Time to plant more veggies

It's been 4-6 weeks since most gardeners planted the first crop of veggies--like lettuce, mustard greens, carrots, onions and radishes--that can be planted early.  These plants are all getting a good start on the growing season and some can be harvested soon.  

When these veggies are picked, where's the replacement?  That needs to get going right away by planting a second crop of cool season veggies.  And since we're moving into summer, those cool season veggies would thrive best if planted in a somewhat shaded location.  

Sequential plantings during the summer will ensure a consistent harvest for months.  You might be able to go all season long without having to buy a head of lettuce!

It's also time to plant warm season veggies
Now that the weather and soil are warming up, get the warm season veggies growing.  Some varieties are best to grow from seed, such as corn, squash, cucumber, pumpkins and melons. 

A general rule of thumb is that any vine-like plant in the squash family should be started from seed as these plants don't transplant well.  In fact, plants like pumpkin started in the garden from seed will actually catch up in size to a transplanted one.  

Vegetable plants started indoors that can be transplanted easily include tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and many herbs.  

Before you buy
Look at the root system of plants.  If roots look or smell moldy, don't buy the plant.  Also, check for insects by brushing against the plant.  If you see white flies, don't buy the plant as these flies are difficult to deal with--and they are very common on veggies.

White fly deterrent:  nasturtium--the annual flower--is a deterrent to white flies.  Plant nasturtium with your veggies and harvest the flowers to toss into your salads.  These flowers are edible and add a peppery flavor!

Tips for tomatoes: 

• Proper support for tomatoes improves exposure to sunlight and helps protect against breakage in strong winds.  Use staking material or metal tomato cages for support.  
• Pruning tomato plants can double the harvest.  Pruning away the lowest branches gets more sunlight onto the soil and promotes better plant growth and yield.  As the tomato plant grows, continually prune away the lowest branches.  For large plants, you can remove up to 18 inches of the lowest branches.