Living in Seattle comes with its own set of gardening challenges and rewards, especially in a community garden setting. The city’s mild, temperate climate means a longer growing season for various crops, but the frequent rainfall and cool temperatures also mean that certain plants will thrive better than others. This blog post aims to guide you through a selection of popular and successful crops to grow in a Seattle community garden: peas, salad greens, radishes, Swiss chard, potatoes, carrots, and beets. Each of these crops has specific planting times and methods to ensure the best possible yield. By understanding when and how to plant these crops, you’ll be set to make the most of your community garden plot and enjoy a bountiful harvest year-round. Let’s dig in!
Peas
When to Plant Peas
Peas are among the first crops that can be planted as spring begins to unfold in Seattle. The best time to plant peas is when the soil temperature is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which typically occurs between late February to early April. As an early-season crop, peas can even tolerate a bit of frost, making them perfect for Seattle’s cool, damp springs. To get the longest harvest period, you can also stagger your plantings by sowing seeds every two weeks until mid-May.
How to Plant Peas
Planting peas is quite straightforward. To start, ensure that your soil is well-drained and enriched with compost. Use a trellis or other form of support, as most pea varieties will need something to climb. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart, in rows set about 18 inches apart. Once your peas start to sprout, thin them out so that they’re spaced about 3 inches apart, which will help with air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew. Water consistently, but avoid over-watering, as peas do not like soggy soil. In about 60 to 70 days, you should be ready for your first harvest!
Salad Greens
When to Plant Salad Greens
Salad greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach are perfect for Seattle’s cool climate, thriving in temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The planting season can start as early as March and extend throughout much of the year. For a continuous supply, think about planting new seeds every couple of weeks. This method, known as succession planting, ensures you always have fresh greens to harvest.
How to Plant Salad Greens
When it comes to planting salad greens, begin by preparing your garden bed with well-drained, compost-enriched soil. Scatter the seeds lightly over the soil surface and apply a light cover of soil, no more than 1/4 inch deep. For optimal growth, space rows about 12 inches apart. As the seeds germinate and grow, thin the seedlings to give each plant enough space to expand outward. Consistent watering is key to preventing the greens from becoming bitter, so keep the soil evenly moist. Salad greens are typically ready to harvest in as little as 30 to 45 days, making them a quick and rewarding crop.
Radishes
When to Plant Radishes
Radishes are another excellent choice for community gardens in Seattle, especially for those looking for a fast-growing crop. You can start planting radishes as early as March and continue through the fall, given that they flourish in cooler temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Radishes grow quickly, often maturing in as little as three to four weeks, making them ideal for interplanting with slower-growing crops.
How to Plant Radishes
To plant radishes, prepare a well-drained garden bed enriched with organic matter. Radish seeds should be sown directly into the soil at a depth of about 1/2 inch, with each seed spaced about 1 inch apart. Rows should be spaced around 12 inches apart. As the radish plants emerge, thin them to about 2 inches apart to allow enough room for root development. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the root. In about 20 to 30 days, your radishes should be ready for harvest.
Swiss Chard
When to Plant Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile, resilient leaf vegetable that grows exceptionally well in Seattle’s climate. Plant your Swiss chard seeds anytime between early spring and late summer. The ideal soil temperature for planting is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can grow Swiss chard almost year-round, taking advantage of Seattle’s relatively mild climate to extend your growing season.
How to Plant Swiss Chard
To plant Swiss chard, start by preparing your garden bed with rich, well-drained soil. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are at least 18 inches apart. As the plants grow, thin them to ensure they have enough room to expand. Swiss chard is relatively drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture. Water the plants regularly and consider applying a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Swiss chard leaves can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature, with harvesting typically beginning around 50 to 60 days after planting.
Potatoes
When to Plant Potatoes
Potatoes are a robust crop that can thrive in the cooler, wetter conditions of a Seattle garden. Planting can start as early as mid-March once the soil has warmed to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re up for a fall harvest, you can plant a second crop in late summer, typically around August. Potatoes require a bit more effort, but their versatility and yield make them a worthwhile investment.
How to Plant Potatoes
To plant potatoes, choose seed potatoes that are certified disease-free. Cut the seed potatoes into smaller pieces, each with one or two eyes (sprouts). Plant these pieces about 4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. As the potato plants grow, you’ll need to “hill” the soil around the base of the plants, covering the lower stems and leaves to prevent the developing tubers from being exposed to sunlight. Consistent watering is crucial, particularly as the plants begin to flower. After around 70 to 90 days, your potatoes will be ready to harvest. Wait until the foliage has died back for the best flavor and texture.
Carrots
When to Plant Carrots
Carrots are a rewarding root vegetable that does well in Seattle’s moderate temperatures. The best time to plant carrots is from early April through July, taking advantage of the cooler parts of the growing season. Carrots prefer soil temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. With proper planning, you can harvest carrots from late spring through early fall.
How to Plant Carrots
Planting carrots requires well-prepared soil free from rocks and compacted areas. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. As the carrots grow, thin them to about 2 to 3 inches apart to allow room for root expansion. Carrots need consistent moisture to develop properly, so keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and control weeds. Carrot thinning is essential; overcrowded carrots often lead to misshapen roots. Depending on the variety, carrots are typically ready to harvest about 60 to 80 days after planting.
Beets
When to Plant Beets
Beets are another fantastic choice for Seattle community gardens, thriving in the cool, moist environment. You can plant beets as early as March and continue sowing seeds every few weeks until mid-summer for a continuous harvest. Ideal soil temperatures for planting beets range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Plant Beets
To plant beets, start by preparing the garden bed with loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and space them 1 to 2 inches apart in rows set 12 to 18 inches apart. As the seedlings emerge, thin them to about 3 to 4 inches apart to allow room for root development. Beets require consistent moisture, so keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Beets are generally ready to harvest about 50 to 70 days after planting, with both the roots and greens being edible.
Happy Planting!
Gardening in Seattle’s unique climate offers opportunities for growing a diverse range of crops effectively. Whether you are planting peas, salad greens, radishes, Swiss chard, potatoes, carrots, or beets, knowing the right planting times and methods ensures a successful and bountiful harvest.
| Crop | Planting Time | How to Plant | Time to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peas | Late February to early April | 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart, rows 18 inches apart | 60-70 days |
| Salad Greens | March onward | Scatter lightly, thin to give space | 30-45 days |
| Radishes | March through fall | 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart, rows 12 inches apart | 20-30 days |
| Swiss Chard | Early spring to late summer | 1/2 inch deep, 12-18 inches apart, rows 18 inches apart | 50-60 days |
| Potatoes | Mid-March and August | 4 inches deep, 12 inches apart, rows 24-36 inches apart | 70-90 days |
| Carrots | April through July | 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch apart, rows 12-18 inches apart | 60-80 days |
| Beets | March through mid-summer | 1/2 inch deep, 1-2 inches apart, rows 12-18 inches apart | 50-70 days |
With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a flourishing community garden that provides fresh, home-grown produce. Happy planting, and may your garden thrive in Seattle’s welcoming climate!
