Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Seeds vary in terms of how long they take to germinate (sprout) and grow into mature plants. For in-
stance, radishes typically take 4 weeks to grow from seed to harvest. In contrast, tomatoes take about 17
weeks, and eggplants and peppers take 19 weeks. While your gardeners can start any crop from seeds
planted directly in the ground, for crops that mature slowly such as tomatoes, eggplants and peppers, I
suggest purchasing seedlings (young plants) from a local nursery and transplanting them into their gar-
dens.
As an alternative to buying seedlings from a local nursery, many new gardeners are excited about
growing plants from seed. Seed starting is not a difficult project, per se. The trouble comes with the
lighting available to nurture the plant from seed to young transplant. Often the light in a sunny window
isn't enough to get the plants off to a robust start; these seedlings will grow spindly or be disease prone.
Lovingly tended plants that end up with these conditions will be a real downer for the rookie gardener.
This is why I recommend buying transplants the first year. Once gardeners get a season under their belt,
they'll be used to how plants grow and how healthy plants behave. Then they can tackle seed starting.
Teachers can perhaps work with a group for a late-winter activity—another opportunity to bring your
community together. If you have access to a communal greenhouse or hoop house, then forget what I
just said. Let them start their seeds right from the get-go and enjoy the fun.
Direct-Seeded Crops
Life Cycle for Popular Direct-Seeded Crops
Average Weeks to Maturity (from seed to har-
vest)
Cress, mustard greens, radishes
4-5
Arugula, beans (bush), beets, lettuce, Swiss chard,
tatsoi
6-8
Endive, kale, spinach, summer squash
7-8
Cucumbers, peas
8-10
Corn
9-13
Beans (pole), carrots, peas, turnips
10
Basil, melon, okra, winter squash
12
Cauliflower, parsley
14
Broccoli, cabbage, chives
16
HOW TO PLANT A TOMATO SEEDLING
Another key task you'll need to teach your gardeners is the distinction between how to plant a seedling
and how to plant a tomato seedling—because the process is different.
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