Spring Crops: Getting your hands dirty now!

HOMESTEADucation - A podcast by Angela and Mandi

Peas: Can be sown when soil temps are between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.Shelling peas: for storageSnap peas: fresh eatingSweet peas: flowers, not edibleSow ¼-½” deep in well draining soil. Keep moist through germination and while growing.Trellis is required. Peas have thigmotropism: the ability to feel with sense of touchRadish: Can be sown when soil temps reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit.Pay attention to radish size, depth, and soil needs when planting.Grow very quickly!Carrots: Very difficult to germinateSeed tape vs. sowing seeds – heavily sow and thin if neededKeep moist until sprouting (the board trick)Growing temps of around 40 degrees are great for sweeter tasting carrotsCarrots require fluffy soil with good tilth. Rocks in soil make squiggly carrots.Bok Choi/Pak Choi/Bok Choi:Prefers temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees fahrenheitProne to flea beetles; use coffee grounds in soil at planting timeKeep moist and cool, provide shade cloth if neededBeets and Turnips:Sow typically a few weeks before last frost. Requires temperatures in 40s to germinate and sprout. Keep moist. Sow heavily and thin as needed. Greens and roots are edible. Pay attention to variety for root size–some will never reach larger than a golf ball!Spinach:Sow 6 weeks before last frost. Prefers cold temps! Excellent for direct sowing when soil is workable, though does well started in seed cells too.Crop is ready in as little as 6 weeks from harvest.Spring Onions:Plant in cool weather, but only when nighttime temps no longer fall in the 20Fs. Plant no more than one inch deep in seed cells or when direct sowing to avoid root growth restriction. Sow heavily and thin as needed.Strawberries:Plant bare root crowns and mulch surrounding soil with straw as soon as the soil can be worked. Be sure to identify desired variety; everbearing or June-bearing.Calendula:Cold season herb. Flowers are medicinal. Can be grown in spring and fall.Remember! Some of this might be applicable to you now or in a few weeks. Either way we hope we have encouraged you to get out in your gardens and start growing something beautiful. Cheers. Angela- @axeandroothomesteadMandi- @wildoakfarms