Don't Be a Square Tomato: A Hilarious Guide to Planting in Seattle's Second Season
So you missed the memo on spring planting? Fear not, fellow Seattle veggie enthusiast, because July is prime time for round two in the garden! Forget the sad, store-bought tomatoes that taste like disappointment; with a little know-how, you can be knee-deep in homegrown goodness come fall.
What Vegetables To Plant Now In Seattle |
But Wait, There's More Sun(sort of)!
Seattle's fickle weather can make gardening feel like wrestling a wet noodle, but here's the secret: we get a second growing season! Thanks to mild temperatures and decent sunlight (most of the time), July is the perfect time to get planting for a fall harvest.
Key word here: fall harvest. Don't expect to be chowing down on juicy tomatoes in August. We're playing the long game, folks!
Seed Slinging Smackdown: What to Plant in Your Urban Oasis
Now that you're suitably pumped, let's get down to brass tacks (or should we say, veggie seeds?). Here are some all-stars that will thrive in Seattle's quirky climate:
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
- The Leafy Squad: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard - basically anything that enjoys a good drizzle. Bonus points for planting spicy Asian greens like mizuna and mustard greens!
- The Cruciferous Crew: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Just be sure to harden them off before transplanting - nobody likes a coddled veggie!
- The Peaty Posse: Peas! They'll fix nitrogen in your soil while adding a delightful pop of green.
- The Rootin' Tootin' Bunch: Beets, carrots, and radishes. These underground rebels are happy to grow in cooler soil.
Pro-tip: If you're feeling fancy, try planting some kohlrabi or celeriac - they're conversation starters at the next barbecue, guaranteed!
Farewell Frost, Hello Flavor!
Seattle may not be known for its bone-chilling winters, but there can still be an occasional rogue frost in the fall. Here's how to protect your precious plants:
- Cloche it Up: Cover your tender seedlings with a cloche (a fancy gardening term for a mini-greenhouse) during frosty nights.
- Row, Row, Row Your Covers: Use row covers made of fabric to shield your veggie patch from surprise chills.
- Toughen Up, Buttercup: If you harden off your seedlings properly before transplanting, they'll be better equipped to handle the occasional nip in the air.
Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of wilted kale!
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers (in 5 Easy Steps!)
How to Harden Off Seedlings?
Expose your indoor seedlings to gradually increasing amounts of sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures over a week or so before transplanting them outdoors.
How to Space My Plants Properly?
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Seed packets are your best friend here! They'll have specific spacing recommendations to ensure your veggies have enough room to grow big and strong.
How to Keep the Slugs Away?
Scatter diatomaceous earth (a fancy way of saying crushed fossilized algae) around your plants. Slugs find it super scratchy and will avoid it like the plague.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
How to Keep My Soil Happy?
Compost is your veggie patch's best friend! Amending your soil with compost will add nutrients and keep your plants thriving.
How to Harvest Like a Pro?
Harvest your veggies when they reach their peak size and flavor. There's nothing worse than a mealy carrot or a tough beet!
So there you have it! With a little planning and some Seattle-specific know-how, you can be enjoying the fruits (or should we say, vegetables) of your labor come fall. Happy planting!
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