Asparagus

 

Asparagus is normally grown from roots or year-old crowns since growing from seed is unreliable and it takes three years until the plant is mature enough to harvest. Plant between May 10 and 30, 15” apart in a trench with the buds 6” below the ground level but with only a thin layer of earth covering them. Fill in this trench as the growing season progresses. Harvesting should begin in early to mid-spring depending on the season and should last only 4 to 6 weeks. Harvest a very limited number of spears in the first year after planting. Always allow a few spears to develop into ferns. These ferns can be pruned occasionally to keep them at bay but they must remain to feed the root system throughout the summer; fertilize the plants occasionally and water as normal.
Days to Harvest: 1 to 3 year old stocks.

 

Beans

 

Plant beans in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, usually between May 20 and 30. For bush beans plant seeds about 1” deep and 2” apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart; thin seedlings to 3-4” apart. Growing pole beans requires more space; rows should be 3 to 4 feet apart in hills 3 feet apart along each row. Use a pole or other form of support approximately 7 feet tall in the center of each hill. Plant 3-4 seeds around this pole. Do not let the soil dry out while the beans are blooming as this will cause the flowers to drop, reducing your yield. Harvest beans when they are around 5-6” long and the plant should continue to produce for several weeks.
Days to Harvest: 48-70 depending on variety.

 

Beets

 

Beets do best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Seed in mid-May (10-20) outdoors about ½” deep and 1” apart in rows. Thin as they grow to 3” apart. Take care to keep weeds down, especially among young seedlings as beets have difficulty competing at this stage. Harvest the beets whenever they appear large enough for use; roots any larger than 3” in diameter are usually too tough and fibrous. Leave an inch or so of the top attached to the root after harvest to prevent ‘bleeding’.
Days to Harvest: 45-65 from seed depending on type.

 

Broccoli

 

The best time to start this member of the cabbage family is indoors between March 15 and 30. Transplant to the garden when all danger of frost has passed. Do not allow plants to remain in potting trays for too long since they may not mature properly. Plant seedlings 15” apart in rows spaced up to three feet apart. It is important that broccoli gets sufficient water, especially as the heads begin to grow. To harvest cut off the central head along with 5-6” of stem when it is fully developed but before it begins to loosen or flower. Side shoots should grow after the central head is removed.
Days to Harvest: 75 from transplant.

 

Brussels Sprouts

 

This hardy, slow-growing, long-season vegetable is in the cabbage family. It requires a long growing season maturing in the cooler fall days. Seed indoors around March 15-30 and transplant outside after all danger of frost has passed. Transplant the seedlings when they reach 3” tall approximately one foot apart. During dry summer periods make sure you keep the plants watered and the area weed-free. Pick or cut sprouts from the stem when they are firm and around one inch in diameter. Lower sprouts are the first to mature.
Days to Harvest: 90-100 from transplant depending on variety.

 

Cabbage

 

One of the most popular and healthy vegetables, cabbage comes in a variety of colors and types from green to purple and from wrinkled to smooth. Start indoors between March 20 and April 10 or plant seeds directly in the garden between May 15 and 30. Seedlings can be hardened off to allow for earlier planting. Transplants should be spaced one to two feet apart. Harvest cabbage any time after the heads form but before they split or become damaged. Always removed damaged cabbage heads and cut stems to reduce insect pests and diseases.
Days to Harvest: 65-100 depending on variety.

 

Carrot

 

Carrots can be seeded outdoors quite early (May 1-10) because they can tolerate some frost. The soil should be worked to a depth of 9” to allow good root growth. Plant seeds ¼” to ½” deep in rows 1’ to 1½’ apart. Thin seedlings when they reach an inch in height to 3 per inch for finger carrots, one or two per inch for a young harvest, and one per 1-2 inches for large varieties. Keep weeds under control during the early stages. Harvest carrots when they reach ½” in diameter for young or finger varieties. Others should be allowed to grow ¾” in diameter.
Days to Harvest: 50 to 80 depending on variety.

 

Chard

 

Essentially chard is a beet that has been bred for its leaves at the expense of root formation; there are red, white, or yellow-veined varieties. Seed outside from May 1 to May 15, ½” to ¾” deep. Thin seeds as they grow to about 5” apart. Chard tolerates heat better than spinach but an adequate water supply is still important. To harvest cut the outer leaves 1 to 2 inches above the ground when they are around 8 to 12 inches in length. Take care not to damage the terminal growth bud at the bottom centre of the foliage.
Days to Harvest: 50-65 from seed.

 

Cauliflower

 

Cauliflower is more difficult to grow than other members of the cabbage family and takes a bit of experience and a lot of patience. Start cauliflowers from seeds indoors between April 1 and April 20; move them outside after all danger of frost has passed since cauliflowers are more sensitive to the cold than other crucifers. Ensure that the plants are kept growing throughout the season. Any interruption from heat, cold, drought, etc. can result in no heads being formed. Because of this it is important to water consistently. To blanch (or whiten) the head tie the outer leaves over the centre of the plant. This prevents the head from turning green or developing incorrectly. When the head is mature (firm and white) it can be harvested by cutting the main stem. Do not allow the heads to become coarse in appearance as quality will be significantly reduced.
Days to Harvest: 60 from transplant.

 

Corn

 

Corn requires a lot of light and a long growing season. Sow seeds outdoors between May 15 and 30 about 1” deep and 9” to 12” apart. It is best to plant two or more rows of the same variety to ensure good pollination. Sweet corn should be protected from cross-pollination by starchy corn like field or popcorn; pollination by starchy corn will result in a loss of sweetness. Keep weeds down and ensure a good water supply while the tassels are emerging through to harvesting. Pick corn ears when they are full and plump, usually 20 days after the appearance of the first silk strands. Signs that the corn is ready to harvest include drying and browning of the silks, fullness of tip kernels, and firm-feeling ears.
Days to Harvest: 65-80 days depending on variety.

 

Cucumbers

 

Cucumbers, as well as other curcurbits such as squash, pumpkins, and melons, are large vines which grow best during warm nights and warm days. These plants require a lot of space in the garden but can be trained onto trellis in order to save room. Seeds require warm soil to germinate so it is best to start them indoors and transplant outside at the end of May/beginning of June. Plant in the late afternoon or early evening in hills up to 2 feet apart taking care not to disturb the roots. Water deeply to make sure the lower roots are wet. All curcurbits benefit from organic mulches applied in the summer like peat moss, compost, or herbicide-free lawn clippings to a depth of 3”.
Days to Harvest: 50-70 depending on variety

 

Eggplant

 

This vegetable is cold-sensitive and requires a long warm season. Begin indoors between March 20 and 30 and transplant after the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed. Plants should be spaced one foot apart. When the fruits are 6” to 8” long and glossy they are ready to be harvested. Eggplants need full sun and a consistent watering regime.
Days to Harvest: 58 from transplant.

 

Kohlrabi

 

Though it looks similar to a turnip, kohlrabi is actually a member of the cabbage family. Start the plants indoors in early April and transplant when the danger of frost has passed or sow seeds directly outdoors at the end of April. Plant seeds ¼” to ½” deep and thin to 6” apart. It is best to harvest kohlrabi when it is small (around 2” in diameter).
Days to Harvest: 55-60 from seed or transplant date.

 

Lettuce

 

Lettuce does best in cooler temperatures and should be planted in the early spring or late summer. Seed lettuce outdoors around the end of May ¼” to ½” deep in rows 12” to 18” apart. Thin to 4” apart for leaf lettuce or 8” to 10” for Romaine and other large lettuce types. Cultivate carefully to avoid disturbing shallow roots and water frequently yet lightly for good quality leaves. Cut leaf lettuce whenever it is large enough to be used.
Days to Harvest: 45-85 depending on variety.

 

Muskmelon (Cantaloupe)

 

Refer to ‘Cucumbers’ for general growing instructions. Start indoors to allow the plant adequate time to grow in our short season. When the melons are ripe they should easily separate from the vine and take on a tan or yellow color. These plant require light, warmth, and shelter.
Days to Harvest: 70 from transplant.

 

Onions

 

Plant onion bulbs in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked; early planting generally results in larger onions. Plant from sets to produce green onions or from bulbs for larger onions. For green onions plant sets 1” apart and 1½” deep. Dry onions should be planted 1” to 2” deep and 3” to 4” apart. Green onions can be harvested whenever they appear ready; if they are picked earlier the flavor is milder. Bulb onions are usually ready in late August or early September. When the tops are dry pull the onions and dry in a shaded area for 2 to 4 weeks. When the plants have dried cut off the tops an inch above the bulb and store in a container (mesh bag or slatted crate) in a dry, well-ventilated area. It is important that the necks are completely dry to reduce the likelihood of disease or decay.
Days to Harvest: 60-120 depending on variety.

 

Parsnip

 

Grow this root vegetable in full sun in deeply turned soil. Seed between April 15 and 30, ½” deep in rows 18” to 24” apart. Thin seedlings until they are 6” apart. Since rapid growth is needed for good quality roots a fertilizer with high phosphorous is recommended. Parsnips can be harvested any time they reach a good size. If they are kept in cold storage for a short period parsnips tend to sweeten and improve in flavor.
Days to Harvest: 120 from seed.

 

Peas

 

Three types of this frost-hardy cool-season vegetable are grown in Calgary: garden or English peas, snap peas, and snow or sugar peas. Garden peas are grown for their seeds, while both snap and sugar peas are grown for their pods. Plant peas outdoors near the end of April 1 to 1½” deep and 2” to 3” apart. Rows should be spaced 18” to 24” apart. Treat small seedlings with care since over-fertilizing or improper cultivation can damage them. Dwarf and determinate peas are self-supporting. The taller, more productive pea vines (indeterminate varieties) require poles or stakes to climb. Harvest garden peas when the pods are swollen and round, snap peas before the seeds get very large, and snow peas when they are still flat.Pick snow peas often to ensure sweet, fibre-free pods.
Days to Harvest: 55-70 from seed.

 

Peppers

 

Peppers are a tender warm-season vegetable which require fairly high temperatures. It is best to start peppers indoors between March 15 and 30 and then transplant them into the garden when all danger of frost has passed and the soil and air are warm. Place transplants 18” apart. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and well-watered during dry periods. Pick the fruits at any time they appear to be ripe; green peppers are usually picked when they are 3” to 4” long or left to ripen as red or yellow peppers. Hot peppers can be picked at any stage.
Days to Harvest: 60-90 from transplant depending on variety.

 

Potato

 

Potatoes are cool season vegetables that do best in cooler soils. Plant seed potatoes between May 15 and 30 approximately 10” to 12” apart and cover to a depth of 1” to 3”. Rows should be spaced two feet apart to allow the foliage to shade the soil. After the plants have emerged a mulch can be applied to keep weeds down, conserve moisture, and cool the soil. After the potatoes break the surface, build up a ridge of loose soil around the plant. This will reduce the number of greened tubers. Dig potatoes when they are 1” to 2” in size for ‘new’ potatoes or allow the tops to die down before harvesting.
To avoid scab (rough, raised corky lesions on the potato surface) reduce the application of organic material; do not apply manure in the spring.
Days to Harvest: varies depending on type (early, mid, late)

 

Pumpkin

 

Follow ‘cucumber’ instructions for general information. Start indoors between April 15 and 30 and plant outside when the soil is warm in an area which receives a lot of sun. Harvest when the rind is hard and of a deep, solid color. Pumpkins can be covered during a light frost but should be brought in if a heavy frost is expected to prevent such damage as softening.
Days to Harvest: 110-120 from transplant.