What should I plant Now?

Spring plants in the temperate zone

AMARANTH

Botanical Name: Amaranthus sp.

HARVEST:

12 to 16 weeks from seed.

HINT:

To make planting easier, mix tiny seeds with compost or sand before sowing.

BEETROOT

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris

HARVEST:

From about 8 - 10 weeks, but can be harvested before that if the root is deemed 'big enough'. Some varieties have been developed to provide a leaf crop also, leaves can be harvested as needed but don't take too many or the root will suffer.

HINT:

Sow direct in ground. Soak seeds overnight before planting. Thin as required.

BROAD BEANS

Botanical Name: Faba vulgaris

HARVEST:

14-16 weeks should see them start to produce

HINT:

Sow seeds direct 5-10cm deep, 20cm apart. Stake or support with perimeter twine if exposed to wind.

BROCCOLI

Botanical Name: Brassica olerace

HARVEST:

About 12 weeks

HINT:

Sow seed in punnets, plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow regularly for continuous harvest.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea - Gemmifera Group

HARVEST:

14 - 16 Weeks

HINT:

Sow seed in trays.

BURDOCK

Botanical Name: Arctium lappa

HARVEST:

Any time between 2 and four months. Or after the leaves have died back.

HINT:

Plant densely to encourage longer straighter roots at 10 to 20 cm apart depending on variety.

CABBAGE (LOOSE-HEADED)

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea Acephala Group; Brassica rap

HARVEST:

Loose headed cabbage include pants such as; Tatsoi, Bok Choy, Chinese Cabbage, Choy Sum, Mizuna, Vitamin Greens. Feed liquid fertiliser weekly. Cabbages can be harvested at any stage, and if cut deeply to remove primary head they can be encouraged to produce a secondary head. If a secondary head is not wanted, remove the whole plant before trimming.

HINT:

Mildew, damping off, aphids. Club root can be a problem when brassica crops aren't rotated.

CABBAGE (TIGHT-HEADED TYPES)

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata

HARVEST:

Harvests in 8-20 weeks

HINT:

Tight-headed cabbage includes plants such as Drumhead, Savoy, Wombok. Feed liquid nutrients at planting, then weekly. Mulch to keep moisture and warmth consistent. Cabbages can be harvested at any stage, and if cut deeply to remove primary head they can be encouraged to produce a secondary head. If a secondary head is not wanted, remove the whole plant before trimming

CARROT

Botanical Name: Daucus carota var. sativus

HARVEST:

10 weeks, but before they flower

HINT:

Direct sow in rows, mix seed with some sand first to space plants out. Choose shorter varieties for heavy soils.

CAULIFLOWER

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botryis

HARVEST:

About 10-12 weeks for early varieties.

HINT:

Sow seed in punnets, plant out in 4-6 weeks, taking care not to disturb roots. Sow regularly for continuous harvest.

CHIVES

Botanical Name: Allium tuberosum

HARVEST:

Wait 8-12 months to establish your clump, this will ensure great supply

HINT:

Plant seedlings in clumps, use as a companion for tomatoes.

CORIANDER

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

HARVEST:

Can be harvested at any time after plant is over about 10 cm tall, harvest seeds from dry pods.

HINT:

Sow every few weeks to ensure supply, let some go to seed.