Plan for the Plants!

Spring is here!
Last week was the Spring Equinox and suddenly it seems like there is a lot to do in the garden! If you are looking forward to getting started with an edible garden this year, a little planning goes a long way.
Is it the right time?
While the PNW has a temperate climate and we can grow crops nearly year round, some plants like it hot and some like it cool. In your planting plan consider if what you are growing is a cool season crop like peas, lettuce or other greens, or a warm season crop. Many of the plants home gardeners really like to grow are warm season (tomato, peppers, cucumbers) and they don’t want to be out in the garden until it stays above 50 degrees at night. Put them out too early and you won’t have success.
Is it the right location?
Consider how long a plant is going to be in your garden. Succession planting allows you to start a quick growing crop first and follow that up with a longer growing plant once that harvest is complete. Plant a batch of radishes that can be harvested in about 30 days and then follow that up with a tomato plants when those are done.
Is it the right support?

Many plants grow in a sprawling vining manner and require support to thrive. Winter squash or pole beans both can be tranined up a trellis or fence line to allow other plants to be placed under their canopy. Underplanting crops like lettuce, which like a little shade during the hot months can be tucked in around the base of the larger vining plant.
Plan the Plants
Use a free on-line tool or pencil and graph paper to plot out what to plant and when to plant it. Your map will help ensure a productive garden in 2024 and get you Good to Grow!