When To Plant Vegetables In Northern Virginia

November 29, 2024 Post a Comment

When to plant vegetables in northern virginia

In the early spring (even before the threat of frost has completely gone away), many bare root perennials (those that are dormant and therefore not actively growing) can be planted. But fall, when the weather begins to cool but the soil is still warm, is actually a really great time for planting.

What can I plant in April in Northern Virginia?

Tomato, eggplant and pepper can still be started indoors from seeds. April is the time to set out cool-weather crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce and onions. But we have to wait until the danger of frost has passed to transplant tender plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.

What vegetables can I plant in Virginia right now?

Now, for all the summer vegetables like beans, cowpeas, corn, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelons, gourds and sunflowers, you should plant those seeds directly into the ground around May 1, or if your soil is still very cold, once the soil is near 60° F in temperature.

What vegetables can you plant in April in Virginia?

Some vegetables prefer cooler weather and can be planted in early spring (such as peas, broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, lettuce, etc.). Others are warm weather vegetables and won't tolerate freezing temperatures (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, etc.).

When should I start my garden in Northern Virginia?

By the end of April, almost every type of annual vegetable and flower is a great option to plant, since we will be past our average last-frost date. The summer garden is best established at this time.

What vegetables can you plant in March in Virginia?

As a general rule, cool season crops — collards, leeks, peas, radish, and spinach — can be planted when the soil reaches a temperature of 45-50ºF, while warm season crops — cucumbers, squash, corn, beans and melons — require a soil temperature above 65º F.

Is April too early to plant vegetables?

April is the best time to plant most of your vegetable seeds after your last frost for all zones. It's still not too late to plant tomatoes and peppers from seeds as well!

When can I plant tomatoes in Northern Virginia?

Crop	Based on Frost Dates Based on Moon Dates
Crop	Start Seeds Indoors	Plant Seedlings or Transplants
Tomatoes	Feb 11-25 Feb 20-25	Apr 16-May 7 Apr 19-May 5
Turnips	N/A	N/A
Watermelons	Mar 11-19	Apr 23-May 7 Apr 23-May 5

What is early spring in northern Virginia?

While astronomical spring is technically three weeks away, we will consider spring as starting now and lasting through March (early), April (mid) and May (late).

When should potatoes be planted in Virginia A?

March 10 to April 5 is the recommended planting time in Virginia for summer potatoes. Before planting, seed potatoes are cut into blocky pieces, which contain at least one eye.

What kind of vegetables should I be planting right now?

At a soil temperature of 40°F, plant arugula, kale, lettuces, parsnips, peas, radicchio, radishes, and spinach. At a soil temperature of 50°F, plant Chinese cabbage, leeks, onions, Swiss chard, and turnips. At a soil temperature of 60°F, plant beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower.

What zone is Virginia in for planting?

The Virginia growing zones range from 5a to 8a. Growing and hardiness zones are also known as planting zones, and they help gardeners know which plants, vegetables and flowers are best-suited to thrive in an area.

Is March too early to plant vegetables?

Think it's too early to start working on your spring garden? It's definitely not because March is the perfect time to get those cool weather veggies that can handle cool, early spring weather in the ground. It's also a great time to sow a variety of seeds indoors so they'll be ready for early planting.

When should I plant tomatoes in Virginia?

Be sure to time your seed starting by sowing seeds five to seven weeks before the last average frost date. In Central Virginia, the average last frost date for plant hardiness zone 7a is April 15 to 25. This makes March a good time to start those tomato seeds growing in the local area.

What is the easiest vegetable to grow in spring?

Here are a few low-maintenance spring fruits and vegetables you can raise—even as a beginner.

HONEYDEW. Honeydew is best planted in late spring, when the soil is warm.
CUCUMBER. Cucumbers are great for spring planting. ...
BEETS. Beets are a great choice for early spring. ...
CARROTS. ...
TOMATOES. ...
PEPPERS. ...
BEANS. ...
BROCCOLI.

What gardening zone is Northern Virginia?

Hardiness Zone:	Arlington and Alexandria are mostly in Zone 7b. You can find the USDA Hardiness Zone Plant Map here.
Average rainfall:	About 40 inches a year
Soil type:	Clay, poor quality; needs amendments
When to mulch plants:	In the fall and/or spring

What is the best month to start a vegetable garden?

Generally March and April, when the soil begins to warm, are the best months to begin sowing many hardy annual vegetable seeds outdoors including broccoli, cabbage, chard, carrots, peas and parsnips.

What plants grow best in Northern Virginia?

Native Plant Species that Thrive in Northern Virginia

Eastern Redbud. These rosy pink flowers often bloom in April.
Flowering Dogwood. Flowering dogwood trees are the most common flowering trees in Virginia that bloom in early Spring. ...
Virginia Sweetspire. ...
Tickseed. ...
Mountain Laurel. ...
Turk's-cap Lily.

What vegetables can I plant in February March?

Sow seed outdoors in mild areas with light soil, eg: broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, onions, lettuces, radish, peas, spinach, summer cabbage, salad leaves, leeks, Swiss chard, kohl rabi, turnip and summer cauliflower. Be guided by the weather, and sow only if conditions are suitable.

What vegetables can I plant earliest in the spring?

In late February to early March, start cabbages, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, escarole, fennel, lettuce, and artichokes indoors. In mid- to late March, direct sow peas, spinach, fava beans, and arugula outdoors. Start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors.