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| Photo from Craig Rippens Marin Farmers Market |
1) CARROTS
Find a plot of soil (or a deep pot) that is deep enough to handle this root vegetable. Carrots are ready for harvest when their tops extend above the soil line. If you start running out of time in the Fall, you can harvest early as baby carrots. Scarlet Nantes, Danvers Half Long and Red Cored Chantenay are three varieties to try. 60 days
2) GREEN BEANS
There are many different kinds of beans, but "Pole beans" are one of the easiest vegetables to grow and cultivate. Bush beans are more productive, but Pole beans are easier to manage; though they do need a trellis. Beans freeze and can extremely well, too! Try Missouri Wonder Pole and Provider Bush bean varieties. 50 days
3) LETTUCE
You can't beat a Salad fresh from your Garden. Head Lettuce, Leaf Lettuce and Arugula make up most of the Lettuce category. You can space out your plantings every 2 weeks until First Frost to have a constant supply of greens thru the Summer and Fall. Look for Butter Crunch, Black Seeded Simpson and Arugula seeds. 45 - 55 days
4) CUCUMBERS
This is a great Veggie for a late crop, and can be direct seeded now in the Summer. My favorites are Boston Pickling, Marketmore 76 and Ashley Organic. 60 days
5) SPINACH
Spinach is is easy to grow, and a great Veggie for your Spring or Fall Garden. You can pick it continuously once its leaves are of a decent size to encourage new growth. You can check out Heirloom varieties like Bloomsdale and Giant Noble. 45 - 50 days
6) KALE
Kale is a very easy vegetable to grow, can handle warm temps, but thrives in cooler weather. Perfect for Spring and Fall plantings. It can actually handle a frost, and tastes sweeter after the first frost, so don't worry about planting them now. I've actually gone out and wiped snow off of Kale plants to get a few leaves in early winter. 30 days baby leaves 60 days maturity
7) RADISHES
Radishes are great for beginner gardeners. You can direct plant your Seed in early Spring or in Fall to get some excellent additions to your Salads. Choose from Giant Crimson, Cherry Belle or French Breakfast Heirloom varieties. 30 days
8) PEAS
Peas are very easy to grow for beginners, and can be planted in your Spring or Fall Garden. They can handle warm temps, but thrive in the cool Spring and Autumn. Be ready for some heavy yields when you plant Little Marvel or Sugar Snap varieties. 60 - 65 days
9) SUMMER SQUASH
Squash is a high yielding plant, and easy to grow, so you won't need to plant too many of them. You might want to plant a few Marigolds or Petunias around them as a Companion Plant to deter Squash Bugs. Your family will love Early Crookneck, Yellow Straightneck, and Dark Green Zucchini Heirloom varieties. 45 - 50 days
10) BASIL
Basil is an essential Herb in cooking, and very easy to grow. You can grow basil in outside pots, direct seed in your Garden, or indoors on a sunny window sill. You can plant in Spring after the last frost, or in Summer. It is freshest when you wait until leaves are of size, and then just pick leaves as you need them. IGenovese and Italian Large Leaf are good varieties to try. 60 days
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