important to ensure that outside temperature is well above freezing before planting.

Harvesting Tips

Once fruit bearing begins, pick daily. They are delicious when harvested young.


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spinach

Scallion

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 30

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest when the height is approximately 8-12 inches (or when they look like what you’re used to eating from the store). Pull out the entire thing. Eat roots and all.


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Shishito hot pepper

Shishito Hot Pepper

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant seedlings purchased from a nursery or started indoors from 8 weeks before the average last frost (which is usually May 15 in Chicago). Plant after the danger of frost has passed (usually after Memorial Day in Chicago). Make a planting hole twice as large as the container the seedling is in. Remove from pot, open the roots with your fingers, and place in the planting hole. Plant deeply—up to the first set of leaves—and tuck the soil back around the plant stem. Water root area well, and keep moist during the first 5-10 days after transplanting.

Harvesting Tips

A small, mild Japanese pepper. Great for roasting, pan-frying, and grilling – the pepper’s thin walls take on great flavor when cooking in heat. Typically harvested and eaten while green, but over time the pepper will turn orange with a sweeter flavor.


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silver queen corn

Silver Queen Corn

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from direct seed.

Harvesting Tips

Growing corn requires full sun and some space. Grow in at least a 5-square-foot patch. You must thin diligently, allowing 12” between each plant. When the corn is approximately 1.5 feet tal, mound the earth (create a small hill) up onto the stalk to help it stay erect. It is a shallow rooted crop and can easily blow over without mounding. This variety takes 92 days to mature and should reach about 5 feet tall. Pay attention to the silks. When corn is ready to be harvested, the silks start to look a little brown and dry. The ear should also have a little give when you squeeze it. The final test is to pull back part of the husk and pierce a kernel with a thumbnail. If milky liquid spurts out, the corn is ready to be eaten immediately. The silver queen variety produces nice big ears, with tender white kernels and a classic sweet flavor.


Silver Queen Okra

Silver Queen Okra

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Begin harvesting when pods are 2 inches long. Check daily. They grow very rapidly and are very tender at between 2 and 3.5 inches but will become tougher as they get larger. Tasty simply sauteed with olive oil and garlic. The beautiful flowers are also edible with a sweet, mild flavor. Try using them as a garnish.


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sorrel

Sorrel

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from transplant seedling or direct seed.

Harvesting Tips

Sorrel is a unique cold-hardy perennial green with tart, citrusy flavor. Great added into a salad of other raw greens. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender, keeping at least one third of the plant remaining to ensure continuous growth. Remove any flowers before they mature so that the plant can focus all energy on the leaves. This is a great candidate for container growing.


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spicy greens

Spicy Greens

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Spicy greens mix is generally ready in 4-5 weeks. When leaves are about 3-4 inches high, you can harvest using the "cut and come again" method. Using a knife, cut about an inch from the ground, allowing the small center leaves to remain to grow into the next round of lettuce. Using this method, you will generally be able to get 2-3 harvests before the lettuce becomes tough and bitter. Use hydrocooling when harvesting in warm weather.


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spinach

Spinach

When to Plant

May be seeded successfully until Oct. 1

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seed about 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep, about 2-3 inches apart.

Harvesting Tips

Spinach is the classic crop to grow over the winter. It tastes sweeter and becomes especially tender once it is exposed to frost. Harvest any plant that has 6 leaves that are 3-4 inches long. Cut the outside leaves to extend productivity, but limit harvest to outer leaves.


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sugar snap peas

Sugar Snap Peas

When to Plant

March 17- May 30

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Watch your peas carefully. They become ripe when the pods become swollen. Use two hands when picking peas, one to hold onto the vine, while pulling the pods off with the other. Peas are crisper when picked in the morning. You should continually harvest the pods to encourage more to form.


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Sunflower

Dwarf Sunflower

When to Plant

April 15-June 15

How to Plant

Plant three seeds in one area, and thin to one plant, spaced 8-12 inches apart.

Harvesting Tips

For harvesting seeds, wait for the sunflower to become brown. The head will be dry to the touch, and the seeds will be plump and black and white striped. The birds and squirrels may eat more of the seeds than the gardener. Once the seeds are ready to eat, rubbing the heads will loosen the seeds.


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Sungold Tomato

Sungold Tomato

When to Plant

May 15-June 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Keep an eye on them. If pests such as squirrels or chipmunks are munching on them, harvest on the early side of ripe and place tomatoes in a window sill to finish ripening. Judge ripeness by color and touch. Is the tomato the color it’s supposed to be? When you gently press into the skin, does it give a little and feel somewhat soft? Keep pruning to a minimum if at all as this can spread disease. If fruit is ripening slowly, remove excess foliage to expose the fruit to more sunlight.


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Suyo long cucumber

Suyo Long Cucumber

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling. Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold, so it is important to make sure that both the soil and air have fully warmed before planting. Thin and leave the healthiest, largest 1-2 seedlings in the ground (usually 3-4 were planted to start). Cucumbers like to climb—help them attach to a fence, trellis, or cage with loose ties or plant Velcro.

Harvesting Tips

A ribbed Chinese variety, the Suyo is free of bitter taste and is great fresh or pickled. They may be harvested young or can wait. They’re delicious at any time. The Suyo can grow up to 15 inches long.


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sweet alyssum

Sweet Alyssum

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling (which are usually available as a four-pack from a local nursery).

Harvesting Tips

Named for their sweet fragrance, sweet alyssum can act as a lovely border plant, ground cover, or accent in a container. Bees love to visit sweet alyssum’s fragrant white or purple blooms, and the small size flower can attract other beneficial insects. While sweet alyssum can be used as a garnish or used to flavor light-bodied vinegar, we grow alyssum as a companion plant for beauty and to attract beneficial pollinators.


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swiss chard

Swiss Chard

When to Plant

March 15-Aug. 31

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

You can harvest while the leaves are young and tender (smaller than 4 inches) or after maturity. Cut off the outer leaves by snipping close to the base when the leaves are about 8-12 inches long. Always harvest from the outside in, as new growth comes from the center of the plant. For cooking, treat similar to spinach. Swiss chard works well sautéed with garlic or baked into egg dishes.


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Red Bell Pepper

Sweet Bell Pepper (Red)

When to Plant

May 15-June 30

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Be patient. Peppers need lots of sun and time to change color. If you want sweet green peppers, harvest when green. The color change is what really takes time. They are heat-loving plants and will likely be ready for harvest in September or October.


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tatsoi

Tatsoi

When to Plant

For a late fall harvest, seed by Aug. 15. For an early spring harvest, seed by Oct. 1.

How to Plant

Plant from seed. Direct seed about 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep, with about 1 inch spacing between seeds.

Harvesting Tips

Because of slower growth during the winter due to cold temperatures and shorter days, plants will be smaller. In the early spring, once the cover can be removed enough to expose the plants, carefully remove the outer leaves for use in salads and stir-frys. Re-cover the plants and leave covered until freezing temperatures have left the area.


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Thai sweet basil

Thai Sweet Basil

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Thai Sweet basil is an intense, spicy basil flavor with notes of clove and anise. Use it in any recipe that calls for traditional basil. Thai sweet basil, unlike traditional basil, can be left to flower, which intensifies its anise flavor.


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thyme

Thyme

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

A lovely herb for both its ornamental quality and savory taste. The green thyme plant also produces small white flowers - you can pinch these off to allow more leaves to produce, but the thyme’s flavor isn’t compromised by letting them bloom. Harvest as needed by clipping, and use a pinching motion with your fingers to strip the leaves from the woody stem before eating. You can easily dry, freeze, or preserve the leaves. This is a great candidate for container growing.


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tri-color bush beans

Tri-Color Bush Beans

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Tri-color bush beans are a sturdy mix of yellow, purple, and green beans that are tender, stringless, and juicy with a deep crunch. Start harvesting when young and tender, around 3-4 inches. Harvest frequently to ensure that the plant keeps producing more. Look closely—the yellow and purple pods are easy to spot, but the green pods can blend in with the foliage. No thinning required—you may even have to tie back.


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Turkish orange eggplant

Turkish Orange Eggplant

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

This eggplant is a beautiful heirloom variety from Turkey. It produces about 3-inch round fruits with a sweet and flavorful flesh. Harvest 60-80 days from planting date, when the fruits are green to light orange. Cut the stem with a knife or pruners to harvest. If fruit is touching the ground, harvest as soon as it seems ready—before bugs or critters gets to them.


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Tuscan/dino kale

Tuscan/Dino Kale

When to Plant

March 15- Aug. 1

How to Plant

Plant from seed or transplant seedling.

Harvesting Tips

Thin aggressively to 8-12 inches apart. Harvest the leaves from the bottom up and tidy the plant as you go. Remove and discard of any old, yellowed leaves at the base. Cut leaves at the base. Do not take all of the leaves off at once. This ensures that the plant will continue to regenerate throughout the season.


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white-skinned cucumber

White-Skinned Cucumber

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant either from direct seed or transplant seedling. Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold, so it is important to make sure that both the soil and air have fully warmed before planting.

Harvesting Tips

True to its name, this variety has a pale yellowish-white skin and crisp, clean taste. Thin the plant and leave the healthiest, largest seedling in the ground (usually 3 to 4 seeds are planted to start if using direct seed). Cucumbers like to climb. Attach them to a fence, trellis, or cage with loose ties. The fruit is well camouflaged. Look closely as it can hide from you! Once you harvest your first cucumber, look for new fruit daily. Delicious when harvested young, or you can let it grow. The seeds growing within the cucumber tend to get larger the longer the fruit stays on the vine, so keep in mind for your texture preference. A great variety for pickling.


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Yellow Wax Bean

Yellow Wax Bean

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant from seed.

Harvesting Tips

Start harvesting when young and tender, around 3 to 4 inches. Harvest frequently to ensure that the plant continues to produce more - even if you’re not going to eat all of them, make sure to keep picking. No thinning required.


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Zucchini

Zucchini

When to Plant

May 15-July 15

How to Plant

Plant three seeds in areas 12 inches apart. Thin to one plant (pick the healthiest plant).

Harvesting Tips

Harvest regularly, every other day; cut zucchini from the plant at the stem with a knife, or use a gentle twisting motion to free the zucchini from the plant. Start harvest when 4 inches long for the most tender zucchini, and harvest up to 8 inches long. Once zucchini gets too large, it is watery and seedy. For blossom harvest, choose the male flowers (which have a long stem and no bulbous bottom to the flower) at midday when open.


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