Indoor Sowing Avoidance for Warm Season Plants: Retain These 5 Seeds Unsown Until Outdoor Planting Time
Ready to tackle that garden, green thumb? Avoid these warm season crops when starting indoors: Cucumbers, Squash & Zucchini, Beans, Corn, Okra, Watermelon & Cantaloupe. Here's the lowdown on each:
Warm Vs. Cool Season Crops:Newbies, don't sweat not knowing the difference between warm and cool season crops (different strokes for different folks, right?). Warm season crops thrive in temperatures above 70°F and won't be too chill in summer heat.
Cucumbers:Cucs ain't down with their roots being disturbed, so steer clear of transplanting. Plus, if you start them too early indoors, they'll get a chill when transplanted that could doom them. Give 'em a couple weeks in a larger cell tray, then plant 'em in the warm soil once it's time.
Squash & Zucchini:Like cucs, these plants don't like to be root-bound and will get stressed if they outgrow their pot. Sow these directly in the soil when it hits 65°F, and forget about starting them indoors unless you've got a grow light situation.
Beans:You'll need a bunch of plants to make canning worth your salt. Start 'em directly in the soil when temps reach 65°F or higher, and skip the indoor start if you're light on grow light space.
Corn:Corn seeds are just like beans in that they need more space and can't handle transplant shock well. If you've started them indoors, ensure you've got the grow light space and a deep cell planter to accommodate those roots.
Okra:Okra loves the heat, so there's no rush to get them in the ground. Sow 'em directly in the soil 3-4 weeks after the last frost. If you need a head start, opt for a deeper tray.
Watermelon & Cantaloupe:These babies grow quickly in warm soil. While it's possible to start them indoors, it's generally easier to plant directly in the soil once the temperature reaches 70°F or higher. But hey, if you've got a grow light situation and want an early harvest, go for it!
Guarantee Warm Season Crop Success:To guarantee warm-season crop success, get to know their unique needs and don't bother starting certain crops indoors (unless you've got room to grow). Happy planting, my friend!
P.S. Grab the 2024 Garden Planner before the new year to ensure your garden game is on fleek!
- For a successful gardening lifestyle, consider using a garden planner to strategize your 2024 home-and-garden projects, especially when planning for warm season crops like cucumbers, squash, zucchini, beans, corn, okra, watermelon, and cantaloupe.
- It's crucial to know that warm season crops such as cucumbers, squash, and zucchini prefer to be sown directly in the soil once it reaches 65°F, rather than starting them indoors.
- To ensure seed starting for warm season crops like watermelon and cantaloupe goes smoothly, you may find garden printables helpful, serving as useful guides for proper planting and care techniques in your home-and-garden journey.
