Plant directly in compostable pots (bury fully) when you see roots poking through

• Water in deeply after planting

• Harden off plants 5–7 days before transplant (gradually increase sun/wind exposure)

• Warm crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil): plant outdoors mid-May+ when soil temps reach 55°F+

• Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Cool Season Crops (Greens, Roots, Some Herbs)

Kale, chard, arugula, lettuce, rapini, parsley, chervil, dill, cilantro, onions, leeks

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive

• Water: Consistent, even moisture

• Harvest: Cut outer leaves or harvest whole plants

• Succession: Sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest

• Season: Thrive in spring + fall, may bolt in heat

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, melons, luffa

• Sun: Full sun (6–8+ hrs)

• Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained

• Water: Deep, consistent watering (avoid swings)

• Support: Stake, trellis, or cage as needed

• Harvest: Pick regularly to encourage production

• Give ample room in beds or larger pots (5 gal or larger for best production)

  • Luffa best in-ground or 15+ gal (needs long season for full maturity)

• Transplant Timing: Mid-May+ (soil 55°F+) only

Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, marjoram, savory, tarragon, basil, parsley, chives

• Sun: Full sun preferred

• Soil: Well-drained (leaner soil for woody herbs)

• Water: Let soil dry slightly between watering

• Harvest: Prune often to encourage bushy growth

• Succession: Replant basil and tender herbs as needed

• Woody herbs (thyme, sage, lavender, rosemary) will grow back as perennials

Mints (all), lemon balm

• Sun: Full sun to part shade

• Soil: Average to rich

• Water: Moderate to high

• Growth: Spreads quickly—can take over beds

• Tip: Best grown in containers to contain spread

Chamomile, horehound, tulsi, anise hyssop, calendula, yarrow, nettle, mullein, motherwort, etc.

• Sun: Full sun to part shade

• Soil: Average to well-drained

• Water: Moderate

• Harvest: Regular leaf/flower harvest improves production

• Notes: Many are perennial or self-seeding

• Nettles recommended to keep in pot to contain spread, harvest before going to seed

Zinnias, marigolds, nasturtium, borage, calendula, amaranth, scabiosa, etc.

• Sun: Full sun preferred

• Soil: Average soil is fine

• Water: Moderate (many are drought-tolerant once established)

• Harvest: Cut flowers or deadhead to encourage blooms

• Season: Spring through frost

• Borage self seeds easily, cut down if desired to control spread

Echinacea, yarrow, lupine, wapato, pearly everlasting, some shrubs or flowering bushes

• Sun: Full sun to part shade (varies)

• Soil: Adaptable once established

• Water: Moderate first year, lower after

• Growth: Establish roots first season, stronger in following years

• Tip: Patience—perennials improve each year

Strawberries, blueberries, rhubarb

• Sun: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, rich (slightly acidic for strawberries/blueberries)

• Water: Even moisture (especially fruiting)

• Harvest: Regular picking improves yield

• Growth: Returns yearly with proper care

• Strawberries: pick first blooms, cut-off runners to mother plant to encourage crown growth and focus on fruiting

• Use high-quality potting mix (not garden soil) look for peat-free if desired

• Ensure drainage holes

• Water more frequently than in-ground plants

• Feed lightly throughout the season

• Match plants with similar sun + water needs

• Cool crops → plant early, replant often

• Warm crops → plant once soil is warm, harvest all summer

• Herbs → harvest continuously

• Flowers → cut or deadhead to extend bloom

  • some exceptions to flowers that may be a cut once varitiey (like stock flower)

• Cilantro → sow seeds regularly (bolts in heat, but flowers/seeds are edible + loved by pollinators)

Direct Sow (plant seeds directly in the soil):
Best for crops that don’t like root disturbance or grow quickly

• Examples: Radish, carrots, beans, peas, arugula, cilantro

Tip: Sow seeds in place and thin as they grow

Transplant (plant starts/seedlings):
Best for slower-growing plants or those needing a head start

• Examples: Tomatoes, peppers, basil, cabbage, kale, flowers, most herbs

Tip: Gently plant (leave compostable pot intact), water in well

General Crop Guidance

• Root crops → direct sow

• Fast greens → direct sow or transplant

• Warm crops → transplant after soil warms (mid-May+)

Pro Tip: You can mix both—plant your starts, then sow seeds around them for continuous harvest