Seed Sowing and Plant Harvesting Resources

Zone 6b — Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers — Top 50

Arugula

Direct sow: 4–6 weeks before last frost through spring and again in late summer for fall (approx. early March–April; and Aug–Sept).
Start indoors: rarely necessary. If starting inside, sow 3–4 weeks before transplant.
Care until sprout: seed depth ¼"–½", soil temp 40–75°F, keep evenly moist. Germinates 5–10 days.
Tending: thin to 4–6" apart; full sun–part shade; regular watering to prevent bolting.
Days to harvest: 20–40 days (baby leaves sooner).
Harvest: cut outer leaves at base or harvest whole plant; pick regularly to extend harvest.

Asparagus (from seed)

Direct sow: in spring after soil can be worked (2–4 weeks before last frost) or start in pots. For reliable crops most gardeners plant crowns (see note).
Start indoors: sow 8–12 weeks before last frost for transplants.
Care until sprout: seeds ½" deep, warm soil 60–70°F, keep moist; germinates 2–3 weeks.
Tending: transplant 1–year seedlings into deep, well-drained beds; amend with compost. Mulch and keep weed-free.
Days to harvest: avoid harvesting first 2–3 years; light harvest year 3, full harvest after year 4+.
Harvest: snap spears when 6–8" tall; cut/snap at soil level.

Basil

Direct sow: after last frost when soil >60°F (approx. late May).
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth, soil 70–75°F ideal, keep moist. Germinates 5–10 days.
Tending: pinch to encourage bushiness, full sun, well-drained soil, 12–18" spacing, moderate fertilizer.
Days to harvest: 45–70 days (continuous leaf harvest).
Harvest: harvest leaves or cut stems above leaf node; avoid flowering if you want leaf production.

Beans — Bush beans

Direct sow: after soil warms to 60–70°F, 1–2 weeks after last frost (approx. late May).
Start indoors: generally not recommended (doable 3–4 weeks before last frost but roots dislike transplant).
Care until sprout: sow 1" deep, keep soil moist; germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: thin to 4–6" (rows 18–24" apart); full sun; light feeding.
Days to harvest: 50–60 days (varies).
Harvest: pick beans when pods are firm and before seeds bulge.

Beans — Pole beans

Direct sow: after soil warms to 60–70°F, 1–2 weeks after last frost.
Start indoors: not recommended generally.
Care until sprout: sow 1" deep; provide trellis/poles at planting; germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: train vines on supports; thin seedlings to 6–8" apart.
Days to harvest: 55–70 days.
Harvest: pick pods regularly to encourage more production.

Beets

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost through early summer (spring sowings) and late summer for fall crop.
Start indoors: rarely necessary. If so, start 3–4 weeks before last frost and transplant carefully.
Care until sprout: ½"–1" deep, soil temp 50–85°F, keep moist; germinates 7–14 days (often patchy — soak seeds or presprout).
Tending: thin to 2–4" for baby beets or 4–6" for mature; full sun to part shade; consistent moisture.
Days to harvest: baby roots 30–50 days; mature 50–70 days.
Harvest: pull roots when size desired; leaves can be harvested anytime.

Bell pepper (sweet pepper)

Direct sow: not outdoors until soil >65–70°F and nights warm—usually 2–3 weeks after last frost (late May–June).
Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost.
Transplant: transplant after nights consistently above 50–55°F; harden off 7–10 days; space 18–24" apart.
Care until sprout: small seed, ¼" depth, soil temp 75–85°F speeds germination; keep evenly moist; germinates 7–21 days.
Tending: full sun, consistent moisture, stake if heavy fruit; side-dress with balanced fertilizer after flowering.
Days to harvest: 60–90+ days from transplant (varies by variety).
Harvest: twist or cut fruit from plant when full color/size.

Bok choy (pak choi)

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost (for spring) or late summer for fall crop.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Care until sprout: ¼–½" deep, soil temp 45–75°F, keep moist; germinates 4–10 days.
Tending: thin to 6–12" depending on variety; fertile soil, regular water.
Days to harvest: 30–60 days.
Harvest: cut outer leaves or harvest whole head at base.

Broccoli

Direct sow: early spring transplant (sow indoors for spring) — direct sow only for very early/late crops 2–4 weeks before last frost.
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost for spring; 12–14 weeks earlier for fall crop started later.
Transplant: set out 2–3 weeks before last frost (cool-tolerant), harden off 7–10 days. Space 18–24".
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; soil temp 60–75°F; germinates 5–10 days.
Tending: full sun, rich soil, consistent moisture; side dress with nitrogen after transplant.
Days to harvest: main head ~60–90 days from transplant; side shoots continue afterward.
Harvest: cut central head when florets are tight before yellowing.

Brussels sprouts

Direct sow: not typical — start indoors. Late spring sow for fall harvest.
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (transplant in spring). For fall crop, sow mid-spring for long season.
Transplant: 2–4 weeks before last frost; space 18–24"; harden off.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 5–10 days at 60–70°F.
Tending: fertile soil, consistent water, support tall stalks.
Days to harvest: 90–120 days; often sweetest after frost.
Harvest: pick lower sprouts from stalk when 1–2" diameter, working upward as they mature.

Cabbage

Direct sow: early spring by transplant (direct sow possible 2–4 weeks before last frost for some varieties).
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost.
Transplant: 2–4 weeks before last frost for cool-season crop; harden off. Space 12–24" depending.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 5–10 days at 60–75°F.
Tending: even moisture, rich soil, pest protection (cabbage worms).
Days to harvest: 60–120 days depending on variety.
Harvest: cut head at base when firm.

Calendula (flower)

Direct sow: as soon as soil can be worked — 2–4 weeks before last frost; also sow in summer for fall bloom.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost if desired.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth, germinates 7–14 days at 60–70°F; keep evenly moist.
Tending: full sun, deadhead to prolong bloom.
Days to harvest (flowers): 8–10 weeks to first blooms.
Harvest: snip flower heads when open; dry or use fresh.

Carrot

Direct sow: 2–3 weeks before last frost through spring; summer for fall crop (thin sowings).
Start indoors: rarely done (slow root disturbance).
Care until sprout: ¼"–½" deep, soil 50–85°F, keep surface moist—germinates 10–21+ days (can be slow). Pre-soaking seed or using freshness helps.
Tending: thin to 2–3" (baby) or 3–4" (mature); loose, stone-free soil; consistent moisture.
Days to harvest: 60–80+ days (varies).
Harvest: pull when desired size; loosen soil first.

Cauliflower

Direct sow: usually started indoors; direct sow only for very cool/late fall crops.
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost.
Transplant: transplant 2–4 weeks before last frost, harden off; space 18–24".
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 5–10 days; keep cool and moist.
Tending: consistent moisture and fertility; blanch some varieties (tie leaves) to keep heads white.
Days to harvest: 60–100 days.
Harvest: cut head when curds are compact, before they separate.

Celery

Direct sow: not recommended (long season).
Start indoors: 10–12 weeks before last frost (slow to germinate).
Transplant: after danger of frost; harden off; plant deep to encourage blanching of stalks.
Care until sprout: small seed, ⅛" depth, soil 70–75°F optimum, keep moist; germinates 14–21 days or longer.
Tending: rich, consistently moist soil; mulch; regular feeding.
Days to harvest: 100–140 days.
Harvest: cut outer stalks as needed or harvest whole plant.

Chamomile

Direct sow: after last frost or early spring (some varieties like cool start) — sow in spring.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: surface sow (lightly press), germinates 7–14 days; needs light for germination.
Tending: well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade; deadhead to prolong flowers.
Days to harvest (flowers): 8–10 weeks to bloom.
Harvest: pick flower heads when open, dry for teas.

Chard (Swiss chard)

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost through summer for succession.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: ½" deep, soil 50–85°F, germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: thin to 6–12"; full sun–part shade; cut leaves from outside for harvest.
Days to harvest: 30–60 days for baby; mature 50–60 days.
Harvest: cut outer leaves, leaving crown.

Chives

Direct sow: after last frost or in spring.
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: ½" deep, germinates 7–14 days; requires light to grow well.
Tending: full sun, well-drained soil; divide clumps every few years.
Days to harvest: 60+ days to clippable leaves.
Harvest: snip leaves at base.

Cilantro (coriander)

Direct sow: early spring 2–4 weeks before last frost and again in late summer for fall; prefers cool weather.
Start indoors: rarely — cilantro prefers direct sowing.
Care until sprout: ¼–½" deep, soil 40–85°F; germinates 7–14 days (can be slow).
Tending: thin to 6–8"; full sun to part shade; succession sow every 2–3 weeks.
Days to harvest: leaves 30–45 days; seed (coriander) 60–90 days.
Harvest: cut leaves as needed; harvest seeds when brown and dry.

Collards

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost for spring; also late summer for fall.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 7–10 days; keep soil moist.
Tending: space 18–24"; full sun; frost tolerant.
Days to harvest: 60–90 days.
Harvest: pick outer leaves as needed.

Corn (sweet corn)

Direct sow: after last frost when soil ≥60–65°F — typically late May in 6b. Plant in blocks, not single rows.
Start indoors: generally not recommended.
Care until sprout: 1–1½" deep; germinates 7–12 days; needs warm soil.
Tending: thin to 8–12" between plants; full sun, fertile soil; side dress with N as it grows.
Days to harvest: 60–100 days depending on variety.
Harvest: when silk browns and kernels are milky when pierced.

Cucumber

Direct sow: after last frost when soil ≥60°F (late May) or start transplants.
Start indoors: 2–3 weeks before last frost in peat pots (transplant carefully).
Care until sprout: ½–1" deep; germinates 3–10 days; likes warm soil.
Tending: trellis for space, thin to 12–18"; consistent moisture, mulch.
Days to harvest: 50–70 days.
Harvest: pick when firm and desired size; frequent picking encourages production.

Dill

Direct sow: after last frost or in early spring; succession sow every few weeks.
Start indoors: rarely needed; can be transplanted carefully.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth, germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: thin to 12–18"; full sun; support tall plants.
Days to harvest: leaves 40–60 days, seeds 90+ days.
Harvest: cut leaves as needed; collect seed heads when brown and dry.

Eggplant

Direct sow: outdoors only after soil and nights are warm (late May–June).
Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost.
Transplant: transplant when nights >50–55°F; harden 7–10 days; space 18–24".
Care until sprout: ¼" depth, soil 75–90°F ideal, germinates 7–21 days.
Tending: full sun, warm soil, staking for heavy fruit, regular feeding.
Days to harvest: 60–90+ days from transplant.
Harvest: pick fruit when glossy and firm; cut stem.

Endive

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost and/or late summer for fall crop.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost optional.
Care until sprout: ¼" deep; germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: thin to 6–12"; consistent moisture to avoid bitterness.
Days to harvest: 60–90 days.
Harvest: cut leaves or harvest whole head.

Escarole

Direct sow: similar to endive — early spring and late summer.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: shallow sowing, germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: thin to 8–12"; keep moist.
Days to harvest: 60–80 days.
Harvest: harvest outer leaves or whole head.

Fennel (Florence fennel / herb fennel)

Direct sow: after last frost (spring) and again in midsummer for fall (bulbing fennel dislikes transplant shock).
Start indoors: not recommended for bulb fennel; seed directly.
Care until sprout: ¼–½" deep; germinates 7–14 days; prefers warm soil.
Tending: thin to 6–12"; full sun; good drainage.
Days to harvest: bulb fennel 60–90 days.
Harvest: harvest bulbs when 2–3" diameter; cut at soil level.

Garlic (planted as cloves — fall planting)

Direct sow: plant cloves in fall (Oct in Zone 6b) 4–6 weeks before ground freezes (not spring).
Start indoors: not applicable.
Care until sprout: plant pointed end up 2" deep, 4–6" apart; mulch for winter. Sprouts in spring.
Tending: remove scapes (hardneck) to encourage bulb size; keep weed free.
Days to harvest: harvest next summer (usually July) when leaves yellow.
Harvest: dig bulbs, cure 2–3 weeks in dry shade.

Kale

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost for spring; sow again midsummer for fall.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth, germinates 5–10 days; keep moist.
Tending: thin to 12–18"; frost improves flavor for some varieties.
Days to harvest: 50–75 days.
Harvest: pick outer leaves as needed.

Kohlrabi

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost (spring) and again in late summer.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: ¼–½" deep, germinates 5–10 days.
Tending: thin to 6–8" for bulb development.
Days to harvest: 50–70 days.
Harvest: harvest bulbs while 2–3" diameter for tenderness.

Leek

Direct sow: early spring 4–6 weeks before last frost; can also start earlier indoors.
Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost.
Transplant: set out 2–4 weeks before last frost; plant deep (trench) and hill soil up as they grow.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: keep soil loose and weed free; blanch by mounding soil.
Days to harvest: 90–120 days.
Harvest: pull or dig leeks; can overwinter in mild sites.

Lettuce

Direct sow: 4–6 weeks before last frost through early summer; again in late summer for fall.
Start indoors: 3–4 weeks before last frost (for head types).
Care until sprout: ⅛–¼" depth; germinates 7–14 days; prefers cool light.
Tending: thin to spacing per variety (6–12"); consistent moisture; partial shade in hot weather.
Days to harvest: leaf lettuce 30–45 days; head types 60–80 days.
Harvest: cut outer leaves or harvest whole head.

Marigold

Direct sow: after last frost or sow indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 5–10 days.
Tending: full sun, deadhead to prolong bloom.
Days to harvest (flowers): 8–10 weeks to bloom.
Harvest: snip flowers as needed.

Melon — Cantaloupe / Muskmelon

Direct sow: after soil warms to 65–70°F (late May) or start transplants.
Start indoors: 2–3 weeks before last frost in peat pots (transplant carefully).
Care until sprout: ½–1" deep; germinates 7–10 days; likes warm soil.
Tending: hill or trellis small varieties; full sun; consistent water; mulch.
Days to harvest: 70–100 days depending on variety.
Harvest: harvest when fruit slips from vine or aromatic.

Mustard greens

Direct sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost and for late summer/fall plantings.
Start indoors: 3–4 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: ¼" deep; germinates 4–10 days.
Tending: thin to 4–8"; cool-season crop; consistent moisture.
Days to harvest: 30–45 days (baby) to 50+ (mature).
Harvest: cut leaves as needed.

Nasturtium

Direct sow: after last frost or early spring when soil is workable; tolerant of poor soils.
Start indoors: can be started 3–4 weeks before last frost but often direct sown.
Care until sprout: ½–1" deep; germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: full sun to part shade; minimal fertilizer (keeps blooms coming).
Days to harvest (flowers/leaves): 6–8 weeks.
Harvest: pick flowers/leaves for salads or ornamental use.

Onion (from seed and sets)

Direct sow: early spring as soon as soil can be worked (4–6 weeks before last frost) or start indoors.
Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost for transplants.
Transplant: set out when soil workable; harden off.
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 7–14 days; keep moist.
Tending: thin to 4–6" for bulbs; consistent moisture; high P/K fertilization early.
Days to harvest: 90–120 days (depends on day-length sensitivity).
Harvest: when tops yellow and fall over; cure in dry place.

Oregano

Direct sow: after last frost or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: surface sow or ¼" deep; germinates 7–14 days.
Tending: full sun, well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Days to harvest: cut leaves after plant is established (60+ days).
Harvest: snip sprigs as needed; dry if desired.

Parsley

Direct sow: early spring 3–4 weeks before last frost (parsley germinates slowly).
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (helps with slow germination).
Care until sprout: sow ¼" deep; soil can be cool; germinates 14–28 days (soak seed overnight to speed).
Tending: thin to 6–8"; part shade to full sun; consistent moisture.
Days to harvest: 70–90 days to good leaf mass.
Harvest: snip outer leaves; cut stems at base.

Parsnip

Direct sow: as soon as soil can be worked (4–6 weeks before last frost) — early spring.
Start indoors: not recommended.
Care until sprout: ¼–½" deep; germinates slowly 14–30+ days; keep evenly moist.
Tending: thin to 3–4"; deep loose soil for roots.
Days to harvest: 120–180 days; best after frost improves flavor.
Harvest: dig carefully when roots full-sized.

Peas (garden peas)

Direct sow: as soon as soil workable and temp ≥40°F — typically 4–6 weeks before last frost (early spring).
Start indoors: generally direct sowing is preferable.
Care until sprout: sow 1–1½" deep; germinates 7–14 days; cool-tolerant.
Tending: provide trellis for vining types; thin to spacing per variety.
Days to harvest: 60–70 days (varies).
Harvest: pick pods when full and peas plump.

Pepper — Hot (chili)

Direct sow: same as bell peppers — not until soil & nights warm (late May–June).
Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost.
Transplant: set out after nights consistently >50–55°F; harden off 7–10 days.
Care until sprout: ¼" deep, soil 75–85°F preferred; germinates 7–21 days.
Tending: full sun, consistent moisture and feeding.
Days to harvest: 60–100+ days depending on variety.
Harvest: pick when desired color/heat reached; cut or twist off.

Potato (seed potatoes/tubers — not seeds in most home gardens)

Direct sow: plant seed potatoes 2–4 weeks before last frost when soil workable (early spring).
Start indoors: not applicable (chit seed potatoes indoors briefly if desired).
Care until sprout: plant 3–4" deep, eyes up; keep soil cool & moist.
Tending: hill soil around stems, consistent water during tuber set.
Days to harvest: new potatoes 60–80 days; maincrop 90–120 days.
Harvest: dig when foliage yellows; lift tubers carefully.

Pumpkin

Direct sow: after last frost when soil ≥65–70°F (late May) in hills.
Start indoors: 2–3 weeks before last frost in peat pots (transplant carefully).
Care until sprout: 1" deep; germinates 7–10 days; warm soil preferred.
Tending: lots of space, heavy feeders, mulch, regular water.
Days to harvest: 90–120 days depending on variety.
Harvest: cut when rind hard and color developed; cure in sun then store.

Radish

Direct sow: as soon as soil can be worked (4–6 weeks before last frost) and throughout season (fast crop).
Start indoors: not necessary.
Care until sprout: ¼–½" deep; germinates 3–10 days; keep moist.
Tending: thin to 1–2" for small roots; succession sowing every 2–3 weeks.
Days to harvest: 20–40 days (very quick).
Harvest: pull when size desired; don’t leave in ground too long or get woody.

Rosemary

Direct sow: can be sown after last frost; rosemary is slow from seed and often grown from cuttings.
Start indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: light surface sowing; germinates slowly 2–4+ weeks; needs warmth and light.
Tending: well-drained soil, full sun, drought tolerant once established.
Days to harvest: months to establish—harvest leaves as needed once plant is sizeable.
Harvest: snip stems; can dry or use fresh.

Sage

Direct sow: after last frost or indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost.
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks prior (optional).
Care until sprout: ¼" depth; germinates 7–21 days.
Tending: full sun, well-drained soil; drought tolerant.
Days to harvest: plant established in several months; harvest leaves as needed.
Harvest: snip stems; best before flowering.

Spinach

Direct sow: very early spring 4–6 weeks before last frost and again in late summer for fall crop.
Start indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: ½" deep; germinates 7–14 days; likes cool soil (40–75°F).
Tending: thin to 3–6"; consistent moisture; will bolt in heat.
Days to harvest: 30–60 days.
Harvest: cut outer leaves or harvest whole plant.

Squash — Summer (zucchini, etc.)

Direct sow: after last frost when soil warms (late May).
Start indoors: 2–3 weeks before last frost in peat pots (transplant carefully).
Care until sprout: 1" deep; germinates 5–10 days; warm soil preferred.
Tending: space 24–36" or trellis for vining varieties; regular water.
Days to harvest: 45–65 days (zucchini quick).
Harvest: pick young fruit frequently for best flavor and production.

Squash — Winter (butternut, acorn, etc.)

Direct sow: after last frost when soil warm (late May).
Start indoors: 2–3 weeks before last frost (optional).
Care until sprout: 1" deep; germinates 5–10 days.
Tending: lots of space, fertile soil; pick when rind hard.
Days to harvest: 80–110+ days.
Harvest: cut from vine when rind fully colored and hard; cure in warm dry place for storage.

Sunflower

Direct sow: after last frost and when soil is warm (late April–May); sow successive plantings for longer bloom.
Start indoors: can be started 2–3 weeks before last frost but best direct sown.
Care until sprout: 1–2" deep; germinates 7–10 days.
Tending: thin to spacing per variety; full sun; stake tall varieties.
Days to harvest (flowers/seeds): 70–100 days.
Harvest: cut for flowers or harvest seeds when backs turn brown; dry heads and thresh.