Planting a Vegetable Garden

In the state of Minnesota, the average date of the last frost is May 15, but the risk of a killing frost exists for as late at June 15. A general rule of thumb is that you should not transfer warm weather seedlings such as tomato and pepper plants, until after Memorial Day. Even then, you will want to keep an eye on weather reports and be prepared to cover seedlings with plastic domes made from recycled pop bottles, or some other protective cover, in the event that temperatures fall below 32 degrees.

Another key factor in successful germination is the moisture content of the soil. Prior to working up the soil (tilling) in preparation for planting, you'll want to do a consistency check to make sure that the soil contains the correct moisture content. You can do this by pressing a small amount of soil in your hand. If it is too wet, it will form a ball. If it is too dry, it will break apart. The proper consistency is evident when the soil crumbles into clumps.

The range of 70-79 degrees F is ideal for warm season crops such as beans, corn, melons, and garlic. In Minnesota, this temperature range is typically reached in mid-May. Cabbage, cauliflower, onions, spinach, lettuce, peas, and leeks are considered cool season crops and can be planted prior to May 15. Potatoes can be planted directly in the ground as soon as the ground is prepared.

Warm season crops that require a long growing season, such as tomatoes, peppers, egg plant, and celery will need to either be started indoors about six weeks prior to the date that you transplant them in your garden, or purchased from your local nursery. Starting seeds indoors requires about 18 hours of direct light, and a good seed starting soil mix to ensure that the seeds don't get spindly and dampen off due to fungus or lack of light.

When the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, harden plants off by setting them outside in the shade and reduce watering for a few days, prior to transplanting them. This will help them to adjust to the climate, making the transition easier and more likely to succeed.

Once the seedlings have taken hold and begin to flourish, keep the soil aerated by hoeing or tilling around the plants. Weeds should be eliminated on a regular basis and your garden should be watered periodically during dry spells to ensure an abundance of produce. If there is a large population of rabbits or deer in your back yard, you may want to install a mesh fence around the perimeter of your garden to keep leaf-eating pests at bay.

Each season is a little different from year to year, which may require variations in your planting and harvesting schedules. It may be helpful to keep a gardening journal to record dates and list types of seeds that you had the most success with. Photos are also an easy, accurate way to keep track of the stages of your garden. After a few successful seasons, you will have a proven method for starting and growing fresh, wholesome produce in your own back yard.