Starting a vegetable Starting a vegetable gardengarden

All you need to know to start All you need to know to start your backyard vegetable your backyard vegetable

garden!garden!

Find your climate zoneFind your climate zone

www.gardeninginarizona.com

Duncan is Zone 3: at 3500 to 5000 feet elevation, corresponds to USDA zone 8b, Sunset National Garden zone 10

Questions to answer before you Questions to answer before you begin:begin:

Who will be doing the work?Who will be doing the work? What does your family like to eat?What does your family like to eat? How will you use the produce?How will you use the produce? How much space is available?How much space is available?

Designing your gardenDesigning your garden It is best to begin with a drawing that It is best to begin with a drawing that

shows arrangement and spacing of crops. shows arrangement and spacing of crops.

5 ft

5 ft

• place tall plants on North side

•Group plants by length of growing period

•Plant where there is at least 6 hours of sun

•Don’t plant vegetables of same family near each other more often than once every 3 years. This helps prevent disease.

Top crop green bush bean (50 days)

Crimson sweet watermelons (85 days)

Dixie summer squash (41 days)

Clemson spineless okra (56 days)

Sweet slice cucumber (62 days)

Vegetable groups according to Vegetable groups according to familyfamily

FamilyFamily VegetableVegetable

AmaryllidaceaeAmaryllidaceae garlic, leek, oniongarlic, leek, onion

ChenopodiaceaeChenopodiaceae beet, spinachbeet, spinach

CompositaeCompositae endive, lettuce, sunflowerendive, lettuce, sunflower

CruciferaeCruciferae broccoli, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, collards, kale cabbage, collards, kale kohlrabi, mustard, radish, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, rutabaga, turniprutabaga, turnip

CucurbitaceaeCucurbitaceae cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash, watermelonsquash, watermelon

GramineaeGramineae corncorn

LeguminosaeLeguminosae bean, pea, peanutbean, pea, peanut

LiliaceaeLiliaceae asparagusasparagus

MalvaceaeMalvaceae okraokra

SolanaceaeSolanaceae eggplant, pepper, tomatoeggplant, pepper, tomato

UmbelliferaeUmbelliferae carrot, celery, parsley, parsnipcarrot, celery, parsley, parsnip

Preparing your soilPreparing your soil

Ideal soil is deep, well drained and Ideal soil is deep, well drained and has high organic matter contenthas high organic matter content

Soil testing can be helpful. In Soil testing can be helpful. In Arizona, it is common that soils lack Arizona, it is common that soils lack Nitrogen and Phosphates.Nitrogen and Phosphates.

Tillage equipment varies on the size Tillage equipment varies on the size of your gardenof your garden

Seed selectionSeed selection

Purchase from dependable companiesPurchase from dependable companies expensive but more varietyexpensive but more variety

Willhite, park seed, gurneysWillhite, park seed, gurneys Cheap and localCheap and local

Walmart, home-depot, safford buildersWalmart, home-depot, safford builders Saving your own seedSaving your own seed

Difficult for beginnersDifficult for beginners Be wary of cross-pollination!Be wary of cross-pollination! not all plants produce seed the same waynot all plants produce seed the same way Test for germination rateTest for germination rate

VegetableVegetable YearsYears VegetableVegetable YearsYears

AsparagusAsparagus 33 LeekLeek 11

BeanBean 33 LettuceLettuce 55

BeetBeet 44 MuskmelonMuskmelon 55

BroccoliBroccoli 44 MustardMustard 44

Brussels Brussels sproutssprouts 44 OkraOkra 22

CabbageCabbage 44 OnionOnion 11

CarrotCarrot 33 ParsleyParsley 22

CauliflowerCauliflower 44 ParsnipParsnip 11

CeleryCelery 55 PeaPea 33

Chinese Chinese cabbagecabbage 44 PepperPepper 33

CollardCollard 44 PumpkinPumpkin 44

Corn, sweetCorn, sweet 11 RadishRadish 44

Cress, waterCress, water 55 RutabagaRutabaga 44

CucumberCucumber 55 SpinachSpinach 44

EggplantEggplant 55 SquashSquash 44

EndiveEndive 55 TomatoTomato 33

KaleKale 44 TurnipTurnip 55

KohlrabiKohlrabi 44 WatermelonWatermelon 55

Starting seeds indoorsStarting seeds indoors

Grow-light systems and grow matsGrow-light systems and grow mats Warms roots, encourages efficient growthWarms roots, encourages efficient growth

Germination stationsGermination stations Greenhouse effect, seedlings emerge quicklyGreenhouse effect, seedlings emerge quickly

Various containersVarious containers Egg cartons, yogurt tubs, milk cartons, cansEgg cartons, yogurt tubs, milk cartons, cans

Peat potsPeat pots Can sow directly, doesn’t disturb rootsCan sow directly, doesn’t disturb roots

Starting seeds outdoorsStarting seeds outdoors

Depends on soil typeDepends on soil type Sandy soil: plant seed deeperSandy soil: plant seed deeper Silty/clay soil: cover seed only 2 -3 times diameter of Silty/clay soil: cover seed only 2 -3 times diameter of

seedseed Depends on type of seedDepends on type of seed

Carrots, beans and peas are best at broadcast seedingCarrots, beans and peas are best at broadcast seeding Melons, squash, corn and cucumbers are best at hill Melons, squash, corn and cucumbers are best at hill

plantingplanting Depends on soil temperatureDepends on soil temperature

Cold soil will often rot the seeds if planted to earlyCold soil will often rot the seeds if planted to early Optimum soil temperature chart on next pageOptimum soil temperature chart on next page

VEGETABLEVEGETABLEMIN.MIN.

(°(°F)F)

RANGERANGE(°F)(°F)

OPTIMUMOPTIMUM(°F)(°F)

MAXMAX(°(°F)F)

DAYS TODAYS TOGERMINATIONGERMINATION

BEANBEANdd 60°60° 60° - 85°60° - 85° 80°80° 95°95° 7 - 147 - 14

CABBAGECABBAGEa, ba, b 40°40° 45° - 95°45° - 95° 85°85° 100°100° 7 - 107 - 10

CARROTCARROTbb 40°40° 45° - 85°45° - 85° 80°80° 95°95° 10 - 2110 - 21

CORNCORNdd 50°50° 60° - 95°60° - 95° 95°95° 105°105° 7 - 107 - 10

CUCUMBERCUCUMBERc, dc, d 60°60° 75° - 95°75° - 95° 95°95° 105°105° 7 - 107 - 10

EGGPLANTEGGPLANTcc 60°60° 40° - 80°40° - 80° 85°85° 95°95° 7 - 127 - 12

MUSKMELONMUSKMELONee 60°60° 75° - 95°75° - 95° 90°90° 100°100° 7 - 107 - 10

OKRAOKRAee 60°60° 70° - 95°70° - 95° 95°95° 105°105° 8 - 128 - 12

PEPPERPEPPERcc 60°60° 65° - 95°65° - 95° 85°85° 95°95° 14 - 2114 - 21

PUMPKINPUMPKINdd 60°60° 70° - 90°70° - 90° 95°95° 100°100° 7 - 107 - 10

RADISHRADISHbb 40°40° 45° - 90°45° - 90° 95°95° 95°95° 3 - 73 - 7

SQUASHSQUASHdd 60°60° 70° - 95°70° - 95° 95°95° 100°100° 9 - 129 - 12

TOMATOTOMATOcc 59°59° 60° - 85°60° - 85° 85°85° 95°95° 5 - 145 - 14

WATERMELONWATERMELONee 60°60° 70° - 95°70° - 95° 95°95° 105°105° 7 - 107 - 10

TransplantingTransplanting Prepare soil prior to plantingPrepare soil prior to planting Disrupt roots as little as possibleDisrupt roots as little as possible Make sure plants are “hardened off”Make sure plants are “hardened off” Protect plants Protect plants

newspaper, boxes, jugsnewspaper, boxes, jugs Use a starter solutionUse a starter solution

Manure tea, fish emulsion, purchased solutionManure tea, fish emulsion, purchased solution

Optimum transplanting temperatures and Optimum transplanting temperatures and datesdates

VegetableVegetable DayDay22

(°F)(°F)NightNight

(°F)(°F)TimeTime(weeks)(weeks)

Sweet CornSweet Corn 70° - 75°70° - 75° 60° - 65°60° - 65° 3 - 43 - 4

CucumberCucumber 70° - 75°70° - 75° 60° - 65°60° - 65° 3 - 43 - 4

EggplantEggplant 70° - 80°70° - 80° 65° - 70°65° - 70° 6 - 86 - 8

LettuceLettuce 70° - 80°70° - 80° 50° - 55°50° - 55° 5 - 75 - 7

MuskmelonMuskmelon 70° - 75°70° - 75° 60° - 65°60° - 65° 3 - 43 - 4

OnionOnion 60° - 65°60° - 65° 55° - 60°55° - 60° 10 - 1210 - 12

PepperPepper 65° - 75°65° - 75° 60° - 65°60° - 65° 6 - 86 - 8

Summer SquashSummer Squash 70° - 75°70° - 75° 60° - 65°60° - 65° 3 - 43 - 4

TomatoTomato 70° - 75°70° - 75° 65° - 75°65° - 75° 5 - 75 - 7

WatermelonWatermelon 70° - 80°70° - 80° 65° - 70°65° - 70° 3 - 43 - 4

Transplant Production DataTransplant Production DataEasily SurviveEasily Survive

TransplantingTransplantingRequire Care inRequire Care in

the Operationthe Operation

Not Successfully Not Successfully TransplantedTransplantedby Usual Methodsby Usual Methods

BroccoliBroccoli BeetsBeets BeansBeans

CabbageCabbage Carrots (young)Carrots (young) CornCorn

CauliflowerCauliflower CeleryCelery CucumbersCucumbers

EggplantEggplant ChardChard PeasPeas

LettuceLettuce Melon (2 true Melon (2 true leaves)leaves) OkraOkra

Chinese cabbageChinese cabbage Squash (2 true Squash (2 true leaves)leaves)   

Sweet potato slipsSweet potato slips      

Onion (tends to Onion (tends to bolt)bolt)       

TomatoesTomatoes      

PepperPepper      

IrrigationIrrigation

Soil moisture is imperativeSoil moisture is imperative mulching helps smother weeds, and hold soil for plantsmulching helps smother weeds, and hold soil for plants Shading allows soil to retain moistureShading allows soil to retain moisture

Depends on soil typeDepends on soil type Clayey soils hold water tightlyClayey soils hold water tightly Sandy soils need additional organic matter to retain Sandy soils need additional organic matter to retain

waterwater Various types of irrigationVarious types of irrigation

Water canWater can Soaker hoseSoaker hose floodflood Drip irrigationDrip irrigation sprinklersprinkler

Fertilizing your gardenFertilizing your garden

How fertile is the soil naturally?How fertile is the soil naturally? How much organic matter is present?How much organic matter is present? What kind of fertilizer is being What kind of fertilizer is being

applied?applied? What crops are being grown?What crops are being grown?

some crops are “heavy feeders” while some crops are “heavy feeders” while some are “light feeders”some are “light feeders”

Heavy FeedersHeavy Feeders Light FeedersLight Feeders

AsparagusAsparagus LettuceLettuce CarrotCarrot AlfalfaAlfalfa

BeetBeet OkraOkra GarlicGarlic BeansBeans

BroccoliBroccoli** ParsleyParsley LeekLeek CloverClover

Brussels Brussels sproutssprouts** PepperPepper Mustard Mustard

GreensGreens PeasPeas

CabbageCabbage** PotatoPotato OnionOnion PeanutPeanut

CantaloupeCantaloupe** PumpkinPumpkin** ParsnipParsnip SoybeaSoybeansns

CauliflowerCauliflower RadishRadish RutabagaRutabaga   

CeleryCelery RhubarbRhubarb ShallotShallot   

CollardCollard SpinachSpinach Sweet PotatoSweet Potato   

Corn, SweetCorn, Sweet** Squash, Squash, SummerSummer** Swiss ChardSwiss Chard   

EggplantEggplant** StrawberryStrawberry      

EndiveEndive SunflowerSunflower      

KalleKalle TomatoTomato**      

KohlrabiKohlrabi WatermelonWatermelon**      

Controlling weedsControlling weeds

CultivationCultivation Hand digging, hoes, roto-tillerHand digging, hoes, roto-tiller

MulchingMulching Organic mulch, black plastic, old carpet, Organic mulch, black plastic, old carpet,

Close spacingClose spacing Prevents weed seedlings from sunlightPrevents weed seedlings from sunlight

HerbicidesHerbicides Must be used carefully, follow all directions!Must be used carefully, follow all directions!

Natural methodsNatural methods Cinnamon oil, thyme, dish detergentCinnamon oil, thyme, dish detergent

Types of cropsTypes of crops

Cool-season Cool-season vegetables include beet, broccoli, vegetables include beet, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, onion, pea, potato, radish, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, onion, pea, potato, radish, spinach and turnip. Because they are hardy or frost spinach and turnip. Because they are hardy or frost tolerant and germinate in cold soil they can be tolerant and germinate in cold soil they can be planted in winter or early spring depending on planted in winter or early spring depending on location. For best quality these crops need to mature location. For best quality these crops need to mature during cooler periods rather than in the heat of the during cooler periods rather than in the heat of the summer. summer.

Warm-season Warm-season vegetables include beans, cucumber, vegetables include beans, cucumber, eggplant, melons, pepper, pumpkin, squash, sweet eggplant, melons, pepper, pumpkin, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. These do not tolerate corn, sweet potato and tomato. These do not tolerate frost but need warm temperatures to set and properly frost but need warm temperatures to set and properly mature fruit. However, temperatures too high reduce mature fruit. However, temperatures too high reduce quality; ex.- sunburn fruit, poor colored tomatoes and quality; ex.- sunburn fruit, poor colored tomatoes and poor ear fill in sweet corn. poor ear fill in sweet corn.

Vegetable YieldsVegetable YieldsVegetablesVegetables AverageAverage

Crop Crop ExpectedExpectedPer 100 Per 100

FeetFeet

FreshFresh StorageStorageCanning Canning

ororFreezingFreezing

Beans, Snap BushBeans, Snap Bush 120 lb.120 lb. 15 - 16 plants15 - 16 plants 15 - 20 feet15 - 20 feet

Beans, Snap PoleBeans, Snap Pole 150 lb.150 lb. 5 - 6 feet5 - 6 feet 8 - 10 feet8 - 10 feet

CarrotsCarrots 100 lb.100 lb. 5 - 10 feet5 - 10 feet 10 - 15 feet10 - 15 feet

Corn, SweetCorn, Sweet 10 dozen10 dozen 10 - 15 feet10 - 15 feet 30 - 50 feet30 - 50 feet

CucumbersCucumbers 120 lb.120 lb. 1 - 2 hills1 - 2 hills 3 - 5 hills3 - 5 hills

OkraOkra 100 lb.100 lb. 4 - 6 feet4 - 6 feet 6 - 10 feet6 - 10 feet

Onions (plants/sets)Onions (plants/sets) 100 lb.100 lb. 3 - 5 feet3 - 5 feet 30 - 50 feet30 - 50 feet

PeppersPeppers 60 lb.60 lb. 3 - 5 plants3 - 5 plants 3 - 5 plants3 - 5 plants

PumpkinsPumpkins 100 lb.100 lb. 1 - 2 hills1 - 2 hills 1 - 2 hills1 - 2 hills

RadishesRadishes 100 bunches100 bunches 3 - 5 feet3 - 5 feet ------------------------

Squash, SummerSquash, Summer 150 lb.150 lb. 2 - 3 hills2 - 3 hills 2 - 3 hills2 - 3 hills

TomatoesTomatoes 100 lb.100 lb. 3 - 5 plants3 - 5 plants 5 - 10 plants5 - 10 plants

WatermelonWatermelon 40 fruits40 fruits 2-4 hills2-4 hills ------------------------

Planting VegetablesPlanting VegetablesVegetablesVegetables Plants or Seed Plants or Seed

per 100 per 100 feetfeet

Spacing (Inches)Spacing (Inches) Number Days Number Days Ready for Ready for

UseUse

      RowsRows PlantsPlants   

Beans, snap Beans, snap bushbush

1/2 lb.1/2 lb. 24-3624-36 3-43-4 45-6045-60

Beans, snap Beans, snap polepole

1/2 lb.1/2 lb. 36-4836-48 4-64-6 60-7060-70

CarrotsCarrots 1/2 oz.1/2 oz. 15-2415-24 22 70-8070-80

Corn, sweetCorn, sweet 3-4 oz.3-4 oz. 12-1812-18 70-9070-90 70-9070-90

CucumbersCucumbers 1/2 oz.1/2 oz. 48-7248-72 24-4824-48 50-7050-70

EggplantEggplant 1/8 oz.1/8 oz. 24-3624-36 18-2418-24 80-9080-90

OkraOkra 2 oz.2 oz. 36-2436-24 12-2412-24 55-6555-65

PeppersPeppers 1/8 oz.1/8 oz. 24-3624-36 18-2418-24 60-9060-90

PumpkinsPumpkins 1/2 oz.1/2 oz. 60-9660-96 36-4836-48 75-10075-100

RadishesRadishes 1 oz.1 oz. 14-2414-24 11 25-4025-40

Squash, Squash, summersummer

1 oz.1 oz. 36-6036-60 18-3618-36 50-6050-60

TomatoesTomatoes 50 pl. or 1/8 oz.50 pl. or 1/8 oz. 24-4824-48 18-3618-36 70-9070-90

WatermelonWatermelon 1 oz.1 oz. 72-9672-96 36-7236-72 80-12080-120

Planting DatesPlanting DatesVegetableVegetable Region 3Region 3

2000 - 3000 2000 - 3000 feet Elevationfeet Elevation

Bean, bushBean, bush Mar. 1 - Apr. 1Mar. 1 - Apr. 1July 15 - Aug. 15July 15 - Aug. 15

Bean, poleBean, pole July 15 - Aug. 10July 15 - Aug. 10

CantaloupeCantaloupe Mar. 15 - June 1Mar. 15 - June 1

CarrotCarrot Aug. 25 - Mar. 15Aug. 25 - Mar. 15

Corn, sweetCorn, sweet Mar. 15 - Apr. 1Mar. 15 - Apr. 1July 15 - Aug. 15July 15 - Aug. 15

CucumberCucumber Mar. 20 - May 15Mar. 20 - May 15Aug. 1 - Sept. 1Aug. 1 - Sept. 1

EggplantEggplant Apr. 1 - May 15Apr. 1 - May 15

MuskmelonMuskmelon Apr. 1 - July 15Apr. 1 - July 15

MustardMustard Sept. 1 - Feb. 1Sept. 1 - Feb. 1

OkraOkra Apr. 1 - June 15Apr. 1 - June 15

Pepper (seed)Pepper (seed) Feb. 15 - Mar. 15Feb. 15 - Mar. 15

PumpkinPumpkin Apr. 1 - July 15Apr. 1 - July 15

RadishRadish Aug. 5 - May 1Aug. 5 - May 1

Squash, summerSquash, summer Mar. 15 - July 15Mar. 15 - July 15

Tomato (seed)Tomato (seed) Jan. 10 - Feb. 15Jan. 10 - Feb. 15

WatermelonWatermelon Mar. 15 - June 1Mar. 15 - June 1

Container GardeningContainer Gardening

LocationLocation Window sill, patio, balcony, doorstepWindow sill, patio, balcony, doorstep

CropsCrops Carrots, radishes, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppersCarrots, radishes, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppers

ContainersContainers Good drainage, allows growth, clay, plastic, metalGood drainage, allows growth, clay, plastic, metal

Growing mediaGrowing media Package potting soil is bestPackage potting soil is best

WateringWatering Must be done regularlyMust be done regularly

FertilizingFertilizing 14-14-14, occasional manure tea, occasional fish 14-14-14, occasional manure tea, occasional fish

emulsionemulsion

activityactivity

What type of garden are you going to grow?What type of garden are you going to grow? What 3 crops are you going to grow?What 3 crops are you going to grow? Draw your “plan”Draw your “plan” Use the internet to navigate through the following Use the internet to navigate through the following

sites:sites: www.willhiteseed.comwww.willhiteseed.com www.parkseed.comwww.parkseed.com www.gurneys.comwww.gurneys.com

Find prices, varieties of seed that grow best in your Find prices, varieties of seed that grow best in your zone, find our zone, days to harvest and any diseases zone, find our zone, days to harvest and any diseases the plants are resistant too. Compare the 3 sites and the plants are resistant too. Compare the 3 sites and choose your favorite. Be sure to explain why (site is choose your favorite. Be sure to explain why (site is easy to navigate, cheap prices, lots of information, easy to navigate, cheap prices, lots of information, ect.)ect.)

ReferencesReferences

Arizona master gardener Arizona master gardener www.gardeninginarizona.comwww.gardeninginarizona.com