Spring is right around the corner, which means you’ve prepared your garden tools, started your seeds, and chosen a layout for your organic garden this year. No doubt you’re excited about your first harvest of the season – we are too!
Every organic gardener is itching to get out there and start planting and tending to their veggies. Now is a good time to think about and prepare for the vegetables that will bloom first in your garden. Once they’ve been harvested for the first time, you can then focus more clearly on the late bloomers.
To help you stay organized, let’s take a look at the vegetables that will bloom first and those that will be ready later.
The Fastest Growing Vegetables
Radishes – Spring radishes grow quickly because you can seed them directly in the garden after the spring thaw. They take about a month to mature, so you’ll be adding their tender sprouts to your salads and sandwiches in no time.
Green onions – Most onions take up to 6 months to fully mature, but the green onion can be harvested in as little as 3 or 4 weeks.
Baby Carrots – These little guys can be harvested in about 30 days. Some varieties mature between 50 and 80 days, so think about your preference when selecting seeds for next season.
Spinach – Fresh, leafy greens to add to your salad will be ready in as little as 4 to 6 weeks after planting.
Peas – Most snow pea varieties germinate within 10 days and are ready for harvesting in 60 days.
Cucumber – Cucumber is also one of the faster vegetables. Most varieties are ready in about 50 to 70 days.
Squash – Squash are best harvested when they’re still small. Most varieties, including zucchini, can be harvested in 70 days. If you planted a lot this year, don’t forget you can use them in a variety of recipes including as zucchini squash noodles!
The Slow Bloomers
Eggplant – Eggplant takes a bit longer than your other spring vegetables to mature. Most varieties, including, white, green, and purple are ready for harvest between 75 and 90 days.
Garlic – Garlic bulbs are usually ready in 90 days. Wait and see when the foliage starts to topple over or dries to harvest it. You can also harvest it late in the season before the first frost.
Cantaloupe – Are you planting some fruits in your vegetable garden this year? Mix it up! Cantaloupe is mature when the stem separates easily from the melon – usually between 75 and 100 days after planting.
Parsnips – Parsnips will be ready for harvesting later in the season. They can be overwintered in the ground – just be sure to mulch and dig before you start your spring planting. They’re usually ready in 110 to 130 days.
Potatoes – You’ll know when your potatoes are ready because the tops will turn brown and die. This usually happens between 90 and 120 days after planting.
Pumpkins – Orange pumpkins can be harvested when they achieve a uniform color. This usually occurs between 85 and 120 days after they’re planted.
Harvesting your vegetables at the right stage of maturity will guarantee you the best taste and quality. If you have questions about tending to your organic garden, purchasing fertilizer, or caring for your plants, be sure to consult the gardening experts at MCG Bio Markers.
