Cool Season Crops: Transplant
VEGGIE |
Transplanting Info |
Helpful Hints |
Stellar Varieties |
| BROCCOLI | Space 18” apart in the row with 24” between rows. | Keep most of the leaves on the plant after harvesting the broccoli, and the plants will produce side shoots that will produce a second crop. | ‘Early Dividend’‘Packman’‘Premium Crop’ (AAS) |
| BRUSSEL SPROUTS | Space 24” apart with 30” between rows. | Removing the growing tip of the plant about a month before the harvesting date will result in greater yields. The flavor is improved by exposure to a light frost. | ‘Oliver’ |
| CABBAGE | Space 18-24” apart with 24” between rows. Transplanting begins in April and continues to mid June. | Plant early, mid and late season varieties for multiple crops. Add a splash of color to your garden by adding red-leaf varieties. Harvest when heads are firm to squeeze. |
‘Bravo’‘Cardinal Red’‘Late Flat Dutch’ ‘Stonehead’ (AAS) |
| CAULIFLOWER | Space 24” apart in the row with 24” between the rows. | As cauliflower plants begin to mature and the head (or curd) forms, gather together and tie the leaves over the head. This “blanching” will ensure the head is white and tender at harvest. Try self-blanching varieties for less maintenance. | ‘Amazing’ (Self-blanching)‘Cheddar’‘Snow Crown’ |
| CELERY | Transplanting begins in April and lasts through July. Space plants 12” apart in rows 2’ apart. | Celery prefers moist soil and high humidity. A tight planting forces tall growth and long petioles. | ‘Utah 52-70R’ |
| SWISS CHARD | Transplant in early April through mid June. Space 12” apart. | To use as a cut and come again veggie, harvest the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to rejuvenate. Color and texture makes this useful as an ornamental landscape plant. | ‘Bright Lights’ |
| LETTUCE | Transplant Leaf Lettuce types and Crisphead at 12” apart, Butterhead and Romaine varieties at 24” apart. | Most lettuce types should be harvested when full size but young and tender. Over-mature lettuce is bitter and woody. Leaf lettuce types can be harvested continuously. |
‘Allstar Gourmet Mix’‘Galactic’ (Red)‘Claremont’ (Romaine) ‘Summertime’ (Iceberg) |
| RHUBARB | Transplant in early spring. Each plant will require approximately one square yard of space. Mix in compost or manure for best growth. | In order for the plant to become established, the leafstalks should not be harvested the first year and only a few the second year, then it lasts a lifetime. | ‘Canada Red’ |
| ASPARAGUS | Plant from mid-April to late May after the soil has warmed up. Space crowns 18” apart in rows 5’ apart. As it grows, continue piling soil on until 6” deep. | Asparagus roots do not like cold or waterlogged soils that will lead to root rot. Do not harvest Asparagus the first year. Choose male varieties for greater yields. They yield more every year. | ‘Jersey Knight’ |
*Cool crops enjoy cool seasons and are somewhat cold tolerant. They are generally set out as transplants or directly sown into the garden in early spring. (April 1-15th).
*Early season transplants generally take off quicker and produce better set out as a small plant vs. direct seeding.
*If space is limited, or for easier harvesting, try growing in patio pots.
