Journal

Quick answer: Start pumpkin seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost, or direct-sow outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 15°C (60°F). Give plants 1–3 m (3–10 ft) of room depending on variety, rich soil and at least six hours of sun. Pumpkins take 90–120 days from seed to a mature fruit,…

Quick answer: Sow peas directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked and has warmed to around 5–10°C (40–50°F), usually 4–6 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 3–4 cm (1.5 in) deep, 5–7 cm (2–3 in) apart, give climbing varieties something to grip early, and pick pods often to keep new…

Quick answer: Hold off on liquid fertilizer until your tomato plant sets its first flower cluster, usually 2–4 weeks after transplanting — the starter feed already in the soil covers it until then. After that, feed every week or two with a fertilizer that leans harder on potassium as the season goes on, and stop…

Quick answer: Sow beans outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C), usually 2–3 weeks after your last spring frost date. Plant seeds 1–2 in (3–5 cm) deep, give pole varieties support from day one, and pick pods young and often to keep the plant…

Quick answer: Grow cucumbers by sowing seed indoors at 22–25 °C (72–77 °F), 2 cm (3/4 in) deep, three to four weeks before your last frost. Plant out once night temperatures stay above 12 °C (54 °F) and soil reaches 16 °C (60 °F). Water 1–3 litres (0.25–0.8 US gal) per plant daily and pick…

Quick answer: Sow beetroot seed about 2 cm (¾ in) deep once the soil has warmed to at least 7–8°C (45–46°F), usually from mid-spring through midsummer depending on your climate. Thin seedlings to 8–10 cm (3–4 in) apart once they have their first true leaves, keep the soil evenly moist to prevent split or woody…