Getting Started
SITE – Choose a location that will get as much sunlight as possible. Six or more hours of direct sun is needed for ideal growing.
SOIL – Soil is critical and should not be overlooked. If planting in the ground, take the time and invest in resources to improve the existing soil quality. Adding organic matter like manure and Earl May Structure will pay dividends on better plant health and improved produce harvested.
WATER – Locate a water source that will be convenient. While rainfall is important, supplemental watering to get plants or seeds started is essential. During the season thorough, deep watering will help your vegetables thrive and provide the results you want.
SELECTION – Types of plants to grow is a personal choice. Choose from varieties that will provide early, mid, and late harvests. This will give you fresh produce to enjoy all season and spread out the tasks of tending the garden. For more details, check out our list of vegetables and their planting information.
Where Should You Plant?
IN-GROUND – Planting directly in the soil is best for larger plantings or with many different plant types. Be sure to remove all weeds and plants before starting to plant. The direct soil method also allows planting in rows, such as green beans, lettuce, or peas.
IN POTS – Planting in containers is a convenient method and allows portability and flexibility of location. Pots must have drainage holes and be large enough to support the plants.
Direct Sow by Seed
Beans (all); Beet; Carrot; Corn; Cucumber; Leafy Greens; Peas; Pumpkins; Radish; Squash; Turnip
Transplant Yount Plants
Broccoli (Early); Cabbage (Early); Cauliflower (early); Cucumber; Eggplant; Melon; Pepper; Squash; Tomato
Plant from Root or Bulb
Asparagus; Garlic; Onions; Potatoes
Growing Season Care
FERTILIZE – Feed your plants to keep them healthy and strong. Granular Earl May Plant Food 1010-10 or Earl May Water-Soluble Nutri Gro is best.
ELIMINATE WEEDS – Plants that don’t belong in the garden or pots are weeds, and should be removed. Dig, cut, or pull them up to give your vegetable plants the proper room to grow and nutrition they need.
PESTS – Inspect plants for spots or discoloration of the foliage or for signs of anything chewing on the leaves. Consult your local Earl May Garden Center expert for the proper solution to control.
