Seasonal Crop Tips
Spring
- Plant cool-season crops: lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas.
- Prepare soil with compost and organic matter.
- Start monitoring for early pests and diseases.
Summer
- Grow warm-season crops: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, okra.
- Water regularly; mulch to retain soil moisture.
- Fertilize as needed and monitor for heat stress.
- Herbs like basil and cilantro thrive now.
Fall
- Plant hardy vegetables: kale, carrots, Brussels sprouts, garlic.
- Prepare for light frosts; use row covers if needed.
- Rotate crops to maintain soil health.
Winter
- Use greenhouses or cold frames for overwintering crops.
- Plant cover crops to improve soil health.
- Plan next season’s rotation and order seeds early.
General Best Practices
- Test your soil every season and amend as needed (especially zinc, N, P, K).
- Rotate crops to prevent disease and maintain fertility.
- Adopt integrated pest management to reduce chemical use.
- Contact AFSS for personalized crop and soil advice.