Groundhog day has passed, prediction is for early spring. Weather in pacific northwest is staying amazing (please no jinx). East and Midwest is getting pounded by freezing temps and unbelievable record snow. All while, we in NW have record high temps in January (for second year in row), February has brought sun. Well, last year January was unseasonably dry and warm and June/July saw mild temp and constant rain. I can take wintry January but please please let this years June/July be nice.
All this sun and warm temperatures are making me plan for this years garden. Here are some thoughts about prepwork and seeds to sow. Late Winter/Early Spring is all about cool season vegetables – these are frost-hardy, thrive in cool weather, and do well in early spring
February:
February month is all about cleaning the garden, removing last years dead plants, removing weeds and put some soil, compost in raised beds.
March:
I usually start sowing seeds beginning of March. I know, according to “the experts” I should start 8-10 weeks before last frost i.e. by Feb 1st week. But I like to wait. Since I do not have fancy set up of racks, greenhouse and artificial light, waiting till March gives much better results for me.
Here is Planting calendar for growing vegetables in Northwest.
| Type | Indoor Sow Date | Transplant | Direct Sow Date |
| Green Onion | 1-Mar | 1-Apr | |
| Lettuce | 1-Mar | 1-Apr | |
| Spinach | 1-Mar | ||
| Broccoli | 15-Mar | 15-Apr | |
| Cabbage | 15-Mar | 30-Apr | |
| Cauliflower | 15-Mar | 30-Apr | |
| Swiss Chard | 15-Mar | 15-Apr | |
| Peas | 20-Mar | ||
| Tomatoes | 1-Apr | 15-May | |
| Radishes | 1-Apr | ||
| Fenugreek (Methi) | 1-Apr | ||
| Beets | 5-Apr | ||
| Peppers – Sweet/Hot | 15-Apr | 1-Jun | |
| Basil | 15-Apr | 1-Jun | |
| Carrots | 20-Apr | ||
| Green Sorrel (Chuka) | 1-May | ||
| Green Beans | 20-May | ||
| Cucumbers | 1-Jun | ||
| Cilantro | 1-Jun | ||
| Dill (Shepu) | 1-Jun | ||
| Zucchini | 10-Jun | ||
| Brussel Sprouts | 1-Jun | 1-Jul |
In my next post, I’ll take up detailed planting for each of the vegetables.
